Last Updated on September 20, 2023
Quick Summary: Despite once having a negative image as Mutts, mixed-breed dogs are now increasing in popularity. The Pitweiler, a cross of the breeds of Rottweiler and Pitbull, is one breed that is gaining recognition. Both breeds have bad reputations, but they actually have plenty of traits to be awed by – for one, they are both sweet and loving despite their seemingly smug appearance. However, new dog owners aren’t the ideal candidates for Pitweilers since they require strong handling. Unlike purebred dogs, predicting the color of mixed breeds is quite tricky – this is particularly relevant to Pitweilers since Pitbulls come in a variety of colors. Most of the time, Pitweilers will not require as much professional grooming as other dog breeds due to their short coats. They are generally healthy, but some health issues include eye problems (particularly cataracts), hip dysplasia, and bloat. The Pitweiler can live anywhere from 10 to 13 years.
Are you thinking of adopting a Rottweiler Pitbull mix (Pitweiler)? Due to the popularity of mixed breeds (especially APBT mixes), the Pitweiler mix is becoming more sought-after. The mix is also quite popular at shelters because of its Pitbull roots. Some owners may shy away from this breed due to the negative things associated with Pitbulls as well as Rottweilers. But there’s much more than what is apparent to the naked eye.
The two breeds are quite different, but they share some striking similarities. In this article, we’ll dive into the facts behind this Rottweiler Pitbull mix and help you determine if it’s the best dog for you and your family.
Parent Breeds: History and Background
Before we go through all of the pertinent information regarding their temperament, size, training, and more, it is important to learn about the breeds that are Pitweiler’s parents. Knowing about the Pitbull and the Rottweiler will allow you to understand more about what you can expect from this mixed breed.
The Rottweiler: An Overview
The Rottweiler (fondly called Rottie) is a big purebred breed traditionally employed for guarding and herding cattle. It is renowned for its agility, discipline, and endurance, and in the role of a guard dog. Today, the Rottweiler’s intelligence and endurance make it a preferred breed for support, searching, and rescue tasks.
Naturally, the body of the Rottweiler is a major factor in its ability to perform these tasks because their strong, robust frame is very strong. The dog is large and once fully grown, can range between 100 pounds for females to 135 pounds for males.
The Rottie is easy to recognize due to its distinctive all-black coat that has rust-colored markings on the chest, face, and legs. It has a double-layered coat with a rough outer layer that shields it from the elements and an inner layer of softness for warmth. In a nutshell, we can say that Rottie hair is straight and short.
In terms of temperament, the breed is courageous and confident but can be a bit aloof with strangers. But when it comes to family members, it’s a different story, and they can be fun and playful and can behave as pets that are lapdogs. While their tough exterior might make them appear smug, they are less aggressive than breeds similar in size.
The Pitbull: An Overview
The Pitbull breed (fondly called Pittie) is comprised of dog breeds from various breeds, which is why it isn’t easy to imagine only one Pitbull model.
The origins of the breed date back to the 19th century, when Pitbulls were developed in England to develop a strong fighting breed suitable for pit and dogfighting. Terriers and bulldogs were the dogs that were their parents and created a formidable combination. Pitbulls were bred with Bulldog’s ferocity and loyalty, as well as the intelligence and calm personality that characterize the Terrier.
It isn’t easy to differentiate between the various Pitbull breeds that exist today. To further complicate things, Pitbull is frequently used as a catchall term for the various breeds of mixed dogs. But, it has certain distinctive physical characteristics that you could imagine the large head with a square shape and a bulky muscular body without any issue.
Pitbulls are usually medium-sized, but there are some variations. They come in a variety of colors. They also have short noses, which make them susceptible to certain diseases that we’ll take a look at in a minute.
Despite an unfounded reputation for being an aggressive breed, a Pitbull is a wonderful dog when surrounded by a caring family. It’s a strong, brave, and loving dog that is known to shower its loved ones with love and affection. Pitbulls love people and make excellent family pets.
Rottweiler Pitbull Mix: The Pitweiler
After you’ve learned some of the Pitweiler’s breed parents, it’s time to examine what you will likely get from this cross. It’s difficult to determine exactly the result when two breeds are crossed, as it could be an amazing mix of both.
As you’ll discover in the next segments, the Pitweiler is very impressive. Its greatest strength is its capacity to be an outstanding watchdog. This is one of the main reasons why many families choose this breed, in contrast to the Rottie/Lab breed that is typically a less watchdog and more of a family member.
