The Pitbull Rottweiler mix is a large-sized dog created by breeding a Rottweiler and an American Pit Bull Terrier. The result is a loving, protective family pet that requires plenty of exercise but will give years of love and affection in return!
The Pitbull Rottweiler likely appeared sometime in the last thirty years and became a near-instant hit among those who love mixed-breed dogs, due to its combination of the Rottweiler’s protective nature and the Pitbull’s goofy, loving temperament.
Photo credit: amyzstyledogtraining
You can expect your Rottie Pit to be a more muscular version of the Rottweiler, with a slightly more stubborn streak than you’d expect. Rottweiler Pitbulls make incredible guard dogs for any family home and are active enough to keep you on your toes!
In this guide, we’ll explore the history, temperaments, popularity, and suitability of both parent breeds to help you decide whether or not the Rottweiler Pitbull is the right mix for you.
Pitbull Rottweiler Mix – At a glance
| Weight: | 45–100 pounds |
| Height: | 18–26 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10–13 years |
| Coat colours: | Black & brown, tan, blue, fawn, sometimes white. |
| Temperament: | Playful, energetic, active, friendly, loyal, protective. |
| Suitable for: | Active families, active single individuals. |
What Does a Pitbull Rottweiler Mix Look Like?
As with all designer dogs, the Rottweiler Pitbull mix will inherit its physical appearance from both parent breeds. Your Rottie Pit will likely inherit the broad chest and powerful shoulders of the American Pit Bull Terrier, with a shorter body than a traditional Rottweiler.
Its coat may be short or medium-length and dense, with minimal shedding, meaning minimal brushing! The Rottweiler Pitbull’s face will likely inherit the facial features of the Rottweiler – a longer snout and wedge-shaped head, along with triangular ears that fold forward.
Photo credit: three.rescue.mutts
Despite their intimidating appearance, the Rottweiler Pit embodies the perfect gentle giant of family dogs.
The History of the Pitbull Rottweiler Mix
Unfortunately, not much is known about the history of Rottweiler Pitbull mix. Like most mixed-breed dogs, it became popular during the 1990s and early 2000s, when crossbreeding was all the rage in the American canine community.
Luckily, we can glean plenty from the histories of their parent dogs – the Rottweiler and the American Pit Bull Terrier. Both of these dogs are of European origin and were bred centuries ago – the Rottweiler is one of the oldest surviving dog breeds, likely originating during the days of the Roman Empire in Germany. Meanwhile, the American Pit Bull Terrier, or Pitbull, began life in 19th-century England, before becoming an American icon.
The History of the Rottweiler
As mentioned above, the Rottweiler dates back centuries. Its precise origins are unknown. However, it is widely accepted that the Rottie began life as a guard dog and a herding dog, aiding the Romans in their march over the Alps around 218 B.C.
In the German region of Rottweil, the “Rottweiler” was created by mixing – likely as a result of accidental mating – those guardian dogs of Roman cattle with local dogs to create the modern Rottweiler that you see today.
Following the Roman conquest, Rottweilers still found utility as guard dogs and herding dogs, often used by German butchers in the centuries that followed. During the First and Second World War, Rottweilers found multiple uses as ambulance dogs (likely pulling stretchers through battlefields), guard dogs (of soldier encampments and POW camps), and as messenger-carrying dogs.
How Popular Are Rottweiler?
Rottweilers likely arrived in the United States after the First World War, and quickly became very popular as guard dogs and family pets. The Rottweiler was officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1931 and was one of the most popular dogs of the 1990s.
Their popularity hasn’t dimmed in the thirty years since the height of their popularity. In 2021, Rottweilers reached 8th place in the AKC’s yearly popularity rankings.
Who Are Rottweilers a Good Dog For?
Rottweilers are fantastic loyal companions for any family unit or a single individual who can keep up with their moderate to high energy levels. Given the Rottweiler’s need for physical exercise, a house and yard are the most suitable option, or access to a nearby dog park.
In addition, Rottweilers need mental exercises to keep their minds sharp. This can be any toy that can make them think or something simple like a KONG toy with treats inside.
