Are you thinking about getting a dog that has the loyalty of a Rottweiler and the intelligence and adaptability of a Pit Bull? Well, Meet the Pitbull Rottweiler mix or otherwise known as the Pitweiler or Rottie. An adorable pooch with a friendly personality, protective nature, and affectionate disposition.
If you’re in search of an all-around fabulous pet companion, this beautiful breed mix could be just what you need. In this guide, we’ll take a detailed look at this popular breed. You’ll learn more about why these smart pups make such reliable canine companions as well as tips on how to train them properly to maximize their potential. Now let’s get started!
A brief history of the Rottweiler Pitbull mix
The Rottweiler Pitbull is a cross between the Rottweiler and any Pit Bull breed dog.
The two breeds were chosen for their loyalty, strength, and protective nature. The resulting breed has many of these same qualities, along with intelligence and a calm temperament. Many breeders and potential owners are attracted to this mix because of its strong guard-dog capabilities as well as its companionability with people and other animals.
They are often used in police work and military operations due to their obedience training abilities. Its popularity has grown steadily over the years, making it one of the most sought-after hybrid dogs.
The Parent Breeds
To fully understand this wonderful combination, you need to learn more about the parent breeds. The Pitbull Rottweiler mix is a hybrid breed of two amazing parental breeds that have long and rich histories. Let’s dive in to see how this unique hybrid dog came to be.
History of the Rottweiler – a purebred dog
The Rottweiler dog is a breed with a long and rich history. It is thought to have originated from the ancient Roman drover dogs, which were used by Roman soldiers to protect their livestock while they marched through Europe. The Romans also used these dogs to herd cattle and other animals into markets.
After the fall of Rome, many of the drover dogs were left behind in what is now Germany. Over time, these dogs interbred with local dogs, resulting in a breed that eventually became known as the Rottweiler. In the early 1800s, the breed was further refined by German butchers who used them to pull carts carrying meat to markets.
The breed gets its well-known name: “Rottweil” which comes from “Rote Wil” or “red tile” which describes the red tiles roofs of the houses in the German town of Wurtemberg, the place they are thought to have originated from.
By the beginning of World War I, Rottweilers had become popular across Europe for their strength and courage. The breed was used as police and guard dogs, as well as messenger and search-and-rescue dogs during both world wars. By 1931, they had earned recognition from the American Kennel Club and began appearing in United States dog shows.
Today, Rottweilers are primarily kept as companion animals, but still retain their working heritage. They are often found competing in obedience trials and agility competitions around the world due to their intelligence and trainability. They also continue to be popular guard and security animals thanks to their natural protective instincts towards their family members and property.
History of the Pitbull – a mixed breed dog
The Pit Bull or Pittie is a type of dog that has been around for centuries, dating back to the early 1800s in England and Scotland. The animals were bred for a cruel fighting sport known as “bull baiting”. But, in 1835, the British Parliament enacted the Cruelty to Animals Act to put an end to it.
However, their popularity did not decrease. Over time, they were used as strong working dogs, for tasks such as hunting wild animals and guarding farms, estates, and personal property. The breed’s popularity in the United States began when Staffordshire Bull Terriers were brought over from England shortly after the Civil War. The breed was crossbred to produce what is now known as the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Pit Bulls have had a varied history throughout their existence; during World War I and II, they were seen as a national mascot and appeared in many patriot advertisements. Sergeant “Stubby” (American Pit Bull Terrier mix) was an iconic mascot of American troops, symbolizing strength and loyalty. Unfortunately, due to their ferocious nature, they have also come to be associated with aggression and violence, particularly by irresponsible owners who have trained them for this purpose, which resulted in some countries banning them altogether. This undeserved reputation has led many people to misunderstand the true nature of these loving companions who are typically friendly and loyal family pets if treated right.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize the Pit Bull as a breed. They are part of the “Terrier Group”. It is considered that they are not distinct enough from the American Staffordshire Terrier.
Today, Pit Bulls are beloved family members across many countries around the world; eager to please and incredibly intelligent, they thrive off human companionship, making them excellent therapy animals or canine ambassadors for animal welfare initiatives.
