The Ultimate Guide To Pitweilers

This article was updated on October 29th, 2021

Originated from: A purebred Rottweiler dog and a Pitbull-type dog, nicknamed the Pitweiler

Height: Female: 17-20 in.; Male: 18-25 in.

Weight: Female: 40-100 lbs.; Male: 40-100 lbs.

Energy Level: Bred to work

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Breed History of the Pitbull Rotweiler Mix

The Rottweiler Pitbull Mix most commonly refers to a Pitweiler as a cross between a purebred Rottweiler dog and a Pitbull-type dog. This mixed breed is also known as a Rottie, Rottweiler mix, Pitbull Rottweiler mix, Rotten Pit, Prott, etc.

The Rottweiler purebred is known as one of the oldest breeds of dogs. They were originated in Roman days and kept as driving or herder dogs. With the Roman legions, they marched over the Alps and protect the humans and drive their cattle.

Since then, the primary task for Rottweiler is to guard and drive the herds of cattle and protect the territory of their owners. This breed has got its name from the name of a city called ‘Rottweil’.

This is also known as ‘Rottweil Butcher’s dog’ because butchers used to breed this dog for their performance. During world war I and II, they serve various roles such as ambulance, drought, messenger, police dogs, and guard dogs.

Due to their increasing popularity among the people, the first Rottweiler club, known as the ‘Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub’ was founded in Germany on January 13, 1914. The aim of this club is to produce good quality working dogs for future purposes.

The American Kennel Club recognized Rottweiler as their official dog in 1931. Currently, Rottweiler ranked as the 8th most popular purebred dog in the USA.

In contrast, the Pitbull is a mixed breed of dog, originated from the cross between the Old English Bulldogs and Old Terrier dog breeds for the purpose of dogfighting, bull-baiting, bear-baiting, and other aggressive-type blood sports. Pitbull refers to a dangerous dog breed or bully breed with a prey drive. The nickname of Pitbull is a “Nanny dog”. The American Pitbull Terrier still not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), however, the UK Kennel Club and the American Dog Breeders Association recognize this breed.

Pitweiler Breed Overview

The pitweiler is a large-sized, robust dog with solid strength and accuracy in its first impression. This makes this breed an excellent guard dog, or family watchdog. As a crossbreed dog, they inherit characters either from parents or both.

They are smart with great strength, agility, and endurance from two breeds. Their skull is medium and broad between the ears. Their nose is well-developed, muzzle appears elongated, and both jaws are strong. They possess a muscular neck and straight back with powerful limbs. Their dogs are comparatively built massive with heavier bone and larger frames than the bitches.

They possess impressively powerful bite and their jaws are stronger than those of German Shepherds. They are double-coated and color ranges from black and tan, brown, fawn, white or blue with a merle or brindle pattern.

Personality and Temperament

The Federation Cynologique Internationale stated the Pitwilers temperament as calm, devoted, confident, strong-willed, and stubborn.

They will never shy and possess self-assured, steady, and fearless behavior. They comprise a very high energy level and become destructive when not exercised properly. They possess a very smart character with the ability to do hard work. Male breeds are quite aggressive, while females are affectionate and easy to control.

But training makes both of them stubborn. Several factors like heredity, environment, and training can alter Rottweiler’s temperament. Careful training and socialization make them affectionate, and loyal breed.

Pitweiler Maintenance

Regular grooming is essential to manage a Rottie nicely. They are double-coated with straight and coarse hair. Their outer coat is medium in length and undercoats mainly found in the neck and thigh.

A weekly brushing session and bathing a few times a year helps them to keep their coat glossy and control shedding. Additional brushing sessions require during the heavy shedding season such as spring and fall months of the year.

Regular grooming helps to monitor and avoid unnecessary skin disorders like atopy or demodectic mange in Rotties. This removes dead hair and distributes skin oil all over the body to make it glossy. Brushing your Rottie’s teeth twice or thrice weekly is necessary to avoid dental tartar and prevent the formation of bacteria inside it. Regular brushing prevents bacterial infection and bad breath.

Pitweiler Health Issues

The Pitweiler is generally considered a healthy breed of dog. A responsible breeder should test their potential sires and dams for certain health problems like hip dysplasia, eye diseases, cancer, etc. before breeding.

To check hip dysplasia, breeders perform X-rays to test their dogs. Because of their rapid growth rate, they may develop a condition named osteochondritis dissecans, which affects their shoulder joint.

Eye diseases like ectropion and entropion combinedly significant in this breed. Like other breeds, certain hereditary diseases, osteosarcoma, and parvovirus infection are more common in Rottie.

Osteosarcoma accounts for the leading cause of early death in Rottweilers. Rottie develops overweight if overfed or under-exercised. The consequences of being obese can be very serious, which results in arthritis, diabetes, heart problem, respiratory difficulties, etc.

Nutritional Requirements

The Pitweiler depends on high-quality dog foods for fulfilling their needs under direct supervision and approval of the veterinarians. Any diet whether manufactured commercially or home-prepared must be given according to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior).

Rottie puppy requires high protein diet to develop their body, and adults need low-fat diet and adequate exercise to prevent overweight. Monitoring a dog’s calorie consumption and weight level is essential to prevent obesity. Over-treats should be avoided during the training program.

Rottweiler Pitbull mix owners need to be careful while giving human food to their lovely dogs. It’s necessary to contact the veterinarian regarding questions about your dog’s weight and diet.

Training your dog

Early socialization training is essential for every dog, including Rottie. Basic leadership training, positive reinforcement training classes, and early socialization helps them to be a well-mannered dog. Rottie is intelligent, easy-going, and ready to please the owner.

They are highly trainable, but sometimes they act stubborn. Trainers need to be patient during the entire training program. Verbal praise or treat helps your dog to do well. Rottie’s are known as people’s dogs, and they love to be with the children and the family.

That’s why proper training is necessary to make your dog’s discipline become consistent, fair, and firm.

Exercise Needs

Rottie’s are very much fond of doing exercises like swimming, running, walking with their owner. Because of their muscular structure, they require regular exercise to maintain their body.

They are an easy learner and perform excellently during tracking, herding, and obedience. They require a moderate level of exercise according to their body weight. Regular exercise helps a Rottie to become fit and healthy.

What to look for when buying a Pitweiler

A healthy Pitweiler usually costs $300 to $1200 and up in the USA from a reputable dealer while buying. That’s why you need to know its pedigree at first before buying a Pitweiler.

The past history of the puppy will tell you about any health, litter, or behavioral problems of the Rottie puppy. The breeder’s record book and paperwork should be checked thoroughly. Before buying a mix breed, you must need to take a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian.