It is easy to breed dogs of all kinds of traits and mixes. All forms of the domesticated dog has the pleasure, or perhaps the added risk, of being able to breed with one another.

There are times when this works to our advantage and brings us beneficial new mixes.

The Labradoodle is one that immediately comes to mind. But then there are those mixes that seem like they might not be such a good idea.

The Pitbull Rottweiler mix sound like one of those bad ideas, there are expectations and concerns with both parent breeds that suggests we should not be breeding them. After all, there are those that want to see the Pitbull destroyed entirely.

Is this cross breed a good alternative to the pure Pitbull, or something that should be avoided?

In this guide to the Rottweiler Pitbull mix we will look at some of the most important Rottweiler Pitbull mix information that all newcomers need to know before they commit to getting this dog.

This time we will start with the personality traits of these dogs, looking at the potential for aggression, or perhaps a loving family dog instead.

Then we will look at the physical side of the mix. How big will a Rottweiler Pitbull mix get, what features do they have and what is the Rottweiler Pitbull mix life expectancy?

Then we will look at the issues of finding the right breeder and the potential of adoption.

With all of this in mind, you should leave here with a clearer understanding of what to expect with this cross breed.

Rottweiler Pitbull mix – Image Source

What do we call these dogs?

Every cross breed has its own special name to make things easier for breeders and owners when discussing their animals.

[thrive_text_block color=”note” headline=””]So, what is a Pitbull Rottweiler mix called?

The more common, and seemingly “official” name here is the Pitweiler, which is sometimes misspelled as Pittweiler . Other owners use the more unpleasant sounding names of Bullrott, Rottbull, Prott, Rottpit or even Rotten Pitbull. The latter suggests a tongue in cheek approach against all those that expect a bad natured dog that is rotten to the core. This is one of those ironic names, like a Yorkshire Terrier named Titan, which leads us nicely to the next point. [/thrive_text_block]

Are Pitbull Rottweiler mix good dogs?

This is perhaps a bit of a simplistic question, as there are many factors at work here. Still, it is often one of the first that will come to mind with these dogs.

In these cross breed guides we tend to look at the physical features of the animal before we look at the personality.

However, the reputation of the two parent breeds here leads to some immediate questions over the temperament of these Pitbull and Rottweiler mix dogs and the potential for aggression.

[thrive_text_block color=”red” headline=””]We cannot ignore the fact that Rottweilers and Pitbulls are responsible for the majority of canine attacks on humans – significantly more so for Pitbulls, with 52 deaths and 800000 bites in 3 years. Is this likely with these mixes?

There are definitely some potential bad points in their behavior. There is the chance here that there will be signs of aggression and dominance in these dogs when they are incorrectly bred or not handled properly from a young age.

They also have a good memory for those that were unpleasant to them in the past, so may hold a grudge.[/thrive_text_block]

There is the expectation of a large dog with a dominating presence and loud bark. The bark is there, and can catch people off guard, but they only tend to use it when they really need to.

Few owners will have to extensively train these dogs not to bark or to curb aggression. The trick is to train the dog so it never feels the need to be aggressive towards anyone.

Pitweiler Puppy – Image Source

What does this mean for effective Rottweiler Pitbull mix training?

It is important that these dogs receive all the training and conditioning that they need in order to become the good dogs that they can be.

This means working with these animals so that they behave well and follow commands from an early age. This will ensure that they are a good pack member that can get along with anyone.

[thrive_text_block color=”blue” headline=””]This is an intelligent cross that should respond well to commands with the right approach. However, the potential for dominance and bad behavior requires a firm hand from an experienced owner. This is one of the many reasons why new owners are warned against getting one. [/thrive_text_block]

Obedience schools may sound like the best option here when dealing with these dogs, but this all depends on their age and current socialization.

There are also some dog owners that may not be happy with an uncontrolled, energetic Pitbull-cross in the class.

The alternative is one of the many online training aids. E-books and online courses, such as Doggy Dan the online dog trainer and Secrets to Dog Training offer simple advice that all owners can use in the comfort of their own home.

