The Rottweiler Pitbull mix combines two of the most popular breeds in the US, resulting in a powerful and loving dog.
Aside from their physical prowess, is this mixed breed the right fit for you?
We’ll take a look at their needs and behaviors in detail to understand what you may be getting into, along with any risks to be aware of. Let’s get started!
A Rottweiler Pitbull mix is a crossbreed known for its strong and protective nature. This hybrid combines the loyalty and intelligence of a Rottweiler with the muscular build of a Pitbull. They require consistent training and socialization to ensure a well-behaved and balanced companion. Learn more about this unique mix and its care requirements here.
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Rottweiler Pitbull Mix – Background
The Rottweiler Pitbull mix, also known as the Pitweiler, is a relatively new breed of dog, created by cross-breeding the Rottweiler with a Pitbull.
This mix first originated in the United States in the early 2000s and seems to be growing in popularity.
Although the exact origins are unknown, it is thought that the mix was created in an attempt to breed a dog with the loyalty of a Rottweiler and the obedience of a Pitbull.
Rottweiler Pitbull Mix – Size and Appearance
The Rottweiler and pitbull mix is typically strong and muscular, with a square-shaped head and short, cropped ears. While their physical traits can come in a variety of colors, they mostly have black and tan coats.
The average weight of this mix is between 40 – 100lbs, with males generally being on the larger end of the scale.
These dogs are known for being friendly and loyal despite their intimidating physical appearance, but they can also be strong-willed and will therefore need firm training.
Because of their size and strength, they are generally not recommended for first-time dog owners.
Rottweiler Pitbull Mix – Temperament
The Pitbull Rottweiler mix is known as a loyal, intelligent, strong-willed, and confident breed. While they are usually calm, they can be quite dominant and assertive in nature.
As both parent breeds have a strong prey drive, this is also very likely with their offspring. Pitweilers, therefore, need early socialization and training from their owners, to ensure their strong personalities are kept in check.
Rottweiler Pitbull Mix – Training Needs
As previously outlined, a Pitweilers strong and domineering personality highlights the need for structured obedience training. This should ideally start once the puppy is around 8 weeks old.
It’s important to note that this breed will play up from time to time. Punishment will not help in this case, if anything it will further compound some of their behavioral issues.
Positive reinforcement needs to be the focus of all training activities for the Pitweiler.
This should include lots of praise and treats where necessary, to ensure they recognize the consequences of good behavior.
Also, keep in mind this breed is very strong-willed, so patience will be key as they won’t always obey their owners’ commands!
Rottweiler Pitbull Mix – Energy Levels
The Pitweiler will have moderate to high-level energy levels, so regular physical and mental exercise will be a daily requirement.
They would need around 1 hour of solid exercise daily, which could be a combination of walks, running, or game playing. Ideally, this mix will have the opportunity to engage in some vigorous exercise every other day, to ensure any pent-up energy is dealt with!
Similar to its parent breeds, the Pitweiler also enjoys downtime, and can often be seen relaxing on a day bed or in its owner’s favorite lounge chair!
Even though they are quite large in size, they’ll think nothing of sitting on their owners’ lap regardless of the weight they are carrying!
Rottweiler Pitbull Mix – Mental Stimulation
Along with physical exercise, mental stimulation is equally important for this crossbreed.
Due to their intelligence, they can quickly become bored if not provided with enough activities to stimulate their brains.
A bored Pitweiler can be a real problem, as they can resort to some rather disruptive behavior, including excessive digging, chewing, or even aggression.
There are plenty of options to keep them entertained.
Apart from chew toys and bouncing balls, you could play hide and seek, organize treasure hunts, or even set up an obstacle course for them. There is no limit to the imagination!
Rottweiler Pitbull Mix – Grooming Requirements
Fortunately, the Pitweiler is considering relatively low maintenance when it comes to their grooming needs. Their coat will need to be brushed once or twice per week, and they need bathing every couple of months.
Their teeth will also need regular brushing to ensure proper dental hygiene. Twice per week should be sufficient, as long as they have a reasonably healthy diet.
A Pitweiler’s nails need to be trimmed regularly, along with its ears checked for any infections.
Rottweiler Pitbull Mix – Are they Healthy?
While this breed is considered quite healthy, they are prone to several health conditions over its lifetime. These are outlined as follows:
Hip Dysplasia: Common in large dog breeds, this condition can occur when the dog’s hip doesn’t form correctly, resulting in the loosening of the hip joint and the onset of osteoarthritis. This can be quite painful for the Pitweiler, and cause lameness and discomfort.