Because of their size and strength, Rottweilers aren’t recommended for the elderly or those living in apartments.
How Did Rottweilers Come About?
Rottweilers are one of the world’s oldest-surviving dog breeds from ancient times. Using by the Roman legions of Hannibal during his crossing of the Alps in 218 B.C., the Rottweiler’s origins in the German region of Rottweil can be traced to the intermingling of those guardians of Roman Legions and the local dogs of Rottweil.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Rottweiler?
Given their size, strength, and loving, loyal temperament, Rottweilers make popular hybrid breeds. In the 1990s and early 2000s, the Rottweiler was crossbred with a variety of different dogs – likely including the Pitbull Terrier.
Here are a few other popular Rottweiler crosses:
- Rottweiler Catahoula Mix (Rottiehoula)
- Rottweiler Chihuahua Mix (Rottchi)
- Great Pyrenees Rottweiler Mix (Pyrenean Rottweiler)
- Corgi Rottweiler Mix (Rottie Corgi)
- Rottweiler Labrador Mix (Labrottie)
The History of the Pitbull
The American Pit Bull Terrier, more commonly simply known as a Pitbull, is a medium-sized companion pet with an unfortunate history that was reborn in the United States. Originally bred as a fighting dog and bull-baiting dog in England in the late 18th or early 19th century, the Pit Bull Terrier had a rough life initially.
The blood sport of bull-baiting was popular in the United Kingdom at the time, and Pitbulls were bred for this purpose. Made from the Olde English Bulldog and Old White Terrier, the Pitbull Terrier was let into a field, with an angry bull cow – the goal was to create a dog that was fast and agile enough to give the pissed off bull some competition.
In 1835, the British Government passed the Cruelty Against Animals Act, making it illegal for ‘bull-baiting’ to continue, along with dog fighting and a variety of other cruel ‘sports’.
Thus, the Pitbull made its way to the United States, after falling out of favor with the British. It became the American Pit Bull Terrier and was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1934, though not by the American Kennel Club.
Pit Bulls are beloved family pets, though their ownership is illegal in some U.S. cities and many Western countries.
How Popular Are Pitbulls?
Pitbulls are quite a popular breed, despite their murky legal status! Given that the American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize the breed, population statistics are hard to come by. However, other sources estimate the Pitbull are nearly 20% of the American ‘strong dog’ population.
Who Are Pitbulls a Good Dog For?
Given their size and strength, Pitbull Terriers aren’t for everyone. They can be very energetic and spry dogs, with the agility and endurance that best befits a house and yard, or a large dog park to expend their energy.
Despite their aggressive history, they are excellent family dogs and will become loyal family members once accustomed to their new pack. Pitbulls can show aggression around smaller pets, thanks to their prey drive, so be wary of this if you have rodents, or other smaller animals.
Because of their size and strength, American Pit Bull Terriers aren’t suitable for the elderly. They can display destructive behavior if left alone in an apartment due to their high propensity for separation anxiety.
How Did Pitbulls Come About?
The American Pit Bull Terrier was originally bred in England in the late 17th and early 18th century from the Olde English Bulldog and Old English Terriers. They were bred to be fighting dogs and to participate in various blood sports that were popular in England at the time.
Since the banning of many of these blood sports in 1835, the Pitbull made its way to the United States sometime between 1845 and 1860. There, it found new life and became the American Pit Bull Terrier.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Pitbull?
The Pitbull has long been a popular mixed-breed dog, partially as a way to resolve its uncertain legal status in many American cities and states. This crossbreeding likely began sometime in the 1990s and early 2000s, as a crossbreeding craze swept the United States.
There are several popular Pitbull crosses today. These include:
- Pitbull Shih Tzu Mix (Pit Shih)
- Pitbull Doberman Mix (Doberman Pit)
- Pitbull Catahoula Mix (Pitahoula)
- Pitbull Greyhound Mix (Grey Pit)
- Pitbull Yorkie Mix (Yorkie Pit)
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
One of the most important parts of finding an excellent family pet is ensuring that your dog and you/your family match temperamentally. Essentially, this means finding a dog that’s similar to you and your family in various ways so that you can enjoy each other’s company without having to make extreme or unnecessary adjustments to your respective lives.
