The Rottweiler Mastiff mix, also known as Mastweiler, is a unique type of working dog resulting from the union of a Rottweiler and a Mastiff. Like all hybrid dogs, you can expect them to share the genes of their parent breeds.
Often, its traits will be taken from the parent with dominant genes, but results still vary. Not everyone is fond of having mixed breeds, but the lack of a pure pedigree shouldn’t prevent a dog from entering a loving home.
In this guide, I’ll be describing the Mastweiler’s physical features, history, temperament, and maintenance to help you understand them better. I’ll also provide a few places where you can find these dogs if you decide to own one.
What Is a Rottweiler Mastiff Mix?
The Rottweiler Mastiff mix is the result of combining two large purebred dogs — the Rottweiler and English Mastiff, Bull Mastiff, or other purebred Mastiff breeds. This hybrid is known for its massive size and protective yet loving nature. Rottweiler Mastiff mixes also go by the name Mastweiler.
Both the Mastiff and Rottweiler are popular working dogs. As you can expect, they will require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Though compared to its Rottweiler parent, Mastweilers tend to be a bit more laid back like a Mastiff.
It’s also worth noting that this pooch is officially recognized as a designer breed by some canine organizations. Although, like most mixes, they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and other purebred registries.
These dogs are part of the dog registry of the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), the Dog Registry of America (DRA), and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
If you want to know more about the Rottweiler Mastiff mix, check out this video for more fun facts:
Bull Mastweiler | The Bullmastiff & Rottweiler Cross Breed<a href="https://youtu.be/kqLrF0NZk3M" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FkqLrF0NZk3M%2F0.jpg" alt="Bull Mastweiler | The Bullmastiff &amp; Rottweiler Cross Breed" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Rottweiler Mastiff Mix Origin and History: Where Does the Mastweiler Come From?
As mentioned, the Rottie Mastiff mix or Mastweilers is a designer dog resulting from the union between a purebred Rottweiler and a Mastiff-type dog. Unlike a purebred dog, it’s quite difficult to pinpoint the history of designer dogs.
The best you can do to understand this breed’s past is by looking into the history of its two purebred parents — the Rottweiler and Mastiff.
These breeds are known for their very large size, protective temperaments, and muscularity. It’s also a little-known fact that both parent breeds are working, cattle, or drover dogs as well.
The Rottweiler breed is an ancient breed that traces its roots back to the Roman Empire. Romans bred working dogs, such as drover dogs, to create tough and territorial canines designed to protect and herd livestock.
Today, Rottweilers are most known for their service in law enforcement. This breed’s muscular build and overwhelming size made them good for police work or as guard dogs.
Mastiff dogs were bred to be docile work dogs. The term Mastiff now is more associated with body type than a specific breed. But the breed we know as the original Mastiff has its roots in England, hence the name English Mastiff.
These dogs were admired by English nobility for their gentle demeanor and imposing size, which made them perfect for guarding property.
Knowing this, you can expect that the English or Bull Mastweilers will share many qualities attribute to both Rottweilers and Mastiffs.
This very sweet dog is very popular for its intimidating size, kindhearted nature, and its capability to work as a guard or cattle dog — just like its parent breeds.
Rottweiler Mastiff Mix Appearance: What Does a Mastiff Rottweiler Look Like?
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It can’t be emphasized enough that English or Bull Mastweilers are giant canines. These pooches are very muscular. Like most hybrids, their looks are often a mixture of both parent breeds.
Similar to both Rottweilers and English Mastiffs, the Mastiff Rottweiler mix has a short yet thick coat of fur that requires moderate brushing.
Often, English Mastiff Rottweiler hybrids have short yet thick coats of fur that require moderate brushing. Although it’s possible that they may develop long fur if a Mastweiler happens to have a long-haired Rottweiler parent.
Rottweiler Mastiff mixes also come in a variety of colors, including chocolate, gold, tan, black, and light or dark brindle, which is characterized by a brown base color with dark or light striped markings, similar to tiger stripes.
Their faces also share the traits of both parent breeds. They have sizable and bulky heads with wrinkled faces and floppy ears. However, these pooches can vary widely in appearance, so don’t expect two breeds to be alike.
It’s quite common for Mastweilers to have their tails docked, similar to Rottweilers. Nowadays, tail docking is performed for cosmetic purposes to fit breed standards, but it’s also performed for practical purposes.
