Can’t decide between getting a Rottweiler and a Pitbull? Worry no more because you can get the best of both!
The Rottweiler Pitbull mix, also known as the Pitweiler, is an interesting designer mix with well-developed protective instincts.
This mixed breed dog may be intimidating at first glance, but it is energetic, brilliant, and easy to train.
I know that you’re curious about what it looks like, how big it gets, or how much it will cost to raise one. Well, let’s skip the long intros and start answering all the questions you have in mind!
What Is a Rottweiler Pitbull Mix?
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Crossbreeding a Rottweiler and a Pitbull produces a typically large-sized Pitweiler, a great combination for a protective mixed breed. Given that both parent breeds have a muscular and powerful build, a Pitweiler comes out as a physically strong, flexible, and agile guard dog.
Pitweilers would obviously be the best companion and protector for those who want to hop in the crossbreed trend.
However, if kennel registration is a deal-breaker for you, you would be disappointed to know that they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club and similar high-profile organizations.
They are only acknowledged by the Designer Breed Registry, which charges $20 for their standard registration.
Rottweiler Pitbull Mix History and Origin: Where Does the Rottweiler Pitbull Mix Come From?
Both Rottweilers and Pitbulls were unfairly given a violent and aggressive reputation which is why their resulting offspring, the Pitweiler breed, received too much prejudice.
To elaborate on this, let me share some information about Pitweiler’s parent breeds.
Rottweilers came from a herding dog breed that has descended from Roman empires in Germany during the 2nd century CE. They were initially served as cattle-driving dogs.
From the Middle Ages to the 1900s, the Rottweiler breed accompanied butchers and carried a neck pouch that held their master’s money.
Aside from being drover dogs, they have been used as rescue dogs, guard dogs, police dogs, and draft dogs through the years.
On the other hand, Pitbulls which were first bred in England, had a rough past, for they are primarily used for bull-baiting and dogfighting.
They are not one specific breed but a classification of several dog breeds — the American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and American Bully.
It is difficult to trace the first record of Rottweiler Pit mix crossbreeding because of the lack of documentation.
However, we can assume that Pitweilers were produced when their parent breeds became famous in the United States, and fanciers wished for their combined traits in a single breed.
Rottweiler Pitbull Mix Appearance: What Does a Pitweiler Look Like?
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A Pitweiler exhibits discernible features like their commonly dark brown eyes that are either almond or round-shape, deep chest, broad muzzle, and triangular ears that may sit high or fold down. They also have strong jaws, large teeth, and broad heads.
As for their coat, it can be single-layered, short, and glossy like that of a Pitbull or double-layered like a Rottweiler. But in both cases, their coat will be low maintenance.
The Pitweiler’s color is not that easy to predict, considering their parents’ coats. Common colors sighted on them are tan, white, black, brown, fawn, and blue. They can also inherit a Pitbull’s brindle pattern.
In all the descriptions I laid out above, you have probably noticed a hint of uncertainty in how I assessed their appearance.
This is because crossbreeds are highly unpredictable. The Pitweiler may very well surprise you with how they will turn out, thanks to their gene pool.
Watch this video if you want to see one of the many possible appearances of the Pitweiler:
ROTTWEILER+PIT-BULL<a href="https://youtu.be/4-PfgvPhIBw" 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%2F4-PfgvPhIBw%2F0.jpg" alt="ROTTWEILER+PIT-BULL" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Rottweiler Pitbull Mix Size and Weight: How Big Do Pitweilers Get?
A Rottweiler Pitbull mix breed, as previously stated, is a large dog. They usually grow between 17 and 25 inches in height and 40 and 100 pounds in weight. Undoubtedly, they are large and powerful dogs.
Moreover, the Pitbull and Rottweiler mix is much larger than a Pitbull but still much shorter than a Rottweiler. For comparison, Pitbulls only grow between 14 and 21 inches, and Rottweilers often stand at 24 to 27 inches.
Rottweiler Pitbull Mix Temperament: Do Rottweiler Pitbull Mixes Make Good Family Dogs?
Due to its parents’ violent and aggressive identities in the past, being concerned and worried about Pitweiler’s behavior is understandable.
However, they do have their own charm. They are quick-witted and intelligent family dogs, and it is second nature for them to be trained.
Naturally, they take the role of being the family’s guardian, and they look after each of their housemates, most especially very young children.
The only downside of Pitweilers is that they can show destructive behaviors and stubbornness out of anxiety or boredom and when they feel neglected.
If you don’t want your furniture to be ripped up, giving them attention should be voluntary.
It should also be noted that female Pitweilers often become aggressive around other female dogs. They tend to have a tough time socializing, unlike their male counterparts.
It would pay off if you socialize them at an early age and enroll them in obedience classes. After all, once you get past their tough side, they can be the sweetest companion and a “softy” at times.
Rottweiler Pitbull Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Pitweilers Healthy Dogs?
