Craffenheim Rottweilers
EST 2001
Registered breeder of ADRK bloodlined Rottweilers since 2001
Welcome to
Craffenheim Rottweilers
Proudly South African and rooted in tradition, Craffenheim Rottweilers is situated in Northern KwaZulu-Natal on our 202-hectare farm, deep within the “Battlefields Route: which is steeped in history. With deep respect for the ADRK Rottweiler, we have dedicated ourselves to preserving and promoting the finest bloodlines from Germany’s most established and respected kennels.
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Our Kennel
The Story of
Craffenheim Rottweilers
Unlike breeders who chase trends, our philosophy is simple: we breed Rottweilers true to the ADRK standard. For over 100 years, this standard has defined what makes a correct Rottweiler—sound health, balanced temperament, and powerful conformation. At Craffenheim, every pairing is carefully researched and thoughtfully planned to maintain genetic diversity and strengthen the breed for generations to come.
Through decades of dedication, we have built a breeding program enriched with Pink Papered ADRK German Rottweiler imports, each chosen for their unique strengths and ability to contribute to the future of the Rottweiler. Our commitment goes beyond producing puppies—we see ourselves as guardians of the breed’s history, integrity, and legacy.
When you choose Craffenheim Rottweilers, you are not just welcoming a dog into your family—you are embracing over a century of tradition, excellence, and unwavering dedication to the true Rottweiler.
“Walking. I am listening to a deeper way. Suddenly all of my ancestors are behind me. Watch and listen they say. “You are the result of the love of thousands”. And I realise I am never truly alone.”
Craffenheim Rottweilers is a proud registered member of the FCI: The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the world’s largest and most respected international canine governing body via KUSA: The official canine governing body in South Africa.
Our focus is on ethical breeding, genetic diversity, and producing Rottweilers with exceptional temperament, conformation, and working ability. Whether you’re looking for a trusted family guardian, working dog, or show-quality companion, Craffenheim Rottweilers is your home for excellence.
Understanding Our Taglines
A Commitment to Ancestry
At Craffenheim Rottweilers, our approach to breeding is guided by two core taglines that define our philosophy: "Past is Present is Future" and "The Blood Does Not Lie." These phrases are not just mottos; they are a direct commitment to the integrity and preservation of the Rottweiler breed through its most historic and proven bloodlines.
Past,
is Present,
is Future
This tagline captures our dedication to the original German Rottweiler standard. We believe that the best way to secure the future of the breed is by meticulously honoring its past.
The Past: This refers to the oldest registered German bloodlines from the ADRK (Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub). These dogs were rigorously tested for conformation, health, and working ability (IPO/IGP and Körung).
The Present: The dogs currently in our breeding program—the sires and dams—are direct, proven descendants of those legendary foundation dogs. They represent the living result of over a century of selective breeding, embodying the true Rottweiler type and temperament.
The Future: Every Craffenheim puppy is a promise of that future. By maintaining the quality and genetic integrity of these lines in the present, we ensure that the next generation of Rottweilers possesses the health, stability, and working drive for which the breed was originally celebrated.
The Blood Does Not Lie
This phrase is a promise of predictability and genetic consistency. It confirms that the traits, health, and temperament you see in our adult dogs are not accidents, but the inevitable result of their powerful ancestry.
Traceable Pedigrees
We specialize in lines that can be traced back to the first registered ADRK dogs (dating to approximately 1890). This allows us to predict the likely characteristics of our puppies with exceptional accuracy.
Genetic Transparency
Every ancestor—on both the sire's (father's) and dam's (mother's) side—contributes to the final genetic makeup of your puppy. When we say "The Blood Does Not Lie," we mean that their history of proven health scores, working titles (like IPO/IGP and ZTP), and temperament will be reflected in your dog.
Owner Education
We provide our owners with the tools to see this history for themselves. You can study and read your puppy’s pedigree all the way back to the breed's origins on platforms like Working Dog.com. This level of transparency ensures you are getting a dog whose history is fully known and whose future is confidently predictable.
Current Champions
Bred by Craffenheim Rottweilers
CH Craffeheim Ice BA BH BST SPV1 VH (Zamigo vom Schwaiger Wappen of Craffenheim/Craffenheim Jette) owned by D. Vosloo. Ice is a Specialist breed champion and the 2024 South African Klubsieger and Best of Breed.
CH Craffenheim Remy-Martin (Ismar von der Crossener Ranch of Craffenheim/Craffenheim Iris) owned, trained and loved by P. Gorre. Remy is a KUSA National All Breed Champion.
Google Reviews
Happy Hooligan Owners
116 FIVE STAR REVIEWS
★★★★★So happy with my pup! She’s growing really nicely! Would definitely recommend getting a puppy from Craffenheim Rottweilers at least once in your life! You won’t regret it.