The Rottweiler Pitbull mix – Colors and pattern
The Rottweiler Pitbull has an impressive array of colors and patterns. They can take on the traits of both parents, so predicting their color and pattern is difficult. They can inherit the traditional combination of the Black and Tan dark coat of the Rottweiler parent combined with the brindle pattern of the Pit Bull parent.
However, they can also come in Brown, White, Blue, or fawn colorations. All of these variations are further enhanced by fine markings and patches that lend them a truly distinctive look.
What are the main characteristics of a Pitweiler?
A Pitweiler typically takes on a mix of characteristics from both of its parent breeds, although it may be more similar to one than the other. Their health can vary depending on which parent breed they inherit more traits from, or they may not inherit any health issues from either breed.
All in all, there are a number of factors that contribute to the characteristics of Pitweilers, including the genetics of the parents, the environment they’re raised in, as well as the amount, and quality of training and socialization they receive.
Loyalty and Companionship with the Rottweiler Pitbull mix
There is nothing like the loyalty and companionship of a Pitbull Rottweiler mix breed dog. These dogs are always eager to please their owners, which will reveal their unwavering loyalty and devotion in times of both joy and sorrow. They are extremely affectionate and loving, often acting as a surrogate family member or companion.
With proper training and socialization from an early age, they can learn to be gentle and kind, forming close bonds with their human family members. As such, they make terrific family pets as well as faithful guardians for single people who enjoy the company of a loyal canine companion.
Reputation of the Rottweiler Pitbull mix
While the Pit Bull’s tenaciousness and strength may give off an intimidating appearance, it is not generally considered violent. On the other hand, despite their ferocious reputation, those who have responsibly owned Rottweilers know them to be gentle giants that are eager to please. The combination of these traits can make for an intelligent and obedient Pitweiler companion, especially when provided with adequate training and exercise.
Popularity of the Rottweiler Pitbull mix
The Bullrottie is quickly becoming one of the more popular hybrid dog breeds around the world. While they may not rank highly on lists of the most popular purebreds, they have attracted much attention due to their unique combination of characteristics from both parent breeds.
Trainability of the Rottweiler Pitbull mix
With proper training, these dogs can learn basic commands quickly and excel in obedience training. They will also benefit from early socialization with other animals, people, and environments in order to become more confident and well-rounded.
Clicker training is a great way to teach a Pitbull Rottweiler mix, as it can help them associate positive behaviors with rewards. Positive reinforcement and consistency are also key components of successful training. With patience, dedication, and the right methods, this breed can flourish and learn how to behave appropriately, quickly becoming a loving companion.
Power and Intelligence of the Pitbull Rottweiler mix
This breed is known as a powerful and intelligent canine. Its muscular build makes it an agile and strong animal capable of carrying out tasks with ease. It has a strong, dominant personality, with key traits like courage and determination. They also have independent minds and will not back down from a challenge.
Furthermore, their intelligence allows them to learn commands quickly and remember them for long periods of time, allowing owners to easily and effectively train their pets. This makes them ideal for obedience competitions and other activities that require a smart dog that can take rapid instructions.
As mentioned before, a Pitbull Rottweiler mix breed dog should be socialized early and often to ensure that it is comfortable in a variety of environments and situations. Socializing a puppy will help them learn how to interact with other people, animals, and new experiences. This should start from the moment you bring your pup home.
Allow them to meet as many people as possible in an enjoyable way. Encourage their exploration of their environment by introducing them to new places, smells, noises and textures. Reward good behavior with treats and praise while also teaching boundaries and discipline.
Consistent training will help your pup learn the proper way to behave at all times, no matter what the situation may be. With consistent socialization and learning discipline, your Pitbull Rottweiler mix breed dog can become a well-mannered companion for life.
Behavior of Pitweiler mix
A Pitbull Rottweiler mix breed behavior is defined by their intelligence, loyalty, and strong-willed nature. They are very active, so it’s essential to get them plenty of exercise to help prevent destructive behaviors like chewing and digging.
With proper firm guidance and loving attention, this breed can be an affectionate and devoted companion; however, due to their strength and size, children should not be left alone with them unsupervised.