A Rottweiler Pitbull mix can live for about 10 to 15 years. Although it is a generally healthy and strong breed, it is still possible for a Pitweiler to inherit some of its parents’ health conditions. Future owners should watch out for these.
Here are some of the most common health problems that a Pitweiler may suffer from:
Hip Dysplasia: Due to genetics, Pitweilers can inherit hip dysplasia, a common skeletal condition for large breed dogs. It is caused by inaccurate hip formation resulting in bone rubbing, worsening as the dog ages. This can cause weakness and lameness in the hind legs.
Elbow Dysplasia: Dogs with elbow dysplasia develop a front limb lameness, and often their forelegs are also affected. This inherited medical condition is most common on large breed dogs like the Pitbull and Rottweiler mix.
Patellar Luxation: This condition happens when a dog’s kneecap is dislocated momentarily and eventually goes back to its normal position. When patellar luxation occurs, difficulties in bearing weight on the legs with no signs of pain will be experienced. This can lead to other knee injuries, such as torn cruciate ligaments.
Cataracts: The Rottweiler Pit mix is also prone to developing hereditary eye problems such as cataracts because of its bloodline. Cataracts are cloudy film sets that can block the eye’s lens and prevent light from entering.
Bloating: Excessive gas buildup, which results in bloating, is also dangerous for a Pitbull and Rottweiler mix. Simple bloating can progress into gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), which should be treated as an emergency.
This list does not cover every known health issue of the Pitweiler breed. Therefore, as a responsible owner, you should be attentive to any symptoms they may exhibit.
On the same note, only purchase your Pitweiler from breeders who can guarantee that their parents are healthy and free from serious health problems.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Breeding Pitbulls and Rottweilers Together
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Crossbreeding has always been a subject of controversy, even up to this day. To weigh on this, we will talk about the benefits and drawbacks of crossing two different breeds, particularly the Rottweiler and the Pitbull.
Here are some of the advantages of crossbreeding Pitbulls and Rottweilers:
Reduced risk of congenital diseases: Crossbreeding can lower the risk of inheriting genetic disorders. Thus, crossing a Rottweiler and a Pitbull can increase a Pitweiler’s strength and promote hybrid vigor.
Uniqueness in physical features: A Rottweiler Pitbull mix is a breed that can exhibit the combined features of both its parents. However, be ready to be surprised because there is really much uncertainty about how they will look.
Excellent temperament: As mentioned, both Rottweilers and Pitbulls are protective and affectionate dog breeds. Aside from that, they are intelligent and trainable. Their offspring, the Pitweiler, can also adopt these traits and ultimately become excellent pets.
Before deciding to get a Pitweiler, consider these drawbacks:
Hard to predict their size: A crossbreed’s full-grown size is hard to envisage. A Pitweiler can grow larger than a Pitbull but shorter than a Rottweiler, but this isn’t the case for every Rottweiler and Pitbull mix. If you are expecting a certain size, you will only be disappointed.
Costs more than purebreds: Crossbreeding is a lot more expensive than purebred production. Breeders tend to spend more on veterinary consultations when mixing breeds. As a result, designer dogs like Pitweilers are more pricey than regular purebred dogs when marketed in the canine community.
Unpredictable temperament: Similar to their physical appearance, the possibility of unpredictable behavior is also a major concern of many Pitweiler enthusiasts. If you aren’t sure if you can handle the temperament of a Pitweiler, whatever it may be, then you’re better off with a purebred.
As if I can’t say this enough, the pros and cons of getting a hybrid dog like a Pitweiler should be considered and assessed before deciding to get one.
They may become utterly unmanageable as time passes, and this may put weight on your shoulder.
How to Take Care of Your Rottweiler Pitbull Mix
The Pitbull and Rottweiler mix is not a high-maintenance breed. Even though it is hybrid, it does not actually require special care. All they need is a proper diet, regular grooming, and enough exercise.
Let’s look at some tips and guidelines on how you can take good care of Pitweilers:
Food and Diet
A Pitweiler is covered in solid muscles; therefore, it needs proper nutrition for sustenance.
As a large-sized dog, it should be fed at least three cups of dry dog food per day. However, some larger Pitweilers can eat more than necessary without getting overweight.
A Rottweiler Pit mix needs a calorie intake ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 calories per day. Its diet must also include essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, fat, protein, and minerals.
Additionally, Rottweiler Pitbull mixes are prone to having eye and bone problems, so look for foods that can help with their eyesight and bone growth.
Cleaning and Grooming
Just like other breeds, a Pitbull Rottweiler mix needs regular cleaning and grooming. A Pitweiler commonly inherits the medium-length coat of its Pitbull parent, which only requires minimal grooming.
If it has a double coat like a Rottweiler, brushing several times is needed to remove excess and dead hair.
Bathe them once a month, preferably with special shampoos formulated to clean and protect their skin against fleas. They don’t need to take a bath all the time because they don’t have particularly weather-resistant coats.
In addition, trim their nails using a good quality nail trimmer and clean their ears weekly to prevent excessive wax buildup.