In particular, docked tails give a guard dog a more intimidating appearance. Additionally, Mastweilers are large, muscular dogs, so the absence of a tail prevents the dog from bumping or possibly breaking things indoors.
Rottweiler Mastiff Mix Size and Weight: How Big Do Mastiff Rottweilers Get?
Both the Bull Mastweiler and the English Mastweiler are large dogs. However, their size can vary greatly depending on their parents’ genes. Rottweiler Mastiff mixes can grow up to 27 to 32 inches tall and weigh as much as 100 to 160 pounds.
The size of Rottweiler Mastiff puppies also varies depending on the gender of their Rottweiler and Mastiff parents.
Male Rottweiler Mastiff mixes can reach 28 to 32 inches in height and 120 to 160 pounds in weight. Meanwhile, a female Mastweiler can grow between 26 and 30 inches tall and weigh 100 to 150 pounds.
Another factor that may affect the breed’s size is whether it has been sterilized or not at an early age. Depending on the dog’s genetics, they may either become smaller or larger if they are spayed or neutered very early.
Genetics aside, however, the size of Mastweilers is also highly dependent on their nutrition. Rottweiler Mastiff mixes that are malnourished may experience stunted growth and reduced muscle mass.
Rottweiler Mastiff Mix Temperament: Are Mastweilers Good Family Dogs?
Rottweiler Mastiff mixes are loving, kind, and loyal companions. However, don’t expect their temperaments to be very consistent. After all, this is a mixed breed. Overall, however, this is a great dog to own, especially for families.
Mastweilers make excellent guard dogs due to the protective nature of the Rottweiler. They are also very gentle and loving, which can be attributed to the Mastiff’s temperament. These traits make them wonderful family companions.
It’s important, however, that they are socialized and trained early so they can get used to children and strangers. Obedience training is also essential so owners can easily manage their large sizes to fit their homes.
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Mastiff: Which Is Better?
Rottweiler Mastiff Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Mastweilers Healthy Dogs?
A Rottweiler Mastiff mix has a typical lifespan of around 10 to 12 years. This relatively short life expectancy should come as no surprise since this is quite common with large breeds, especially Mastiffs.
As a hybrid dog, Mastweielrs tend to inherit the possible health problems that both purebred parents suffer from. Unfortunately, this large breed is susceptible to several health issues.
Some of the common health conditions that Mastweilers develop are the following:
Bloat: This is a condition where the stomach expands due to the presence of food, air, and liquid. Severe cases of bloat in Rottweiler Mastiff mixes can lead to a ruptured stomach and pressure that can negatively affect neighboring organs such as the hearts and lungs.
Heart Disease: Heart problems, particularly dilated cardiomyopathy, are most common among large breeds like the Rottweiler Mastiff mix. DCM in canines is characterized by the loss of heart function due to the degradation of the heart’s walls.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Dysplasia is another common genetic issue that many large dogs face. Mastweilers are particularly prone to elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. It is characterized by the deformities of joints leading to a significant decrease in the quality of a dog’s life.
Seizure Disorders: Mastiffs and Rottweilers are prone to sudden onset of seizures, making Mastweilers vulnerable as well. Seizures are disturbances in the brain that lead to loss of consciousness or involuntary movements.
To avoid any unwanted and expensive medical complications, such as the ones listed, early intervention and regular checkups and screenings are highly advised to ensure that your Mastweiler is healthy.
READ NEXT: Mastiff Lifespan: How Long Do Mastiffs Live?
How to Take Care of Your Mastiff Rottweiler Mix
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Food and Diet
Bull or English Mastweilers, being giant dogs, will require a similar diet to other large breeds. It is highly suggested that this mix is given at least four cups worth of wet and dry dog food to remain happy and healthy.
Rotties come from a family of carnivorous dogs that feed on raw meat and bones. They have digestive systems that are more capable of breaking down raw meat compared to other dogs, so food safety is not much of an issue for the Mastweiler.
Rottweiler Mastiff mixes require a very high amount of protein. Raw meat is a denser protein source compared to kibble, making them a welcome addition to their diet.
To get started on a raw diet, owners can give their Mastweilers raw chicken, lamb, or beef as treats throughout the day. It’s best to keep these meats raw since cooked meats are hard and dangerous to dogs.
