There is sometimes confusion over what actually constitutes a Pitbull dog breed but what is it called when it’s a Rottweiler and Pitbull Mix? This mixed breed is often referred to as a:
- Pitweiler
- Rottie
- Rottweiler mix
- Pitbull Rottweiler mix
- Rottweiler Pitbull mix
- Rottbull, Rottie Pit
- Prott
- Rotten Pit
- Or simply just another Pitbull mix dog.
A Rottweiler Pitbull mix, most commonly referred to as a Pitweiler, is a very strong, large-sized, mixed-breed dog that would make a good guard dog, or family watch dog.
Pitweilers come in a variety of coat colors, depending on the parent mix, but they are all likely to inherit a short coat, wide head and deep muzzle, with big teeth!
Despite its somewhat fearsome appearance a Pitweiler can be loyal and loving, but is sometimes aloof. It is a very energetic and solidly-built dog whose exercise requirements should not be underestimated. This muscular dog is active and will need supervision around young children and other dogs.
With early behavioral and socialization training this dog breed can be both affectionate and protective, and become a loyal family dog.
A Pitweiler puppy is a great example of a very cute mixed breed dog.
A Brief History of the Rottweiler Pitbull Mix
A Rottweiler Pitbull mix is a cross between a purebred Rottweiler dog and a Pitbull-type dog.
When two different dog breeds are intentionally mixed it what’s known as a designer dog; this hybrid dog is sometimes nicknamed a ‘Rottie’.
The parent breeds’ history:
History of the Rottweiler – a purebred dog
The Rottweiler is a purebred large dog breed that was used to herd and guard cattle, when traveling with Roman soldiers in their quest to conquer Europe; their primary food source on route. Their alertness, discipline and endurance made them the ideal guard dog.
Fact: The Rottweiler is considered the oldest known herding dog with its origins traceable back to Roman times, where they are believed to have descended from Roman drover dogs: a mastiff-like dog.
Their intelligence, strength, and energy levels meant that these large dogs proved useful during the World Wars as guard dogs and for messenger and ambulance duties. They are still used today for this type of support and search and rescue activity.
History of the Pitbull – a mixed breed dog
During the early 19th century, in the United Kingdom, there was a desire to create strong dogs for pit and dog fighting, bull-baiting, bear-baiting and other aggressive-type blood sports for entertainment.
Old English Bulldogs and Old Terrier dog breeds were crossbred for this purpose
This combined the fierce nature and loyalty characteristics of the Bulldog and the intelligence and cunning nature of the Terrier breed to produce a perfect breed for dog fighting: the Pitbull.
Fact: The original Old English Bulldogs and the Old English Terriers are both now extinct breeds
Around 1845, these Pitbull mixed breed dogs soon made it to the US and were bred specifically as fighting dogs. They became known by the name American Pitbull Terrier and were recognized as a part of the bull dog breed. They are often referred to as a bully breed or dangerous dog breed with a prey drive.
However, shortly after arriving in America it was realized that this Pitbull mixed breed dog, in the right hands, was actually a loving and caring pooch around children. This earned it the nickname ‘The Nanny Dog’.
The American Pitbull Terrier is a pure bred dog but it is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). It is however recognized by the UK Kennel Club and the American Dog Breeders Association.
Fact: In 1835, Great Britain, UK, introduced Animal Welfare laws and banned blood sports such as bull baiting and bear baiting.
In 1898, the United Kennel Club (UK) recognized the American Pit Bull terrier breed.
In 1976, dog fighting was finally banned in all states of America
Fact: ‘Pitbull’, is the generic name given to a breed of dog that is part of the Bulldog or Terrier breeds, such as the American Staffordshire Terrier or American Pit bull Terrier.
Although the Pitbull breed is not registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC), some individual breeds within the Bull dog and Terrier types of dogs are.
Gaining Popularity
The Rottweiler Pitbull mix is the impressive hybrid offspring of these two well-known and powerful dogs and is slowly gaining popularity as a family dog, as much as it is recognized as a watch dog.
It is not known exactly when the Rottweiler Pitbull mix dog was first bred, or why, but as they are both naturally strong and determined dogs perhaps they just seemed a natural combination for a protective mixed breed of dog.
Fact: This mixed breed dog may be listed on the dangerous dog in many countries and therefore banned.
The Rottweiler Pitbull mix –Colors and pattern
As the Pitweiler is a mixed breed dog, its appearance is more difficult to predict than a purebred dog. Considering the parent breeds there is a range of possible coat colors for this pooch.
A Pitweiler can come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including: Black and Tan, Brown, White, Blue, and Fawn with a merle or brindle pattern (associated with the Pitbull parent)
Fact: ‘Brindle’ describes the dog coat color and pattern: a Tiger Stripe pattern. The base color is normally a fawn, tawny brown or dark brown.
What are the main characteristics of a Pitweiler?
As a crossbred dog, Pitbull Rottweiler mixes can inherit the characteristics of either parent or both. It is thought that a crossbred dog is more likely to inherit health problems than purebred dogs; however, a puppy mixed dog can inherit all, some or none of the health problems its parent breeds have.