The steps are easy to follow and there are so many positive reviews from all sorts of dog owners that these Pitbull x Rottweiler pups shouldn’t have too much trouble.

It is not all bad news with the personality and training of these dogs, as they have many positive traits too

Now that we have had a look at the negative side of the personality of these dogs, lets focus on the positive side of the Pitbull Rottweiler mix temperament.

There are many owners that talk about the loving, goofy, fun and affectionate side of these dogs. There is the clear sense that those that treat the animals well from the start will see this love and generosity repaid in kind. Those that do not will suffer the consequences.

There are lots of owners that adore these dogs, and they tend to be the ones that put the work in to get the best out of them. There are also owners of this mix that claim that the Pittweiler is very sensitive to their emotional state. This can help to create a strong connection.

This leads to some interesting points on the potential of this Pitbull Rottweiler as a family pet.

[thrive_text_block color=”note” headline=””]They really are sweet, loving dogs with the right socialization and attention, and this extends to the children in the family too. There is a clear need for the dog and children to respect each other.

This is a large dog that doesn’t want to be teased. If the kids play nicely, the pup will too.

Socialization with people and dogs as a puppy allows for interactions and experiences that help them understand their place in the pack as they get older. There are examples of dogs curled up on sofas with kids and even cats. [/thrive_text_block]

Pitbull and Rottweiler Mix Puppy – Image Source

Then there is the potential of the Pitbull mixed with Rottweiler as a working dog.

The loyalty, intelligence and bravery of the Pittweiler means that there is every chance that they will turn out to be great working dogs as well as family pets.

They have the protective nature, and physique, to act as a guard dog and potentially in police capacity, but also the loyalty and desire to please to ensure they will follow their master.

However, this is only true in those well trained dogs that do not show aggression or dominance. Owners and handlers talk about the animal’s ability to handle a lot of weight and their worth as rescue dogs. This is something that many would not have expected before learning about this mix.

With the personality figured out, it is time to look more closely at the physical features

One of the reasons that so many people are wary of this cross is that they expect a Pitbull Rottweiler mix full grown to be a massive, scary looking dog. others take a more positive approach and talk about an animal that carries itself with pride and confidence.

So, what can we really expect from the Pitbull Rottweiler mix weight and size?

There is the sense of a giant Pitbull with these dogs, rather than a small Rottweiler.

[thrive_text_block color=”note” headline=””]Still, the weight can vary greatly between dogs depending upon the leanings of their genetics and sex.

A male with a leaning toward the Rottweiler may weigh as much as 100 pounds and a female more like the Pitbull as little as 45 pounds. It should also be noted that they tend to have large feet and strong hind quarters. [/thrive_text_block]

Size isn’t everything here, and there are other considerations when questioning what does a Rottweiler Pitbull mix look like.

There are some clear similarities and differences at work with these dogs, as it’s clear with the many Rottweiler Pitbull mix pictures that are found online.

[thrive_text_block color=”blue” headline=””]They generally have the facial structure and look of the pit bull, with the floppy ears of the Rottie and a long curled tail. However, this can vary with different litters.

As for the coat and its colors, there is the potential for a brindle Pitbull Rottweiler mix depending on the colors of the parents. There is also a number of light brown, almost golden animals. Many have the black and tan coloration and markings of the Rottweiler. It is a short coat with minimal shedding and low maintenance, which means there is little to worry about with grooming a Rottweiler mixed with Pitbull.[/thrive_text_block]

Looking after this pit rott mix

What about the diet and exercise requirements of a Pitbull mix with Rottweiler?

[thrive_text_block color=”note” headline=””]There is no doubt that this is a highly active cross with lots of energy to burn, and we all know that pent up energy and boredom can lead to undesirable behavior from any animal.

This means that these pups require lots of exercise to keep them in peak condition.

Long walks, runs and other forms of training are all important for fitness, and also great fun for the dog. They will love the local dog park, as long as they trained to be friendly with other users, and will play for hours with kids in the garden.[/thrive_text_block]

On that note, it is important to have a home with enough space indoors and outdoors. This is not an animal for apartment living. This muscular, high-energy dog also needs plenty of protein rich fuel in a balanced diet.