What is the Temperament of the Pitbull Rottweiler Mix?
Luckily for most families, the Rottweiler Pitbull mix will be the perfect family companion. Its loving and loyal nature will more than make up for its hyperactivity – which may be present thanks to its Pitbull genes. You may find that your Rottweiler Pitbull mix is slightly aloof around strangers, though you don’t necessarily anticipate aggressive behavior. This can be rectified with proper training – although you should use positive reinforcement techniques (otherwise known as reward-based training) rather than admonishment.
Your Rottweiler Pitbull mix will also think it’s a lap dog from time to time!
Is The Pitbull Rottweiler Mix Friendly?
Despite the Pitbull Rottweiler mix’s formidable appearance, you can expect your Rottie Pit to be a very friendly dog.
Is The Pitbull Rottweiler Mix Easy to Train?
You may experience a bit of initial stubbornness from your Pitbull Rottweiler mix, but expect them to respond well to training with some persistence.
How Much Can A Pitbull Rottweiler Mix Weigh?
There’s a lot of variation in the weights of Rottweiler Pitbull mixes, but most weigh between 45 and 100 pounds!
How Tall Can A Pitbull Rottweiler Mix Get?
The average height of a Rottweiler Pitbull mix is between 18 and 26 inches tall.
Similar-Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Rottweiler Pitbull. These include:
- Labrador Retriever
- Chow Chow
- Boxer
- German Shepherd
- Doberman Pinscher
Does the Pitbull Rottweiler Mix Shed?
Given the short coat of the Rottweiler Pitbull, you can expect a light shedding dog that will still require regular brushing, but you won’t be left with enough hair to knit a small Corgi.
How Much Exercise Does A Pitbull Rottweiler Mix Require?
In terms of exercise, Pitbull Rottweilers are some of the most energy-intensive dogs. They require plenty of physical activity – likely up to 45 minutes of daily exercise.
The proper exercise involves walking and mental stimulation for this breed. Games such as fetch can improve mental stimulation, but so can a KONG toy filled with their favorite treats. Be sure to work some games into your exercise routine.
How Long Can a Pitbull Rottweiler Mix Live?
The average lifespan of a Rottweiler Pitbull is between 10 and 13 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Pitbull Rottweiler Mix Have?
- Elbow Dysplasia (Elbow joint inflammation)
- Aortic Stenosis (Congenital heart defect)
- Cataracts (Eye condition)
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) (Bloating)
- Hip Dysplasia (Hip joint inflammation)
How Can You Find a Pitbull Rottweiler Mix Puppy For Sale?
Before looking for a Rottweiler Pitbull to buy, check and see if anyone has dropped off this hybrid breed at a local vet clinic or animal shelter. Sometimes, Rottweiler Pitbulls result from accidental breeding and are placed up for adoption by their breeder. Or, they’re not the right fit for a family, and they’re being re-homed.
If you strike out in-person in your search for a Rottweiler Pitbull, you can try searching online at AdoptAPet.com
How Much Does a Pitbull Rottweiler Mix Puppy Cost?
The average cost of a Rottweiler Pitbull mix is around $500 and up! This is almost double the cost of most adoptions. Yet another reason to consider adopting a Rottweiler Pitbull mix, instead of purchasing from a breeder.
However, if you’re intent on purchasing your Rottweiler Pitbull mixes from a breeder, you’ll want to ensure that you’re buying from a reputable source. To help you eliminate the wheat from the chaff and avoid puppy mills (like the plague that they are), we’ve created this guide.
Finding a reputable breeder can be a difficult task. Our handy guide breaks down what to look for in a good breeder and how to spot a puppy mill, including other useful tips. We highly recommend you read it before parting with any of your money!
Is the Pitbull Rottweiler Mix the Right Breed For You?
If you’ve been looking for an outdoorsy, active breed that’ll run you ragged, then cuddle up to you on the couch, the Rottweiler Pitbull might be what you’ve been looking for!
If you’re uncertain or unsure about getting a Pitbull Rottweiler, we have created dozens of other breed guides to browse to see if your next family companion is there!