Fact: Not all dogs from mixed breeds inherit 50% of their characteristics from one parent and 50% from the other. It can be heavily weighted towards the characteristics of one parent more than the other.
In the example of the Pitweiler puppy, it can be more like a Rottweiler puppy than a Pit mix puppy, or more like the pit bull-type dogs.
The characteristics of Pitweilers are a combination of nature and nurture: genetics of the parents, the environment, and the quality, type, and amount of training and socialization.
Loyalty and companionship
Any Rottweiler mix or Pitbull mix breed dog, when trained and socialized properly, can make a loyal companion, for any doggie lover. They can be very loving and affectionate dogs and enjoy company, and the more active their lifestyle the better.
Reputation:
Any Pit mix dog is still associated with its previous reputation as a bully-dog breed, with a prey drive; famous for dog fighting. The Rottweiler, like the German Shepherd, is a confident breed that looks fiercer than its behavior displays.
Any Pit bull mix breed such as the American Staffordshire Terrier is often misunderstood and still suffers from the stigma of a dangerous dog, not a family pet-type breed of dog. However, owners of Rottie Pits know that when handled correctly and properly trained they can be an affectionate and caring family dog.
Popularity:
Although they are growing in popularity as a dog breed, they don’t actually rank that highly in the lists of the world’s most popular dogs!
This mix is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as it is not a purebred dog.
The Rottweiler purebred dog is recognized by the AKC and ranks the 8th most popular dog in the US. The Pitbull is not a purebred dog and is therefore not recognized by the AKC and therefore not ranked in their most popular dogs list.
The general ‘Bull’ dog breed is and ranks as the 5th most popular dog in the US.
Trainability:
A Pitweiler puppy needs to be trained and socialized as early as possible. This is another strong and muscular dog breed that needs to learn control. Positive reinforcement and reward-based training is advisable for this dog breed as is very confident and needs to build trust with its owner.
A Pitbull Rottweiler mix dog should be trained slowly, not be negatively punished, challenged directly, or locked up for misbehavior. Always reinforce change gradually and praise good behavior and learning. Clicker training works well with this dog breed.
This mixed breed is no more likely to bite than any other dog breed however with their physical strength and very powerful jaw means that any attack is likely to leave lasting damage.
The Pitweiler is very energetic so a Pitweiler Pitbull puppy will need at least one hour a day minimum, building up 1-2 hours a day in adulthood
Power and intelligence:
They are smart, very powerful with a muscular, solid build from two breeds can be aggressive if not trained and handled properly. Only knowledge of the parents’ history will indicate how powerful it might become.
Socialization:
Early socialization and learning discipline is strongly recommended for any Pitbull mix dog. This type of hybrid dog with two very strong, guard dog-type parents needs to become used to other dogs and children if it is to fit in. A busy and very active family environment is best.
Purpose:
Both parents were bred as fearless working dogs, one for fighting and the other for herding. Over time both have used their skills for good activities such as search and rescue, as both can follow orders and commands. A Rottie Pit can be a disciplined and protective family pet.
Behavior:
This breed can be strong-willed and needs to be trained early as it can easily and will become destructive. Children should not be left alone with any Rottweiler mix or Pit mix and must be taught how to treat these dogs with respect; the dos and don’ts around any powerful dog.
Physical Characteristics of the Pitweiler
Size: The Rottweiler Pitbull mix is considered a large-sized dog breed that has a solid and muscular build, with the appearance of a fearsome guard dog.
| Male | Female | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large-sized | Large-sized |
| Height | 18-25” (46-64cm) | 17-20” (43-51cm) |
| Weight | 40lb- 100lb (18-45kg) | 40lb- 100lb (18-45kg) |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Litter Size | Average 8 puppies/litter |
Coat: A short coat that is can be light and fine like the Pitbull or thick and dense like the Rottweiler. This breed does not shed much
Color: The coat color is influenced by the parents, and can be Black and Tan, Brown, Fawn, White or Blue with a merle or brindle pattern
Temperament:
The Rottweiler Pitbull mix can be strong-willed and stubborn. This Rottie has a very high energy level and can become a destructive mutt when not exercised enough. With careful training and socialization they can be affectionate, loving and loyal and very protective of their family.
How should you train a Rottweiler Pitbull mix dog?
Both the Rottweiler breed and the Pitbull type breed have a reputation for being aggressive and dangerous if not trained properly. The boundaries need to be set early for this mixed breed dog. Gradual fun and positive reinforcement and reward based training work best.
Never hit or raise your voice to this breed during training as it may challenge this Pitweiler to react negatively.
Types of training required: obedience, discipline, agility and socialization.
So, if you are not going to use a professional dog trainer:
1) Develop your basic command words: Find keywords such as Stop, Sit, Down, etc. and be consistent each time you use them with positive reinforcement and small treats as a reward. This hybrid dog will try to dominate and this must be controlled early in training.
2) Crate – Buy a crate and gently get this puppy used to going into it. This will eventually become its nest and it will sleep there. You will have to lock the cage in the early days so it knows it has to sleep there and it’s useful to experience for when you need to transport it.
