The runt!

[skywkr01]

Hi. I got Sabo when he was 8 weeks old. He was the only male in the litter, and was somewhat smaller than his sisters which I guess made him the runt. I didn't set out to get a runt, but we had a connection with him right away and just went with out gutt feeling. He did have very good proportion, markings, and good size front paws for his size. Any way at his first weigh-in at 10 weeks, he was just under 9lbs. I read on another post that someone's 8 week old was 14lbs so I am concerned that he will be small. However, in the last 2 weeks, he appears to be atleast 1 1/2" times bigger than he was. His height and length have increased and his paws have even gotten much larger. He still seems small from what I see on this forum though. Because of his rapid change in just 2 weeks, I am a little less concerned however.
Has anyone had any experience with runts? Is it possible that he'll be a good sized adult Rott? I have heard of runts ending up bigger than the rest of the litter before. Also, the breader said the mother was about 130lbs, has well as the father, so I'm guessing he might be big anyway. Any thoughts?
Thanks a lot,
Ken

[gparcels]

I have a friend who purchased the runt of the litter and by the time he turned three years old he turned into a very good looking male weighing in at 122lbs. I wouldn't be overly concerned with size as long as you see him developing every week.

[Rottnlove]

I bet with both parents being so large, he won't be small when he's full grown! If he does turn out to be smaller than average, don't worry! He'll be your baby and I'm sure you'll love him no matter how large or small. I personally prefer them a little smaller. Not as much weight to deal with!!! :p (I'm a smaller girl..) :p

[rompinrottie]

size does not matter :( , why does it seem to be that most people what a super huge rottie?? I dont understand that, my female tessa was a runt but she grew in to the most beautiful girl she weighs 120 pounds and she stands 26 inches at the shoulder
but she was the runt of the litter, and her parents were not as big as she is. just love them anyways no matter what the size of them


rompinrottie


mommy of

tessa female rottie 8 years old
brittany female rottie 6 years old
jewel female rottie 5 years old
flower female mixed breed bassett/beagle 3 years old

[pride-and-joy]

Don't get too excited yet. Rottweilers continue to grow (mentally and physically) well beyond two years of age. Plus, they are not sapposed to be 150-200lb dogs by like so many people boast about. Visit www.akc.org or www.amrottclub.org to see the standards.

Feed good quality food (but don't over feed), exercise his mind and body and you will be surprized at what develops.

[Ramon]

By the time he's about 16 weeks old you'll probably get a better idea of how big he's going to get. Still, if he doesn't get as big as his parents, you should consider this...The best working rotties are generally within the standard for the breed, which is about 90-110 lbs for males and less for females. That's the size where they generally have the best combination of speed, strength, endurance, and energy to do real work.
The best way to overcome your desire for an oversized rottie is to do some real work with him. When you get involved with any activity that requires agility, speed, or endurance, you'll get over it fast.

[KRISSIE]

hI, Congratulations on your new addition to your family..

I have a runt too..lol. Actually Brandi who was my first rott was a runt . I actually got her from a rescure situation when she was about 5 months old ( long story..) anyway after I had her in my care I was able to trace down the breeder on my own. After speaking with the breeder I came to find that she was the runt of the litter. Now she is 5 years old and is a beautifully sweet Rottweiler, Brandi is my angel girl ( thats what i call her..) She has never reached the same size as her siblings but thats Ok, the love she has given me far outweights her size. She is also the most dominent bitch I have ever known, even the males bow down to her..lol. So in her case being a little smaller doesn't make a difference, she is a Rottweiler through and through..lol.
I also had a male Labador that was the runt, however; when he grew up he turned into the biggest one of them all, and believe me he was a big lab, in fact, larger than average ..lol, so I quess only time will tell. You won't know your rotts true size until he is about 2- 2 1/2 years old...either small or large , I'm sure he'll be beautiful, this breed always is... :D

Best of luck to you and your new baby...;)

[Stubby]

My "runt" is only 80 pounds at 4 1/2 years.

I think he's the GREATEST thing since sliced bread! :)

He's strong, agile, has good endurance.. Oh, and did I mention he's a real ham! :)

Size is not important unless this dog is an extension of your manhood.. At least in my opinion! :D :) ;)

Love 'em the way he is!