The Rottweiler Pitbull mix, also known as the Pitweiler, is popular amongst people who want a protective, large and loveable pooch.
They are active dogs who excel in sports such as agility, obedience, and tracking.
Powerful, tenacious, and clever, they are not a breed for a new owner or someone living in an apartment.
They are also not the kind of dog that will happily lounge on the couch with you at night – instead, they would much rather be out for a run.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What is a Rottweiler Pitbull Mix?
- Rottweiler Pitbull Mix Appearance
- 5 Fun Facts About Rottweiler Pitbull Mixes
- Rottweiler Pitbull Personality and Temperament
- Caring for a Rottweiler Pitbull Mix
- How to Train a Rottweiler Pitbull Mix
- Buyer's Guide
- Quick Breed Summary Table
- Summary
- More Rottweiler and American Pitbull Terrier Mixes
What is a Rottweiler Pitbull Mix?
The origins of the first Rottweiler and Pitbull cross is a little murky however it is suspected to have been in the United States.
The intention when crossing these two Pedigree breeds is to get a more agile guard dog.
These dogs do not just look physically powerful and imposing – they are. Rottweiler Pitbull mixes are often all muscle and they can be a difficult dog to keep control of if not properly trained.
Rottweilers and Pitbulls have fairly similar in temperaments, so it is fairly easy to predict what your cross will have (more on this later).
Whether you need a running partner, or an agility dog, this pooch is more than ready to do whatever you want (as long as they are with you).
- Overview: Hybrid (Rottweiler/Pitbull).
- Purpose: Guard and Companionship.
- Weight: 45-100 pounds.
- Size: 18-26 inches.
- Temperament: Loyal, alert and confident.
Rottweiler Pitbull Mix Appearance
As a mix this pooch can look more like either a Pitbull or a Rottweiler, or they can look like a mix between the two.
Most of these dogs have the powerful, muscular body of a Pitbull with the longer legs of a Rottweiler and the large head that is common to both breeds. They will also have the looser jowls of Rottweilers and may drool.
They generally possess the imposing height of a Rottweiler with the muscular build and thick legs of a Pitbull, making them the kind of dog that will turn heads.
Size
Due to both parent breeds, there is a wide range of potential sizes. Males will always be larger than females, and heavier too.
They stand around from 18-26 inches tall and weigh between 45-100 pounds.
Colors and Coat
Be prepared for a huge range of colors including: chocolate, brown, black, speckled, golden, white, blue, merle and brindle.
The color is usually determined by the Pitbull side of the family since Rottweilers only come in one shade. The most common coloring is the black and tan coloration of Rottweilers.
Their face can also be adorned with the markings too. This consists of brown on their eyebrows, muzzle, chest and legs. They can also have white blazes on their snouts and white socks.
They typically have short coats that do not shed a lot.
5 Fun Facts About Rottweiler Pitbull Mixes
- Despite being a tough breed, they are actually very sensitive.
- Rottweiler Pitbull mixes does not reach their full size until eighteen months of age.
- They excel in any kind of dog sport, especially agility and weight pulling.
- Puppies are relatively inexpensive compared to other breeds.
- These pooches are often used as guard dogs.
Rottweiler Pitbull Personality and Temperament
This breed is a energetic dog that does not quite understand its own strength.
Rottweilers have a habit of accidentally running into people, and these mixes are no different. Because of this some care needs to be taken when they are around small children or older adults.
These mixes are very playful dogs with lots of energy. They are constantly on the move, and need plenty of physical exercise and toys to play with. Toys that allow them to play by themselves are the best if you are not available for play.
Rottweiler Pitbull mix are not big barkers and will usually only bark if there is something to alert. Even then it is generally just one or two barks to get your attention and let you know that there is something amiss. However, their barks are very deep and loud.
With strangers, Pitweilers are usually aloof and standoffish so they need a lot of positive socialization when growing up (both Pitbulls and Rottweilers have a huge prey drive).
This means that you should always keep an eye on them around smaller animals and cats. Although they can be taught to not chase or hurt other animals, they should never be left unsupervised.
They are also not the best with other dogs.
Usually, they do better in different sex pairs. Females are especially prone to aggression with other females.
Is A Pitbull Rottweiler Mix A Good Family Dog?
With the proper training and socialization, they make excellent family dogs.
However due to their boisterous nature you need to be cautious with them around small children.
Caring for a Rottweiler Pitbull Mix
Although they are a fairly easy breed to care for, with few health issues and minimal grooming, the Rottweiler Pitbull mix still is not recommended for new owners.
They require a lot of socialization growing up (this makes it difficult for inexperienced first time owners).
Both Rottweilers and Pitbulls are very active, physically capable dogs and they need a strong trainer that can put the time and effort into training them.
They are an amazing companion for someone with experience owning dogs and that lives in a house with a fenced-in yard. Due to their huge size and extreme exercise requirements, apartment life is not recommended for these dogs.
Exercise Requirements
Both Pitbulls and Rottweilers are high energy and highly driven breeds, so your mix will be no different.
These dogs require at least an hour of straight running per day, and then another half hour at least of play once you are back home.
Tug, fetch, and agility are great ways to physically exercise these dogs.
- Number of Walks Per Day: 2.
- Total Exercise Needed Per Day: Minimum 60 minutes.
Grooming and Shedding
Both Rottweilers and Pitbulls have short coats which makes grooming them easy.
A simple brush once a week will be enough (although they will shed more during the early spring). If your Rottweiler Pitbull mix’s coat takes after the Rottweiler more, it may be a bit thicker and shed more.
Feeding and Diet
These dogs typically do best when fed three times a day. If you are unable to do that, you can just split their food consumption between morning and evening. Rottweiler Pitbull mixes require a high protein feed, especially as they are growing.
