The Rottweiler ancestors marched with Romans. They were used to drive the cattle. This breed has since been used to guard and to support the military and police. Immerse the Rottweiler cross in love and affection and you will make a loyal friend.
Learn more about the Rottweiler
Rotties are generally good-natured, placid and eager to please the pack. However, they require their owner to show dominance and confidence otherwise they will assume the position of top dog. They do not respond well to living a solitary existence.
Their bad press stems from the propensity of some people to use their dogs as weapons against other dogs or people. But, if their instinctive nobility and strength are channelled appropriately they can make a very good family pet.
History and Origins of the Rottweiler
Roman armies, it is said, employed the use of pre-Rottweiler dogs in their marches across Europe. The dogs were used to herd cattle behind the advancing Aquila in order for the armies to have a plentiful and immediate supply of food and not be reliant on local produce.
The dogs were also used by the Romans as guard dogs and were more than likely tasked with duties amid battles. It was primarily the Germans who continued the breed throughout the middle ages and put the Rottweiler to use on farms to herd livestock and pull carts.
Physical characteristics of the Rottweiler
The facial appearance of the Rottweiler mix breed is also determined by genetic code. It is often the case that a puppy born of a Rottweiler cross will inherit the facial characteristics of the pure bred parent but again there is no guarantee of this. In fact, even among litters of a cross breed there will be noticeable differences of one pup from another.
Height: 56cm to 69cm
Weight: 85 to 130 pounds
Lifespan: 8 to 11 years
What is the Rottweiler temperament?
If we are to learn all there is to know about a crossbreed born of a Rottweiler parent we must know first what are the purebred’s characteristics. Here follow some of the positive characteristics for which the Rottie is best known:
- Intelligent and trainable
- Enjoys a moderate amount of exercise
- Affectionate with people they know
- Alert and watchful
- Protective
- Confident (within reason)
And here are some of the negatives:
- Territorial (if confined)
- Do not socialise well
- Reserved when meeting strangers
- Overly protective
There is often bad press about the breed. However, this fact should not be taken as a sorry reflection of the breed, nor of Rottweiler cross breeds. No well-adapted dog will attack a person without reason.
It is difficult to know whether your dog will inherit the emotional traits of the Rottweiler or the other parent. Such traits tend only to appear as the dog grows up and begins interacting with people and other animals. For this reason Rottweilers are not recommended for families that have had no experience whatsoever of owning a dog.
Training a Rottweiler cross
The Rottweiler’s love of learning (and her speed of doing so) is well-documented in cross breeds. It is important however that you train your dog consistently and regularly otherwise it will have a tendency to get bored, and a bored dog can be both destructive and aggressive. Positive reinforcement is the preferred way to train a Rottweiler cross puppy and it is recommended that you start the training when it is just six weeks old.
Grooming a Rottweiler crossbreed
Some Rottweiler crossbreeds will inherit the short coat of the Rottie parent. However, there is no guarantee that a puppy born of such a cross will have an easily manageable coat of fur. The genetic outcome of the cross will determine what type of coat the puppy has, and a new owner should be prepared to care for a coat of any type.
Common health issues of the Rottweiler?
Cross breed dogs tend to inherit some of the physical complaints and abnormalities of one or other of their parents. The Rottweiler is a breed prone of the following illnesses and conditions:
- Bone cancer (osteosarcoma) is exceptionally common to Rottweilers.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia and osteochondritis are common of Rottweilers.
- Eye disease leading to blindness is another feature of the breed.
- Heart disease is a common cause of death among Rotties.
- Gastric volvulus (bloat) is a serious ailment of many large breeds of dog. Rottweilers are no exception.
Rottweiler puppies are particular susceptible to viral infections such as Parvo. This is due to their exceptionally weak immune systems. It can be safely assumed that the puppy of a Rottweiler cross will be as prone to viruses as the puppy of the purebred.
The Rottweiler crossbreeds
Some of the more popular Rottweiler crossbreeds follow:
1. New Rottland: Newfoundland & Rottweiler
The New Rottland is a cross between a Newfoundland and a Rottweiler. They make huge dogs, but thanks to their sizes, they make excellent guard dogs. The New Rottland is gentle and makes an excellent family companion. They love to play with other pets and children, but you should always keep an eye on your dog when they play with small children. This dog breed needs a lot of exercise to avoid them being bored.