Brushing their teeth three to four times a week is also recommended to keep them in their best condition.
Training and Exercise
Don’t wait until this energetic dog breed reaches adulthood before you start training them.
By that time, their dominant side must have already progressed, and you won’t have a choice but to hire a professional dog trainer.
Begin early leash training after they arrive at your home. After which, engage them in proper socialization and provide them with positive reinforcement for their good behavior.
As for exercises, Rottweiler Pitbull mixes require a lot of activities, unlike smaller animals. If they aren’t able to do so, they can show off their destructive behaviors.
Thus, go out and let them move their muscles for an hour through playing tug of war and fetch.
You can also give them toys designed to enhance their mental abilities while enforcing short obedience training sessions.
Generally, if your Pitbull and Rottweiler mix will have proper training and exercise, you don’t need to worry that they’ll show aggression, even to your couch.
Rottweiler Pitbull Mix Puppy Price & Expenses: How Much Does a Rottweiler Pitbull Mix Cost?
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The cost of a Pitbull Rottweiler puppy ranges from $700 to $900. Its price is highly dependent on factors such as breeder reputation, location, demand, bloodline, and other expenses.
If you encounter cheaper offers, it is possible that its parents are not purebreds.
Aside from that, you also need to allot some more for your Rottweiler Pittie’s supplies and essential accessories as it grows up. Here’s a handy checklist:
Apart from all these, you also need to prepare for other expenses like vet bills, pet insurance, and vaccines.
Owning a Pitweiler puppy involves monthly, annual, and additional potential costs. Thus, you should first know your financial limits before getting one.
Places to Find Rottweiler Pitbull Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Since Rottie Pits are gaining traction in the United States, finding breeders who continuously have litters of these pooches may be difficult.
That is why I have listed places where you can start your hunt for this loyal companion dog.
Here are some reliable breeders where you can possibly buy a Pitweiler:
Bossy Pitbull Kennel – This breeder based in Murrieta, California specializes in breeding Pitbulls ranging from tall, short, to medium-sized. They also advertise Pitweiler puppies that are properly trained and socialized in their facility.
Jenecks Rottweilers – Established in the early 1970s, Jenecks have been breeding the best Rottweiler bloodline. They claim that their Rotties are as good as the ones from Europe. You can contact them to ask for possible Rottie hybrids.
Greenfield Puppies – You can browse for Rottweiler Pitbull mix breeders on this advertising website. They meticulously check the backgrounds of the breeders to ensure that their practices are safe and humane. They also require that the dogs they advertise were given proper training and socialization.
If adoption is your first option, refer to this list of shelters and rescue groups:
Rotten Rottie Rescue – Based in Arizona, this rescue center primarily saves purebred Rottweilers, but they also take in mixes if they have more space. They have provided shelters for owner surrenders as well as those included in their country’s euthanasia list. Try looking for your Pitbull Rottweiler mix on their website, and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
For the Love of Dog – This Rottweiler-focused organization has already rescued about 1,900 dogs from New England, New York, and New Jersey. They have now expanded their mission of saving dogs in Texas, Florida, and Mississippi. There is a high chance of getting a mixed-breed dog here.
Petfinder – At least 11,000 rescue organizations and shelters are included in this database. They offer both purebred Rotties and mixed breeds such as the Pitweiler. You can start finding your next rescue dog here!
To ace your adoption application from these rescues and directories listed above, check out our ultimate dog adoption guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo by @moosethepitweiler (IG)
Are Pitbull Rottweiler Mixes Illegal?
Dog breed regulations are different from one place to another. The Rottweiler Pit mix is considered illegal in some areas such as Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina because authorities are worried about their aggressiveness and prey drives.
Commonly, restrictions are employed to decrease the number of dog bites committed by poorly bred breeds.
Are Pitweilers Good Guard Dogs?
Yes. Pitweilers are excellent guard dogs. They are alert and protective of their family members because of their parents’ genes. However, this can become problematic because this makes them ultimately wary of strangers.
Are Rottweiler Pitbull Mixes Aggressive?
Both the parent breeds of Rottweiler Pitbull mixes are alpha dogs with high prey drives. Expect that these traits can be inherited by the Pitbull and Rottweiler mix.
However, if boundaries are set at an early age, and this pooch is trained to socialize instead of being aggressive, they will learn to have a friendly temperament.
Final Thoughts: Is the Rottweiler Pitbull Mix the Right Dog for You?
The Pitbull Rottweiler mix is a totally impressive yet misunderstood breed. Although its parents are painted as aggressive dogs, they can learn to have a friendly temperament with proper training.
They are not high-maintenance dogs, unlike other mixed or purebreds. However, you should be ready to fully commit because Pitweilers are highly sensitive and intelligent.
They can show you their destructive and stubborn sides once they feel bored, anxious, or neglected.
Additionally, they are still at risk of having other health issues, but this can be prevented by selecting a reliable and reputable breeder who offers health guarantees. Given all these, the final decision is yours to make.
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