★★★★★We contacted Retha from Craffenheim to find out about a fur baby to join our family, the idea is to have a companion and protector four our 2 year old daughter. Retha was very helpful and informative right from day one. She provided us with the options available, answered all our questions and provided us with additional information. We were willing to drive over 700km to go fetch our new family member, however Retha contacted us with an opportunity to collect him alot closer to home. From the photo's of our baby boy and his parents and pedigree. I would recommend the Craffenheim experience to any true lover of the rottweiler breed.
Our heartfelt thanks to Retha and Craffie and the Craffenheim family for our beautiful little boy. He is beautiful and such a character.
★★★★★We have had the most amazing experience with our puppy from Craffenheim. She has a wonderful calm temperament, is very gentle and playful with our little boy, but has a very strong protective instinct. She is now 18 months old and just a beautiful dog that has fitted in so well. Retha really loves and cares for her dogs and for the breed, and is the perfect person to trust for a Rottweiler pup
★★★★★I cannot speak highly enough about my experience with Retha and Craffenheim Rottweilers. I've been involved with them since 2009, and Retha is an incredible and ethical breeder. She provides you with all the information, and more, that you need to be a Rottie owner and is always available for advice. Retha was very helpful in advising as to when I could get another puppy, and 6 months later I got Jessie, a beautiful girl. She grew up to be a big girl with a big heart, a big softie and she went on to live to the ripe age of 14.5 years and crossed the rainbow bridge on 12/09/2024. A year after Jessie I spoke to Retha about getting another puppy and then was gifted with my beautiful Kea, what a girl and again what a journey. She fitted in with our desert Rottie clan, but unfortunately at 1 month shy of her 13th birthday she crossed the bridge due to cancer on 7/2/2024. Through this, even though it was many years after getting them, Retha was there to comfort and support me.
After of all of this I just could not stay away and on 19/12/2024 I was gifted with another Rottie girl, little Bella and what a feisty little girl she is. Retha, despite that I've been a Rottie owner before, provided all and more of the information that is so necessary for anyone to have, to make sure you give the best possible home to your baby, the best food, when you should sterilize, when you can start running and how to try and prevent the dreaded parvo. She is always just a phone call or a WhatsApp away. No matter how I flood her with pictures of my baby girl, she will always look at them and comment.
In my opinion Retha is an exceptional breeder that breeds for good health and temperament, good family pets and very true to the Rottweiler standards. I look up to her as a breeder and will always recommend her to anyone who wants a Rottie, her knowledge and ethics is impeccable.
Thank you Retha for once again entrusting me with one of your precious puppies.
★★★★★We've thoroughly enjoyed our experience with Retha and Craffenheim Rottweilers. Axel, our three-year-old boy, who comes from Hasko and Yanka, has an incredible temperament and is a perfect match for our family—both in appearance and character. He shares a special bond with our son and makes a fantastic companion. We're excited to welcome a Craffenheim female Rottweiler into our home in about three weeks!
★★★★★Retha is absolutely incredible and Breeds the most stunning well balanced and stable dogs. This is Skye. Retha was in constant contact while Skye was still with her mom, and when it came time to transport her down to PE, Retha stayed in contact every step of the way. Skye is 3 Years old and Retha still stays in contact about Skye. Retha is Highly Highly recommended. We would get another member of the family from her over and over again.
★★★★★I recently bought a puppy from Craffenheim Rottweilers, and I couldn’t be happier! From the very beginning, Retha was incredibly friendly, highly professional, and extremely knowledgeable in her field.
The puppy I received is not only absolutely beautiful, but her temperament is out of this world—so loving, gentle, and well-balanced. At times, I honestly wondered if she had some training before arriving in our home. She came with manners already in place—sitting, waiting patiently, no jumping… just amazing!
With so many animals sadly ending up in shelters, I believe it’s essential to buy from reputable, ethical breeders. That’s why I can confidently say Retha at Craffenheim Rottweilers is one of the best. Her dedication to health, temperament, and proper early development shines through in every way.
Thank you, Retha, for such a wonderful addition to our family!
★★★★★From the moment I decided to purchase a Craffenheim Rottweiler, Retha exceeded all my expectations. Retha kept me updated with regular pictures and progress reports, making the wait for my pup all the more exciting. What truly stood out to me was the remarkable organization and neatness of the property. Its a clear reflection of the care and dedication Retha and Craffie put into their breeding. Its clearly not only about money, but the wellbeing of their Rotties. Upon arrival, they took the time to go through everything I needed to know, including detailed feeding suggestions, do's and don'ts and ID card with all upcoming vaccination dates. Before leaving, they ensured my pup had a chip implant and even provided complimentary food and amazing puppy goodies. Now after five weeks of having my pup at home, (he is now 14 weeks) I can confidently say my Rottie is thriving! His strong personality and outstanding bloodline shine through more each day. He is incredibly eager to learn, picks up training quickly, and is beautifully well-balanced - a testament to the quality breeding at Craffenheim Rottweilers. For anyone considering a top-tier, purebred Rottweiler with a strong and intelligent temperament, I highly recommend Craffenheim Rottweilers. Their commitment, expertise and passion for the breed make them a excellent choice for any Rottie enthusiast!
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