Since these dogs are prone to digestive issues such as bloat, it’s highly suggested that you split those servings throughout the day to prevent any digestive complications.
Cleaning and Grooming
Mastweilers have very short coats. This designer breed requires minimal to moderate brushing to prevent shedding. Giving a weekly brush is highly recommended to maintain this dog’s coat.
It is also highly suggested that its nails are trimmed regularly. A breed of this size can potentially cause severe harm to you and others if it decides to pounce or accidentally scratch you during play.
Moreover, facial wrinkles are a common trait in English Mastweilers. Bacteria tends to build up in these creases, leading to skin issues and foul odors.
It’s highly suggested that they take frequent baths to keep their skin and coat healthy.
Training and Exercise
It’s essential for a dog of this size to undergo obedience training. Large dogs that are not housebroken can lead to several issues that can endanger you or your family members.
A properly trained English Mastweiler puppy will be a wonderful companion for any family to have.
It’s best to start early with an English Mastweiler puppy so destructive behaviors can be corrected immediately.
Since it’s a working dog, it tends to crave moderate to heavy exercise. These dogs are more laid back compared to their Rottweiler parent, but that doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate a visit to the dog park for a walk and playtime.
These hybrid dogs still need to satiate their need for exercise. It’s highly advised that Rottweiler Mastiff mixes spend at least 40 to 60 minutes of vigorous exercise a day to keep them in top condition.
However, be wary of exercising dogs that are too young since this may cause hip or elbow dysplasia as they reach adulthood.
How Much Does a Rottweiler Mastiff Mix Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
You can expect to pay $500 to $1,000 for a Rottweiler Mastiff mix pup. Meanwhile, Mastweiler puppies from show-quality parents may cost anywhere beyond $1,200.
Shelters and rescues offer Mastweilers at significantly lower prices. Some work on donations, while others charge to cover the dog’s medical expenses. Some rescues require a small fee which is usually around $150 to $500.
With the cost of acquiring a puppy out of the way, here are the other initial expenses you need to consider for your Rottweiler Mastiff mix:
Note that this is only a baseline of the possible cost you will be facing in caring for your pooch. This can still vary depending on your dog’s individual needs and the presence of any medical complications.
For Rottweiler Mastiff mixes, expect medical bills to be more varied due to their many health complications, so you need to factor that in as well.
To make you more familiar with the possible expenses you’ll face with this large breed, check out how much a Rottweiler costs. Knowing the cost of the parent breed can give you an idea of how much a Mastweiler may cost.
Places to Find Rottweiler Mastiff Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Being a mixed breed, Rottweiler Mastiff mix or Mastweiler puppies are pretty hard to come by. It’s very unlikely to find one from certified breeders.
Your best bet to find Mastweiler puppies is through pet shelters and rescue centers, but you may also find a few breeders out there that specialize in Mastiff and Rottie mixes.
The following breeders below are one of those few breeders that specifically breed purebred Mastiffs and Rottweilers to produce Mastweilers:
MidWest Mastweilers and Rotties – MidWest Mastweilers and Rotties is a small dog breeder that focuses on breeding Mastiffs, Rottweilers, and Mastweilers. They have over 25 years of experience in breeding dogs to offer aspiring pet owners.
Lancaster Puppies – This classified ads website lists dogs of various breeds, including mixed breeds. Lancaster Puppies also offers very affordable options, with some prices that go below $500.
Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is an organization that’s dedicated to connecting responsible dog sellers and aspiring dog owners. They have a comprehensive list of puppies of varying breeds, including Mastiff and Rottie mixes.
Seeking out the perfect place to find your Mastweiler pup can be a daunting task, but our guide on how to buy a puppy online can help you find a reliable and safe source for your pooch.
Rescue groups serve the common purpose of saving and rehoming abandoned Mastiffs or Rottweilers. Their payment methods vary, but by helping them, you’re giving a mutt a chance to have a happy life in a new home.
Below is a list of rescue centers that may be able to help you search for your new Mastweiler puppy:
Mastiffs To Mutts – Mastiff to Mutts (MTM) is a dog rescue organization composed of volunteers experienced in pet care. They specialize in scouting for unwanted Mastiffs and mixes, including Mastweilers. They also offer veterinary services for their dogs before adoption.