Feeding requirements will also vary a lot depending on how big they get.
| Calories Per Day: | Cups of Kibble Per Day: |
|---|---|
| 1000-2000 | ~3 |
Known Health Problems
Although generally healthy, Rottweiler Pitbull mixes are prone to a few different conditions. These include:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia.
- Cataracts.
- Bloat.
- Addison’s disease.
- Allergies.
If you’re like most dog parents (or parents-to-be), you care for your pet immensely. Having pet insurance could save you from the headache of going to the vets with reimbursement for every vet bill from now on!
Exam fees are included, which saves you around $50-$250 per sick visit.
PetPlan covers injury and disease in every adult tooth — not just the canines.
Not all providers cover hereditary conditions linked to breed. PetPlan does.
How Long Do Rottweiler Pitbull Mixes Live?
Pitweilers generally live for 8-12 years.
How Much Do Rottweiler Pitbull Mixes Cost?
These pups usually cost around $150-$800 if purchased from a breeder.
How to Train a Rottweiler Pitbull Mix
Rottweiler Pitbull mixes do best with positive reinforcement and daily work starting from when they are a puppy.
With these dogs, you can never let up on training. They need plenty of mental stimulation alongside all of their physical exercise.
Working on daily obedience for at least half an hour should be enough. Rally is another good dog sport to train that will help to use their brain and tire them out mentally for you.
These dogs also require a lot of socialization growing up, as both Pitbulls and Rottweilers have high prey drives.
Proper socialization as they are growing will help to reduce these issues, although an eye should always be on your Pitbull mix when around strangers, dogs or children.
Rally is probably the easiest game to train these dogs to play, but you can also train them to play fetch or tug to exercise them more physically. Hiding food or toys around the house and sending them to search for the treats can also be a fun and rewarding activity for your dog.
Buyer’s Guide
| Pros | Cons |
| Very protective of their owners. | Not for novice owners. |
| They do not bark a lot. | May be banned through breed specific legislation. |
| Low grooming and maintenance. | Can be a bit too excitable for young kids. |
| Love to play with children. | Require a lot of exercise. |
| Amazing guard dogs. |
Quick Breed Summary Table
| Breed Characteristics | |
| Size: | 18-26 inches |
| Weight: | 45-100lb |
| Lifespan: | 8-12 years |
| Coat: | Generally short (depends on which parent they take after) |
| Color: | Chocolate, brown, black, speckled, golden, white, blue, merle and brindle |
| Do They Shed: | Yes, but shedding is minimal |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, loyal and energetic |
| Intelligence: | Extremely smart |
| Socialization: | This is a must, and needs to be continued throughout their lives |
| Destructive Behavior: | Without enough stimulation, they can become destructive |
| People Skills: | Aloof with strangers, needs socialization |
| Good with Children: | Love children, but can be too excitable |
| Activity Levels: | Extremely active |
Summary
The active, boisterous Rottweiler Pitbull mix can make a great companion for the right family.
They are not recommended for novice owners or for someone that has very young children. These mixes need firm training and strict rules.
Also they are not a good breed for a small house in the city or apartment. Pitbull mixes do much better in a home where they have plenty of room to run and exercise.
If you are looking for an active, powerful companion that can double as a guard dog, then the Rottweiler Pitbull mix is the perfect dog for you.
More Rottweiler and American Pitbull Terrier Mixes
Want a Rottweiler mix or an American Pitbull Terrier mix but aren’t keen on the Rottweiler Pitbull mix? Check out these other hybrid dog breeds:
Where can I find a pitweiler? They seem so challenging to find.
We have a Rot / Pit / Lab mix and he shows traits of all 3. Brindle in color -Pit
Large SUPER STRONG muscular body (he is 95lbs.)-Rot..
Soft hearted Sugar sweet Loyal & Loving -Lab …
We always had dogs & I trained them but I have never had a dog so strong in my over 50 yrs not only is he strong but smart Wow even with that Dumbty Dumb look at times his mind Is constantly going.
My boys are older come February the last one will be an adult. I do not advise if you have little ones only for the reason of how strong they are and the time they need. If my boys were little I would not have the time this type of dog needs.
I do have a 2 yr old grandson and he us amazing with him. Roscoe brother lives with my oldest his wife & the baby so my grandson is used to the bulky dog knocking him over.
My mini tackle has no problem with it either. He just pushes his out the way ..
Roscoe is an amazing animal.. we are so very lucky to have him. I’m older & partially disabled so keeping a tow hold on him can be difficult at times but he does listen fairly well.
The Play Time is a MUST morning is tug .
Afternoon is chasing lizards he will chase lizards for hours!
at night the last trip out we do Run Run he will tear through the yard for the Lazer every night a good solid 20 minutes of running & then 10-15 minutes in the house water time then it’s OK momma let’s go to bed.
I have to say if you’re planning to get a dog such as this EXPECT to put in the time with him or her.
They just need constant attention, praise & play.
Constantly praise them when they do good.
These dogs ENJOY making you happy & proud.
He will be 4 in June we have had him since he was about 4 weeks old the mom (Rot) she passed so I became the momma in every sense of the word.
We have 3 cats he gets along best with the 16yr old Maine Coon mix. Spotzy was here 1st & doesn’t let a minute go by without reminding Roscoe of that The younger 2 they could live just fine without this big dog chasing them throughout the house.
Big Bones are a must don’t even waste your time & money on smaller size bones. Get the $20 ones they are heavy but those jaws will handle them just fine & the bones will save him or her from getting into things they shouldn’t get into.
Other than that BE AS LOVING AS YOU CAN ….that’s ALL they really want is Just to be loved.