-
Activity Level:
high
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Shedding Level:
low
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Grooming Level:
low
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Trainability:
high
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Good for Novice Owners:
moderate
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Adaptability:
moderate
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Kid/Pet Friendly:
often
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Prey Drive:
low
-
Watchdog:
very alert
- Average Size: Large
- Average Lifespan: 8-11 years
Rottweiler Mix Dog Breed Information
Overview
Temperament
Adaptability
Health
Owner Experience
Grooming
Activity Level
Size
Life Span
A Rottweiler Mix is a cross between a Rottweiler and another dog breed. Because a mixed-breed dog can inherit any combination of traits from their parents, it’s important to ask about the other parent breed in the mix. Should a Rottweiler Mix take after their Rottweiler parent, they will be a larger and strong dog breed that has a sweet, lovable personality and a protective instinct.
Rotties tend to be calm and aloof. They also love their families and are lovable, playful, and affectionate with them. As long as they have been properly socialized, a Rottweiler will still be alert and protective of their families, but they will also be open and friendly to new people, especially once they have been introduced.
The other parent breed will introduce some traits that could affect this in a Rottweiler Mix, so you want to make sure you ask about them. You can also meet the mother dog in-person to see what her temperament is like and the manners she is modeling for her puppies. Although the breeder should have started training and socialization, it is up to you to continue training and socializing a puppy once you get them home.
Rottweilers are moderately adaptable dogs that are better suited to homes with fenced yards. They are more sensitive to heat and do not tolerate extreme temperatures very well. They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time.
The other parent breed could introduce the potential for a Rottweiler Mix to be more or less adaptable. Plus, they’ll have their own quirks, so you do want to ask about the other parent breed in the cross.
Although mixed-breed dogs can sometimes be healthier than purebred dogs, it’s not a guarantee. They could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, or they could inherit all of them or any combination of them.
From the Rottweiler side, potential health conditions to be aware of in a Rottweiler Mix include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and osteosarcoma. The other parent breed will introduce its own set of conditions and you want to be aware of them.
Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to ensure they are not passing issues on to puppies. So, you should be asking about the health and genetic history of both of the parents anyway. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done.
Although the Rottweiler is a highly trainable dog breed that picks up on things quickly and is eager to please, they can be a challenge for first-time dog owners. They need structure and consistency in training and a confident leader to train them. As such, puppy training classes are recommended.
The other parent breed could make a Rottweiler Mix easier or more difficult to train, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. Even if you don’t necessarily need them, puppy training classes can still be a good idea. They help reinforce training, strengthen the bond you have with your puppy, and also offer socialization opportunities.
A Rottweiler Mix can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is truly a mix of both. If they inherit the Rottie coat, they will shed a bit year-round and heavier as the seasons change. They’ll need weekly brushing at least and the occasional bath as needed.
In addition to coat care, you will also need to care for your Rottweiler Mix’s nails, ears, and teeth. Usually, cutting your dog’s nails once or twice monthly is enough to keep them from growing too long.
In addition to nail care, you should also be checking your dog’s ears on a weekly basis. By checking weekly and carefully cleaning your dog’s ears as needed, you can help prevent ear infections.
Taking care of your dog’s teeth is also important. Due to a lack of good dental care for dogs, gum disease is one of the most common health issues for them. But, it doesn’t have to be one for your Rottweiler Mix. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life.
A Rottweiler is a working dog breed with moderate exercise requirements. They need a job to do in addition to daily walks, playtime, and some extra activity. If the other parent breed also sits in the moderate range, then you can expect something similar from a Rottweiler Mix. But, if the other parent breed is a high-energy breed, then you will need to be prepared for the possibility of a high-energy dog.
Fully-grown Rottweilers usually stand 23-28 inches tall and weighs 75-130 pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother.
So, make sure you ask the breeder about them. Although it is not a guarantee, you can also meet the mother dog in-person to get an idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown Rottweiler Mix.
Rotties generally live for 8-11 years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should still be able to expect a similar life span in a Rottweiler Mix.