Physical Characteristics of the Pitweiler
This breed of dog is considered a large-sized canine with a muscular body. The male and female stand between 17 to 25 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 100 pounds.
Its short coat can vary from light and fine like a Pit Bull to thick and dense like a Rottweiler. This is depending on which parent it takes after. It also is a light shedder.
There can be various coat colors and patterns depending on the parent traits they inherit, including Black and Tan, Brown, Fawn, White or Blue with a merle or brindle pattern.
Temperament of the Pitweiler
The Rottie is a powerful, self-assured dog with a bold and confident nature. It is an intelligent breed, which means it can be quite independent-minded and strong-willed at times.
This breed is known for its tenacity and courage, so owners need to provide plenty of consistent training to ensure their pet remains obedient and well-behaved. Due to their natural prey drive, it is extremely important to supervise these breeds closely when around small children or other animals.
Health Problems and Health Issues of Pitweiler
Just like any other mixed-breed dog, they can suffer from a variety of health problems and issues, including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, both of which are common joint conditions that can cause pain, lameness, and decreased mobility.
The breed is also prone to developing cataract eye disease, which causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy and may eventually lead to blindness.
These dogs are also susceptible to bloat, an acute digestive condition characterized by an accumulation of gas or fluid in the abdomen that requires immediate medical attention.
It is important for pet owners to be aware of these potential health issues and take steps to prevent them from occurring. Regular vet visits and a proper diet can help keep your pet in peak health throughout its lifetime.
Exercise Needs of the Rottweiler and Pitbull mix
Ideally, they need to lead an active lifestyle with plenty of exercise to stay fit and healthy. A Rottie will need regular daily walks, play sessions, mental stimulation, and activities designed for their breed.
To maintain their energy level, they should have at least two hours of exercise every day divided into a combination of physical activity and mentally stimulating activities such as agility training or puzzle toys. Such exercises help strengthen their muscles and bones, maintain strong joints, and keep their minds stimulated and engaged.
Feeding of the Rottweiler and Pitbull mix
It is important that a Pitbull Rottweiler mix breed dog is fed twice a day to prevent bloat, with no sudden changes in the diet because this can shock their digestive system and cause diarrhea. Instead, gradually introduce new foods over time.
When introducing new foods, start off with smaller portions and increase the amount over a period of days. To ensure optimal nutrition, the food should be tailored to the dog’s age, size, and activity level. The food should contain all essential nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins in adequate amounts.
Additionally, if feeding treats, they should not exceed 10% of the dog’s daily calorie intake. And don’t forget to always make sure to provide fresh water for your pup.
Grooming the Rottweiler and Pitbull mix
Grooming needs are minimal for a Pitbull Rottweiler mix breed dog. This breed of dog sheds lightly, so occasional brushing and combing can be done to keep the coat in good condition. It is also important to regularly check the dog’s nails and trim them as needed.
This breed often has sensitive skin, so it’s essential to use shampoo designed specifically for sensitive skin dogs and to avoid any harsh chemicals that may cause irritation. Additionally, brushing their teeth can help prevent gum disease and maintain a healthy mouth.
Lifestyle of the Pitweiler
The energetic nature of this mixed breed demands regular daily activities that involve running, walking, playing fetch, and even agility or obedience classes. As a guardian breed, they enjoy having a job to do, so providing them with tasks such as herding livestock or becoming an emotional support animal can be beneficial to their overall well-being.
They need a loving home environment where they can build strong bonds with family members. Healthy diet choices should be made in order to maintain their active lifestyle, as well as regular trips to the vet for necessary preventative care treatments.
Final Thoughts
Finally, it’s always important to remember that regardless of breed, every dog is unique and no two personalities will be the same.
If you are considering welcoming a Pitbull Rottweiler into your life, it’s essential for any potential pet owners to research the breed thoroughly before purchasing a pup or adopting an adult dog in order to ensure that their personality is the right fit.
Owning one of these awesome mutts will surely bring years of friendship and blissful household moments. They are the exact mix of equal parts, protective and playful. So, if you think you’re ready for one of these bundles of joy, get out there and find your Pit-Rott companion today.