Happy Go Lucky Mastiff Rescue – Happy Go Lucky Mastiffs is a family-owned, independent rescue organization of dog enthusiasts that takes in abandoned and neglected Mastiff puppies, large breeds, and mixes.
Rotten Rottie Rescue – Rotten Rottie is a non-profit rescue organization that takes in abandoned and neglected purebred and mixed Rottweilers. All their dogs are sterilized and fully vaccinated for all common ailments present in the breed.
If your heart is set on adopting an unwanted Mastiff Rottie mix, we have written an adoption guide to help you get acquainted with the process to help you give a puppy in need a home.
If you’d like to discover more sources for Rottweilers, you can check out our article on the best Rottweiler breeders and Rottweiler rescues to expand your search for the perfect pooch.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Mastiff Rottweiler Mix
The responsibility of owning any dog requires careful thought and planning. Owners must do their proper research so they know what to expect from their desired dogs.
To further help you decide whether this is the right pet for you, I’ve listed some pros and cons of owning the Rottweiler Mastiff cross.
The following are some of the pros of owning an English or Bull Mastweiler:
Excellent guard dog: This pooch’s imposing build gives it a very intimidating appearance. Thanks to this, this hybrid can sway attackers and intruders away quite easily. Mastweilers excel in personal protection or as property watchdogs.
Great as family dogs: Both Bull and English Mastweilers have gentle and loving temperaments. Early socialization can get them used to both children and strangers. With proper training, they make wonderful companions for any home.
Relatively easy to groom: The Mastiff Rottweiler mix’s coat is short and easy to maintain. They mostly just need a regular brushing schedule to keep them clean.
Below are some of the negative points of owning the Mastiff Rottweiler mix:
Very large size: A dog this large needs early obedience training. It also doesn’t make them appropriate for small spaces such as apartments. It will be difficult to manage Mastiff Rottweiler mix dogs if they are not housebroken.
May show signs of aggression: This hybrid’s traits from the Rottweiler make them prone to aggression, especially when they are threatened. However, this can be prevented with early socialization and training.
Several Health Issues: Similar to other large breeds, the Rottweiler Mastiff mix is prone to several health complications such as hip and elbow dysplasia and bloat. As such, you need to be able to set aside a portion of your budget for regular veterinary checkups and health management.
All dog breeds come with a list of pros and cons. Whether a dog breed is right for you or not is primarily a matter of personal preference and the ability to invest in your dog’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Rottweiler Mastiff Mixes Aggressive?
The Rottweiler Mastiff mix is less prone to aggressive behavior compared to other Rottweiler mixes. Many owners believe that this is due to the Mastiff’s more gentle nature.
Rottweiler Mastiff mixes may show aggression when it feels threatened, but this can be remedied through early and regular obedience training.
These pooches make excellent family pets if they’re well-trained and can harmoniously coexist with small children and even other pets.
Do Rottweiler Mastiff Mixes Shed a Lot?
Although it’s a short-haired breed, Rottweiler Mastiff Mixes tend to shed moderately. It’s best to keep this pooch well-groomed with weekly brushing to maintain their coat and minimize shedding.
If your Mastweiler is of the long-haired variety, you should expect more frequent shedding. Naturally, like other long-haired dog breeds, you need to invest a lot more in terms of grooming and coat maintenance.
Are Rottweiler Mastiff Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, Rottweiler Mastiff mixes are not hypoallergenic. This trait, along with its tendency to shed, makes it unsuitable for individuals with severe dog allergies.
Prior to purchasing a Mastweiler, it is highly advised that aspiring owners get tested for dog allergies. Having this knowledge can help you narrow down your search to hypoallergenic breeds in case you suffer from dog allergies.
Final Thoughts: Is a Rottweiler Mastiff Mix the Right Dog for You?
The Rottweiler Mastiff mix is a wonderful companion for anyone, but it truly shines as a family pet, working mutt, or as a guard for your home. This designer pooch is truly a versatile and reliable canine companion.
Hopefully, the information above has helped you determine whether the Rottweiler Mastiff mix is the best dog for you. These dogs are relatively easy to handle if you put the work into training and socializing them early on.
If you have experienced owning a Rottweiler cross Mastiff dog, or if you have more information about this giant dog breed, share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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