However, it should be noted that some owners have noted chicken allergies.

On the subject of health care and medical issues, there are also the risks of hip issues, skin problems and cataracts, particularly in older dogs.

[thrive_text_block color=”red” headline=””]The lifespan is between 10 to 15 years, depending on their lifestyle and any unforeseen issues. [/thrive_text_block]

The issue of Pitbull Rottweiler mix breeders breeding bad qualities and aggressive dogs

It is also advisable to do your research with any breeder selling mixed breed dogs, mainly to make sure that the breeder is reputable and the puppies legitimate.

It definitely pays to be on your guard with breeders of these crosses.

[thrive_text_block color=”blue” headline=””]There are many breeders that will breed litters of Pitbull x Rottweiler pups for all the right reasons. Some will see the potential in the cross and work to create a strong line of pups from the right animals. Some may also be out to create that beneficial cross with all the controversy surrounding the aggression of the pure Pitbull. [/thrive_text_block]

These factors will all affect the Pitbull Rottweiler mix price. Expensive crosses from good breeders are always preferable to cheap pups from dodgy ones.

The problem is that there are those breeders with Rottweiler Pitbull mix puppies for sale that aren’t in the game for the right reasons.

We have to remember that there are some people breeding Pitbulls and Pitbull crosses for profit, with no care about the genetic lines or health of the dogs.

Then there are those that breed for dog fighting.

Dog fighting rings are still a problem with underground businesses and illegal activities. At the heart are the Pitbulls and Pitbull crosses that are bred to fight and win. This is where they retain their bad reputation.

They are forced to fight and trained to show aggression. Dogs are overbred to get the best animals and replenish those lost. In some cases animals don’t make the grade and are abandoned, which leads to the following issue of Pittweiler rescues.

Black Pitbull Rottweiler Mix – Image Source

Is it a good idea to look for a Rottweiler Pitbull mix for adoption?

Adoption always seems like a great alternative to breeders when it comes to finding a new family pet.

Rescue shelters are full of animals in need of a good home, where owners can pick up a new friend for a reduced cost and potentially save a life.

There is also a good chance of finding these rottie pit crosses in shelters for two reasons.

First there are the breeders that dump the runts and animals that don’t make the grade. Then there are those that want to provide a good home for these dogs, but simply can’t handle the responsibilities. This may be a good source for these mixes, but there are issues to consider here.

[thrive_text_block color=”red” headline=””]All the best family-oriented Pittweiler dogs are trained that way from an early age. If these abandoned dogs haven’t received that sort of training, they may not be a suitable fit and may be difficult to deal with. [/thrive_text_block]

What have we learned about the Rottweiler and Pitbull mix?

The information here will no doubt have come as a bit of a surprise to many people that expected the worst.

There are some people that will assume that breeders are trying to create a violent dog with no positive, family-oriented tendencies.

The reality is that there are different breeders with different intentions. Those with good intentions and a good breeding ethic can create handsome crosses that have the potential to become great working dogs and family pets.

These crosses may be the best solution to the Pitbull dilemma and the rottie cross definitely creates a fun, loving and loyal dog.

Owners have to put the work in to get the best results, but these dogs can repay this love and effort in surprising fashion.

So is the Pitbull Rottweiler mix right for your family?

The answer here depends on your experience with dogs and the attitudes of the family.

If the family comprises of experienced dog lovers, and slightly older children, with the determination and devotion towards care and training, there is hope.

The right owner can create an impressive bond and a sweet natured dog with this early socialization and consistent approach.

Those that lack confidence, assertiveness or dedication will struggle with dominance issues.

Then there are all the issues of costs, health and the right amount of space at home.

Think carefully about your ability to meet all these needs and your true feelings about this pup. If you want to prove the doubters wrong and raise the perfect, devoted companion then look at the right shelters and breeders. It could turn out to be an incredibly rewarding experience.

Featured Image: Instagram/ciaobella0329