Elbow Dysplasia: This condition involves the abnormal development of the dog’s elbow joint. Typical signs of elbow dysplasia include a reluctance to exercise, lameness in one of the front legs, or hesitation to walk downstairs.
Bloat: This can be a life-threatening condition in which the stomach fills up with gas and becomes twisted. Typical causes of bloat include any of the following:
- Eating large quantities of food very quickly
- Weighing greater than 100 pounds
- Exercising immediately after a meal
- Eating food from an elevated position
If a Pitweiler experiences bloat, they will typically have a rock-hard expanded stomach, pant, and drool, and start dry heaving.
A dog with bloat should be taken to the Vet immediately, to ensure treatment can be provided before the condition worsens.
Cataracts: Pitweilers can develop cataracts in their old age, which can result in blindness if not treated early enough.
The best thing to do to prevent these types of issues is to take your dog for regular annual checkups, along with ensuring all vaccinations are up to date.
Rottweiler Pitbull Mix – Nutrition Requirements
The Pitweiler requires an even balanced diet, which typically involves 3-4 cups of food each day.
Due to their physical size and energy levels, a good portion of their diet should consist of quality proteins for muscle development.
They also need moderate carbs for energy and a reasonable amount of fiber for gut health.
Rottweiler Pitbull Mix – Dog Friendly
This breed can get along with most other dog breeds on the condition it is socialized from an early age. This is due to its Rottweiler genetics in which the Pitweiler can be overly protective and territorial by nature.
Unfortunately, these attributes can quickly lead to aggression, which is something to be avoided if possible.
The other factor to consider is this breed’s ability to get along with other dogs of the same sex. Without enough socialization and exposure to other dogs, the Pitweiler is prone to becoming aggressive towards breeds of the same sex.
Always keep a watch out for any aggressive tendencies your dog may be displaying, as they will often result due to poor socialization and a lack of training from their owners.
Rottweiler Pitbull Mix – Child Friendly
Due to the powerful stature and energy levels of the Pitweiler, it is recommended that this breed is only suited to older children, 10 years or over.
Young children could easily get injured or knocked over when playing with a Pitweiler, so supervision is definitely required. Naturally, once your dog is socialized and obedience trained, this will become less of a concern.
Safety should be the key priority when young children are with such a powerful dog, to minimize the dangers of accidents occurring.
Drooling Levels
This breed is considered a moderate drooler, and will typically slobber in many different scenarios. This could include when they are excited, or during meal or snack times.
Pitweilers can also drool as a result of dental problems or infections in their mouth.
Always check the source of their drooling to ensure any health concerns are eliminated.
Some simple ways to minimize drooling in this breed is to feed them quality food containing the essential vitamins and minerals they need. Naturally, they should also have access to a full bowl of clean water at all times.
Barking Levels
Fortunately, the Pitbull Rottweiler mix is considered a low-to-moderate barker and isn’t as loud as many other large dog breeds.
This is largely due to their Rottweiler parent, who tends to be fairly quiet when it comes to barking. Keeping in mind that barking may increase in this breed if they are wanting your attention or notice something dangerous or unusual.
Adaptability to Weather
This breed is typically more comfortable with warmer weather and can handle temperatures up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Anything beyond this point is likely to increase the risk of heatstroke for the Pitweiler.
On the contrary, if temperatures get below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, this is likely to be too cold for this breed.
I would strongly suggest they are rugged up and provided the warmth they need during the colder months. This is because they are more likely to get sick when the cold weather becomes extreme.
There are two conditions this breed is especially prone to during the extreme cold, including frostbite and hypothermia.
Life Expectancy
The Rottweiler Pitbull mix has an average life expectancy of between 12 to 15 years. Lifestyle, genetics, exercise, and diet will all play a part and will either extend or shorten this timeframe.
AKC Recognition
While this mix is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), there are a number of organizations that do recognize it. These include the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Mixed Breed Obedience Registry (AMBOR).
In addition, the Pitbull Rottweiler mix is eligible for registration with a number of other mixed breeds registries. These include the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
While AKC recognition is not required in order to own or enroll your dog in competitions, it may be important to you if you are interested in showing your dog or participating in AKC-sanctioned events.
Puppy Prices
Rottweiler Pitbull Mix puppies are not as common as purebred Rottweilers or Pit bulls, but they are becoming more popular as people learn about the many benefits of crosses between these two breeds.
While there is some variation in price depending on the specific bloodlines involved, Rottweiler Pitbull Mix puppies typically cost between $500 and $1000.
You can also find a puppy in shelters or dog rescue centers if you want a low-cost Rottweiler Pitbull mix. That said, it’s important to remember that the price is only one factor to consider when choosing a puppy.
