You might be surprised that a hybrid dog breed like this one is possible. But it is one of the more popular designer dogs lately. The lovely Rottweiler Pitbull mix has several names, including Pitweiler, Rottbull, Rottie Pit, and so on.
No matter the name, we know it is a strong, large-size, mixed-breed dog that can come in a variety of colors. Because of the personality traits of both parents, this canine can turn out to be a guard dog or not, but in any case, it will be a lovely family pet.
What can you expect? Well, that is what we are here today to discuss.
Meet The Breed
As we said before, the Pitbull Rottweiler mix puppy is often called Pitweiler. The idea for this mix puppy is a combination of the robust stature, protectiveness, and strong will of the Rottweiler dog breed. And then you the athletic, friendly, and affectionate side of the American Pit Bull Terrier.
The result is an intelligent, confident, obedient, calm, and friendly family pet. Let’s get to know its parents and what the result of crossbreeding is.
Meet The Parents
Rottweiler
The moment you see a Rottweiler for the first time, you notice a dog of solid strength. These large dogs are sturdy and can weigh between 80 and 120 pounds. They have been bred for guarding and protecting, making them one of the best guard dogs in the world.
When socialized properly, they get along with people and other animals, yet males can be a bit more dominant and aggressive. Intelligent and active, they are confident to act on their own and need guidance from their owners. Here are some common personality traits:
- They have amazing guarding instincts
- Intelligent and easy and quickly pick up commands and cues
- Great family pets
- Protective of the entire family (including other animals and children)
- Despite their large size, they are active and perform well in dog sports
Pitbull
The second parent of the Rottweiler Pit Bull mix is the American Pitbull Terrier. This dog can be large in size, but only in height. They are more athletic, and weigh between 50 and 70 pounds, standing up to 19 inches. They have short coats that can be in different colors, including white, black, tan, liver, and even blue.
Despite their bad reputation, Pitbulls are lovely, affectionate, and gentle companions. They are quite patient with every family member, including children. Back in the day, they were bred for dog fighting sports, which is where their bad reputation comes from.
They can be a bit stubborn, but it is a terrier trait. Here are some common personality traits:
- Affectionate and friendly with all people and animals
- Can be a bit stubborn
- Fun-loving dogs that love to play
- Energetic and active, can become bored if not exercised
Appearance
The Rottweiler Pitbull mix is a bit smaller than the Rottweiler parent breed and larger than its American Pit Bull terrier. With larger than average size, it mostly depends on which genes it inherits. Speaking of size, this puppy grows between 18 and 25 inches and weighs between 40 and 100 lbs.
The range of coat color is extensive and can go from chocolate, brown, black, white, golden, merle, brindle, to even speckled.
Ears are short and floppy, giving this mixed breed a lovely and adorable look. Speaking of their coat, usually, it is a short coat. These Rottweiler mix puppies shed low to moderate amounts.
Temperament
Whenever you have a mixed breed, the temperament inherits some of the genes of both parents. And in most cases, breeders do this to get the best of both worlds.
Now let’s take a look at what you can expect from the Pitbull Rottweiler mix. This crossbreed is quite an impressive dog. It can be a better guard and watchdog than its Pit Bull parent. Now, predicting the traits of a mutt is quite difficult.
But some things can be certain. One is that this puppy will be playful, energetic, and possess lots of strength. This puppy needs a lot of physical activity, but also some mental stimulation.
You can expect this dog to be friendlier to strangers and other animals than the Rottweiler breed. Rotties have guarding and protecting instincts, making them a bit aloof around strangers. But that is not the case with the American Pitbull terrier. So, expect your mutt to be friendlier, but not as much as the Pit. Yet, with proper socialization and training, you will get an adorable companion.
These dogs are not big barkers and use their voice only if there is a reason. This is where their Rottie nature and instinct kick in.
Both breeds are loyal and devoted to their owners, so you can expect the same from your mixed puppy. Yet, at the same time, they can be independent and play on their own. Pitweiler puppies are laid-back and do not suffer from separation anxiety as much as Pitbull.
Training
Training your Rottweiler Pit puppy is essential. Your goal with training and socialization is to target the instincts your puppy has.
For starters, that is the guarding instinct of the Rottweiler breed. If you want a loyal companion that you can take in the park, you have to make sure your puppy is fine around strangers.
Begin training at an early age. This mixed breed responds to two things in training, dog food, and affection. Pitbulls are known to be affection-driven, while Rotties are food-driven. Their offspring responds well to both food and praise and affection.
But you can rest assured training will be easy. Why? Because Rotties are eager to please and devoted dogs. They are highly intelligent and easily pick up commands and cues.
The big challenge is that your puppy might become bored easily. Their high intelligence needs constant stimulation.
So, with that in mind, do not repeat the same exercises and tricks over and over again. Make sure to keep training sessions short, fun, and game-like.
Do not use aversive training methods, because it might make matters worse. Focus on building a strong bond with your dog.
If not mentally stimulated, these hybrid dogs can be prone to behavioral issues. They do not show their intelligence always in conventional ways but do not worry, when they need to, they will show you how smart they are.
Exercise Needs
When we talk about exercise needs regarding a Rottweiler Pitbull mix, we have to remember. One of the parents is highly athletic and active, and the other is highly intelligent. Pitbulls are among the most hyperactive dog breeds. And Rotties are among the smartest dog breeds.
Ideally, your exercise and training session should be combined. Provide physical exercise and mental stimulation in the same way.
What do we mean by this? Well, it means you can play games and incorporate them in training proper and calm behavior.
Just do not go over the board. Rottweiler Pit mix puppies can be prone to exercise exhaustion. They do not need as much exercise as their Pit Bull parent. Ideally, 40 to 60 minutes per day is enough.
Health Issues
In the past several years, breeders all around the world have tried mixing breeds to improve health conditions and life expectancy. And in this case, they are successful. Your Pitbull Rottweiler mix can live between 10 and 15 years. It is much better than the life expectancy of Rottweiler dogs.
There are still health issues, but the percentage is lowered. Those health challenges include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, cataracts, and bloating.
As a responsible owner, make sure to provide a proper diet, enough exercise, and regular vet and medical testing.
Grooming
If you are looking for a low-maintenance dog in terms of grooming, Rottweiler Pitbull puppies are a great option. This dog has a short coat and doesn’t require professional grooming. You might take your dog for nail clipping if you are uncomfortable doing it.
But otherwise, brushing once per week is more than enough. They have a weather-resistant coat and you do not need to bathe them often. Once per 4 to 6 months is sufficient.
Why Should You Avoid This Dog?
- Since this mixed dog is of large size, they are still prone to several problems like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia
- If not properly trained and socialized, the guarding instincts of the Rottweiler parent might kick in
- They will try to dominate you and use their intelligence. Their strong will, stubbornness, and high intelligence are a challenge for novice owners
Why Should You Get It?
- You are getting the ultimate watchdog, one that is friendly, yet knows when to show its teeth
- They make great companions and are more affectionate and friendly than a regular, purebred Rottweiler
- They shed considerably less than both parents
