What You Need to Know About Rottweiler Mixes

By Sharon Davies

Rottweilers like to mix it up in many kinds of ways, which is one reason why there are so many Rottweiler mixed breed dogs in the world today. The cross most on it's way to becoming its own breed is the Rotterman (Rottweiler and Doberman Pinscher). Rottweilers also seem to cross often with German Shepherds, although there isn't a cute name for that cross yet. Mixed breed dogs are generally healthier than purebreds, but they still will need to go to the vet annually.

One cross that does have a cute name and a loyal following is the St. Weiler (that's right - a Rottweiler and Saint Bernard). Since these are massive dogs, they need a lot of room, a lot of food and a lot of care. Big dogs are prone to a lot of structural problems that is due to their size and not due to their breed. Although not giants like Irish Wolfhounds, they are usually over one hundred pounds and rarely live beyond ten years of age (giant size dogs live only six years, on average.) The average length of a purebred Rottweiler's life is 1twelve.

And the Rottweiler mixed breeds recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club keep on coming. A cross between an Afghan Hound and a Rottweiler is a Rottaf. A cross between a Rottweiler and an English Bulldog is an English Bullweiler. And a cross between a Brussells Griffon and a Rottweiler is (are you ready) a Brotweiler. Less comically and more practically, a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Rottweiler is called a Labrottie and is hoped to calm the Rottweiler down, while still retaining both breed's love of their families.

You can't show these dogs in a big show like Westminster, but Rottweiler mixed breeds can make excellent companions and friends. You do need to know the traits of both breeds involved in the mix before you go adopt or purchase one. You need to learn as much Rottweiler information as you can as well as much information on the other breed. The odds are, any Rottweiler mix will be a high-energy dog that is protective and wary of strangers.

The future looks good for a Rottweiler mix, as the breeding of them seems to be more concerned with making a healthy, happy family companion. The good traits of being a guard dog and gentle with kids seems to be crossing (for the most part) to the designer dog offspring. Any big dog needs a lot of space and a lot of food. Be ready to clean up a lot of messes as well.

Large, active dogs often do not know their own strength and may accidentally hurt you. Rottweiler mixes seem to be more exuberant and high on life than mean or vicious. Any large dog needs a healthy diet and regular exercise to help curb the energy. They also really should be neutered, as this will not only make them healthier, but more eager to pay attention to your wishes. Rottweiler mixes are often incredibly beautiful dogs with big feet.

Sharon Davies loves everything having to do with dogs, including Rottweiler mixes. Rottweiler mixed breeds deserve all of the same attention as Rottweiler purebreds. Really good Rottweiler information can be found at the library or on the Internet.