As previously mentioned, predicting the characteristics of a mixed breed could be difficult, to say the least. This is due to the fact that not all mixed-breed dogs are born with the same traits as both parents. Sometimes, the dog follows after one parent greater than the other.
Appearance and Size
Like most mixed breeds, their size and appearance can differ greatly. It is possible that your Pitweiler appears more like a Pitbull or more like a Rottweiler. Sometimes they have an enviable mix of both looks.
No matter who they take after, Pitweilers get the muscular, strong physique that is characteristic of Pitbulls. They also have large and long legs and broad heads that Rottweilers are known for having. They’re also very tall, which, combined with their strong build, makes this breed powerful. The Pitweiler’s height can vary between 18 and 26 inches.
In terms of weight, they could anything between 45 and 100 pounds, but you’ll always find larger and heavier males than females. Pitweilers are also known to have jowlier cheeks than Rottweilers, so keep in mind that the dog has a tendency to drool.
Coat and Colors
As with purebred dogs, the prediction of color for mixed breeds is quite difficult. This is particularly relevant to the Pitweiler since Pitbulls are available in a variety of shades. It is possible to expect a variety of colors to be found in this mixed breed. The most popular colors are brown, black, tan blue, fawn, blue, as well as white.
Pitweilers may also have brindle or merle patterns. Merle is a term used to describe a pattern of dark-colored dots and swirls that are over the lighter color base (such as in Australian Shepherds) and the brindle pattern is similar to a tiger stripe design over the brown base color.
Exercise and Living Requirements
You’ve likely realized that the Pitweiler is an extremely strong and naturally energetic dog. They need plenty of exercise every day – at least one hour of physical activity that’s equivalent to a walk a day, maybe two. The owners should be ready for an additional 30 minutes of fun to balance things up. Pitweilers are fond of games such as fetch and tug of war. Pit-mastiffs are also a great option for those who aren’t capable of having a more active dog.
Exercise for mental health is equally important as physical exercise in keeping your dog healthy and happy. They’re extremely intelligent creatures and love to see their brains tested with toys specifically designed for this purpose. Toys are great for those times when you’re not able to spend time with your pet. Make sure to choose one that is sturdy enough to stand up to the Pitweiler’s powerful jaws.
Training for obedience in short intervals is an additional efficient method to exhaust the dog breed. Even fifteen minutes for a period of time is enough. You can also keep your dog entertained by placing food and treats in the house. Whatever you do, Pitweilers lead happier lives with access to larger outdoor spaces and living spaces and outdoor spaces. Apartment living isn’t the best option for them.
A properly trained Pitweiler is calm and content to be inside without doing everything. However, they could ruin your day when you don’t provide them with the stimulation they desperately require and become too excited and hyper. Remember that puppies typically require greater exercise levels than adults do.
Training and Socialization
At the beginning of this article, we noted that Pitbulls as well as Rottweilers are prey dogs with high levels of desire to chase, catch, and kill, which is typical of working dogs. Also, they are innately inclined to need to chase things and might be unable to control their behavior when these impulses begin to take hold of them. If they see their “prey” (any small furry creatures), the dog’s instinctual chase response could get triggered.
What does having an intense prey drive suggest in terms of training? Since it could make your dog unruly and unpredictable, it is crucial to control them when they’re off leash. It is essential for them to learn the basics of commands such as “stay,” “leave it,” “watch me,” and “place” to help them in controlling their impulses. First-time owners with no experience may face difficulties teaching these essential abilities, which is a major reason why this breed isn’t suggested for novices.
The earlier you begin training with this breed, the better, but take it slow and easy to achieve your goal more effectively. Doing too much could be detrimental, particularly considering the Pitweiler’s independence.
We suggest early leash training and road awareness for puppies, and they should be socialized at a young age. Pitweilers are most responsive to positive reinforcement and gradually rewarding training. They should not be pushed to the limit, punished for their behavior, or yelled at. Clicker training is an efficient method of training for Pitweilers.
Grooming Your Pitweiler
If you’re looking for a dog with low maintenance in terms of grooming, the Pitweiler is a great choice. Most of the time, the Pitweiler will not require as much professional grooming as other breeds of mixed breeds. Clipping your pet’s nails is also very important. The task should be completed each month; some pet owners prefer having an expert do it, but you can also do it yourself (with the proper clipping tool).