2. Rottsky: Siberian Husky & Rottweiler
The Rottsky is a cross between a Siberian Husky and a Rottweiler. This unique breed takes in the individuality and strength of both parent breeds. This dog breed is extremely active, loyal, curious and learns fast. The Rottsky will need to have an active owner, who will spend a lot of time with its dog, train him and stimulate him physically and mentally.
3. Shottie: German Shepherd & Rottweiler
The German Shepherd cross Rottweiler is commonly known as "Shepweiler" or even "Shottie". This dog breed is highly intelligent and will learn quickly. However, they will need to be stimulated physically and mentally to feel fulfilled. They will also need to have an early socialisation as they can sometimes tend to be aggressive. Both parent breeds are often used as police or military dogs, therefore they will make great guard dogs, but again, it's very important to train your German Shepherd cross Rottweiler properly.
4. Pitweiler: Pit Bull & Rottweiler
The Pitweiler is a cross between a Pitbull and a Rottweiler. This large dog, if trained and socialised properly is a great family pet. It is full of energy and will love to play. This clever dog will be a faithful companion. The Pitweiler will need plenty of exercise. This dog breed can sometimes be dominant, therefore it will need a firm training.
5. Weiler Dane: Great Dane & Rottweiler
The Weiler Dane is a cross between a Great Dane and a Rottweiler. This giant dog breed is very protective and loyal. This gentle giant loves children and will be a great companion. They can sometimes be stubborn and will need to be trained at an early stage of their lives. Although the Weiler Dane is a large and muscular dog, it won't need a huge amount of exercises.
6. Schnottie: Schnauzer & Rottweiler
The Schnottie is a cross between a Schnauzer and a Rottweiler. This mixed breed is actually quite rare and they aren't much documentation on it. The Schnottie is highly intelligent, loyal and a great guard dog. This breed is highly protective of its family, therefore it will need an early socialisation. They are easy to train, but do require a constant training and a high amount of exercise.
7. French Bullweiler: French Bulldog & Rottweiler
The French Bullweiler is a cross between a French Bulldog and a Rottweiler. This dog breed is loyal and intelligent. He may be a little bit stubborn and territorial, therefore he will need to be trained and socialised at an early age. The French Bullweiler doesn't like to be left on its own for too long and could develop some anxious behaviour such as chewing or excessive barking. This dog doesn't need a huge amount of exercise but it will be important to take him on daily walks.
8. Labrottie: Labrador Retriever & Rottweiler
The Labrottie is a cross between a Labrador and a Rottweiler. This breed is intelligent, confident and very active. They will need a great amount of exercises and training. The Labrottie is known to be an affectionate and friendly dog, they actually crave human contact. You will have a loyal companion.
9. Borderweiler: Border Collie & Rottweiler
The Borderweiler is a cross between a Border Collie and a Rottweiler. Not only is this crossbreed one of the smartest, it is also very loyal and friendly. However, they can sometimes be a little bit stubborn or independent and will need an owner who is experienced with training dogs. The Borderweiler is not your ideal first dog.
10. Rotterman: Dobermann & Rottweiler
The Rotterman is a cross between a Dobermann and a Rottweiler. This large and powerful dog will need a lot of training and a good amount of physical activity. The Rotterman is friendly, loyal and very smart. They absolutely love their family and will follow you around just to be near you.
No dog will react well to maltreatment or to being consistently kept indoors. Your responsibility as an owner of a Rottweiler cross is to ensure that your dog grows up to be a happy and well-rounded individual. Your treatment of her should be full of confidence and kindness and you must be prepared to make allowances for her in respect of your living arrangements. Rottweilers have their own way of telling you when they are unhappy.
Check out these other mixed breeds:
- The Beagle cross
- The Border Collie cross
- The Border Terrier cross
- The Chihuahua cross
- The Dachshund cross
- The Dalmatian cross
- The French Bulldog cross
- The German Shepherd cross
- The Golden Retriever cross
- The Husky cross
- The Jack Russell cross
- The Labrador crossbreed
- The Pomeranian cross
- The Poodle cross
- The Pug cross
- The Shih Tzu cross