3) Potty training – May be hit and miss for any new puppy who gets easily excited and lacks control, however products are available, such as mats and odor sprays to attract puppy go to the same spot each time. Eventually the puppy with your help, will learn where and where not to go. They will eventually become creatures of habit and regulate their need and place to use.
4) Walking on a leash – Voice commands and road awareness is important for puppy’s safety.
Health problems and health issues
What health issues can a Rottweiler Pitbull mix suffer from?
Hip Dysplasia (and elbow dysplasia) – this is common in many large breeds of dog. Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint, where the ball at the top of the leg does not fit properly into the socket and the ligaments attaching it are weak. This allows excess movement of the fitting which can eventually lead to stiffness and pain for the dog.
Continuous use, wear and tear with this highly active breed can lead to hip degeneration in one or sometimes both hips causing pain and a limit on the dog’s mobility. Even with early diagnosis and treatment, it can lead to further issues such as arthritis, extreme pain, and even osteoarthritis.
Early warning signs are visual stiffness then walking, a reluctance to get up when prompted and a difference in walking style; limp or caution. It can occur at any age. The health history of the parents might help predict if it’s likely.
There is no cure for hip dysplasia; pain management and anti-inflammatories may be prescribed by the Vet. Care must be taken not to allow the dog to jump too much or risk slipping or falling and be mindful of the possible pain caused by exertion.
Cataract eye disease – both the Pitbull and Rottweiler breeds are prone to developing eye problems so it’s recommended that a Pitweiler dog has its eyes checked regularly by a vet.
Bloat – any large dog that eats quickly or drinks a lot before exercising can suffer from this dangerous excessive gas build-up.
Other health issues include skin conditions and allergies, aortic stenosis and Addison’s disease.
How do you care for a Pitweiler dog?
Exercise needs
This hybrid dog is powerful and naturally active with great stamina, so will need lots of mixed exercise that blends fun and challenges. They’re more suited to larger living spaces with outdoor access than apartments.
Early leash training, and road awareness is strongly recommended for this strong-willed and often stubborn puppy’s safety.
Feeding
Feed as a large-sized dog. They should be fed twice a day to prevent bloat, a typical build-up of gas that affects dogs that either eat too quickly or drink too much before exercise.
Fact: Any sudden change in diet or change of dog food brand can cause diarrhea in a puppy. So any change must be gradual. If changing the brand of dry food, mix some of the new with original and increase new brand gradually.
Grooming
This mixed breed dog has a short coat from both parents and does not shed much therefore it is fairly low maintenance, and requires minimal brushing.
Bathing
This short-haired dog does not need regular bathing, only when required. Certain dog formulated shampoos have a double effect of cleaning the dog coat and protecting it against fleas and insect bites.
Cleaning teeth, nails, and ears
As with all dogs, their teeth need to be cleaned regularly to prevent a build-up of plaque. Chewing breaks down plaque, so use doggie chew-toys, bare-bones and soft toothbrushes and toothpaste. Nails grow quickly and need to be trimmed regularly, say once a month, and checked for debris that could cause infection.
What’s life like for a Rottie Pit?
Lifestyle
This breed is sturdy and highly energetic. It will try to be dominant unless controlled and needs to be kept occupied otherwise it can become destructive.
They can be stubborn and aggressive until trained. They will chew things if bored, or left alone for long periods of time, so they need to be kept stimulated and busy. Chew toys can help with boredom.
This breed is a natural watch dog that will act on instinct to be very protective of its family.
Positives and Negatives of ownership
Positives
- Strong, protective and loyal
- A good family dog and loyal companion
- Intelligent and affectionate
- A very energetic dog with great stamina
- Needs to keep active and stimulated
- Low maintenance, a light shedder
- Gentle and loving temperament
- Makes a good watchdog for a family
Negatives
- The stigma of it being a dangerous or bully breed exists
- Can be aggressive so needs to be socialized and trained early
- Destructive if left alone, will bite and chew things
- Strong and powerful needs supervision with small children
- Not good with strangers or packs of dogs
- Not good in sedentary environments needs activity
- Will be stubborn if it doesn’t want to do something
Commonly Asked Questions:
Q: What is the proper name of the Pitweiler dog?
A. A Rottweiler Pitbull mix dog is referred to with many different combinations of the names of the parent breeds: Pitbull Rottweiler mix, Rottie, Rott bull, Rottie Pit, Prott, Rotten Pit, Pit mix or the American Pitweiler.
Q. How much does a Rottie puppy cost?
A. Buying a Rottweiler Pitbull mix puppy from a reputable dealer will cost between $150-800. An alternative is to contact a rescue center to adopt a puppy or adult Rottie. The cost of adopting any type of dog as a rescue dog is much less than from a breeder.
Warning: If considering a Pitweiler rescue dog it is important to find out as much as possible about the circumstances behind why that dog ended up in a rescue center – abuse, neglect, personality, behavior, or any other available details of the temperament or health issues of the parents.
Food costs around $50 per month for an adult and given their possible health problems you must factor in Vets fees and accessories from a retailer like Amazon.