The shorter coat that Pitweilers have is inherited from their two breeds of parents. It’s a great benefit for those who would rather not put any effort into grooming. It only requires minimal brushing every week, either once or twice. If your pet has a thicker and medium-length coat they’ll require more frequent brushing. However, this isn’t anything over the top. A majority of Pitweilers are popular for following their Pitbull parents’ single coat and are all year long shedders.
Pitweilers do not have a weatherproof coats like other breeds. They don’t require bathing regularly also. Every few months is enough, and your dog’s nose is a great indication that it’s time to bathe. If you’d like to bathe your dog, you can do so with specially-formulated shampoos that cleanse the dog and guard against fleas. Also, ensure that you brush your dog’s teeth once or thrice a week in order to ensure their oral health.
Nutritional Guide
It is important to note that the Pitweiler is a big dog, and its diet ought to reflect its size. It is best to divide meals with twice-daily meals, although three meals may be more suitable for certain breeds. Whatever the number of meals your dog consumes each day, it is recommended to take at least an hour after eating to exercise your dog. This should give them sufficient digestion, which will help prevent the bloat problem we discussed in the earlier section.
The requirements for calories for Pitweilers vary between 1000 and 2000 calories daily. It can vary based on factors like the level of activity, age, and the time of year. The general rule is that Pitweilers have a significant protein requirement, particularly when they’re young. About 2.62g in protein for every kilogram in body mass is ideal. If you notice that your Pitweiler is increasing weight, we suggest consulting your veterinarian to determine the best diet plan for your pet.
Health Issues
Pitweilers generally are healthy dogs. They typically remain healthy until they are 10 to 13 years old. There are, however, certain health risks that you should take note of. Conducting the necessary research with each parent is something that we always suggest if it is possible. This will allow you to rule out any of the possible conditions below.
Cataracts: Both Pitbulls and Rottweilers are prone to eye problems (such as cataracts). Cataracts occur when the lenses of the eye cloud and block sunlight from getting to the retina, which causes blindness. Regular visits to the veterinarian are essential to keep your pet’s eyes healthy and avoid surgery.
Hip Dysplasia: You’ve probably been told about hip dysplasia. It’s a condition to which most large breeds of dogs are susceptible. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint of a dog is not properly formed and is unable to allow the bone in the leg to connect to the joint in the way it is supposed to. This causes excessive wear and tear, like arthritis, stiffness, pain, and lameness.
Bloat: While the condition of bloat isn’t specific to Pitweilers, it is a problem that can be found in almost every large breed. Bloat is a risky gas build-up that can occur when a dog exercises following a meal or drinks in large amounts of water. The dog’s stomach will expand and twist, which could cause death.
The Pitweiler as Family Pets
- The Pitweiler is a dog that loves to play and spend time with you.
- He is affectionate and loving, but he may not be aware that he’s not a lap dog.
- The Pitweiler loves the company of people but is comfortable being left to his own devices.
- He’s great with kids, but he could be too loud for small children.
- The Pitweiler is known to bump into objects, so it is important to be careful around older people.
- He is a perfect watchdog.
Adopting From Rescue Centers and Shelters
Apart from breeders, it could be possible to locate Pitweilers at shelters too. The benefit of adopting from shelters is that you’ll pay significantly less than buying from breeders. However, the downside is that you’ll have to be patient until you can confirm that the facility is able to offer the breed, which is not an assurance.
There are also dangers to be aware of when you adopt a dog from an animal shelter or rescue center. The dog could be there due to various reasons, many of which could be serious – things such as neglect, abuse, and issues with personality may be the reason for being put in the shelter.
If you’re considering adopting a dog from a shelter, we recommend researching as much as possible about the reasons they ended up in the shelter in the first place. It’s important to understand your risks and whether you can manage them. It is also important to be aware of such things prior to bringing one of these dogs home.
Reputable Breeders and Puppy Prices
It’s hard to determine the exact price of purchasing the Pitweiler from a breeder. The price will vary based on factors like the location, the breeder’s reputation, and many more. In general, you can expect to pay anything between $500 to $800.
Conclusion
Despite its intimidating appearance, the Pitweiler is a gentle giant. They’re actually a large easy-going breed of dog. The energetic and active breed is a trustworthy pet that is able to protect you and your family members as long as it’s in the right place.
However, dog owners who are new to the breed aren’t the ideal candidates for this breed since it requires a strong handle with the right training and strict rules. This is the same for those who have children or with smaller spaces.
Pitweilers thrive in homes with plenty of space and energetic owners who provide them with the stimulation they require. Indeed, they make great companions to families in the right environment.