If you’re a dog lover, you would’ve heard about the “Rottle” — a Rottweiler Poodle mix. They are known as “designer” dogs or pooches that have been intentionally bred from two purebred dogs. While you might find them cute, you need to know whether they are the best fit for your family.
If you want to learn more about these adorable pooches before getting one yourself, read on for all the information you might need!
Table of Contents
Rottweiler Poodle Mix Key Characteristics
- Adaptability: 80%
- Affection Level: 80%
- Apartment Friendly: 60%
- Barking Tendencies: 60%
- Cat Friendly: 40%
- Child Friendly: 80%
- Dog Friendly: 60%
- Exercise Need: 100%
- Grooming Needs: 80%
- Health Issues: 60%
- Intelligence: 100%
- Playfulness: 100%
Breed Highlights
- Rottweiler Poodle mix breeds are known as designer dogs or dogs that were intentionally bred from two pure-breeds. They have nicknames such as Rottle and Rottie Poo.
- Rottle dogs can grow from 15 to 27 inches in height and can weigh around 60 to 130 pounds which is between the smallest Poodle to the biggest Rottweiler.
- They generally get the fur color of their Rottweiler parent, while the coat follows that of the Poodle. However, each litter can still have different appearances.
- These hybrid dogs are medium-sized dogs that are very active and energetic. They are also loving, sweet, and extremely loyal to their owners.
- Coming from two smart and eager to please breeds, Rottweiler Poodle pups can be easily trained. It’s also best to train them how to be social early on.
- A standard size eats 3 to 5 cups of dry dog food a day, divided into 2 to 3 meals.
- They need protein-packed food with fats, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals to grow well and healthy.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia is one of the major health threats every Rottle dog faces. They are likely to acquire this problem if any or both of their parents had it.
- When breeding these pups, you need to assure each of the parents are completely healthy. Litters often acquire their parents’ health conditions and could lessen their chances of growing normally or even living.
- On an average, healthy Rottle puppies live between 9 to 15 years. Some may even grow older depending on their overall health.
- They can be pricey, ranging from $2,300 to $3,000, depending on the breeder.
- These hybrid dogs may have a thick coat, but they shed minimally and often seasonally.
- Keep their fur healthy and looking great by brushing it gently every day. It’s also best to bathe them bi-weekly and then followed up by professional grooming once and a while.
- Rottle puppies are vulnerable when they are newly born. It’s best not to separate them from their parents for at least three weeks.
- These designer dogs aren’t recognized by the American Kennel Club but are acknowledged by American Canine Hybrid Club.
- They are great family and companion dogs — even for kids.
Rottweiler Poodle Mix Appearance
A Rottie’s appearance could differ from litter to litter. Some pups look more like Rottweilers while others lean more towards their Poodle side. However, these types of breeds do have an average weight and height as well as possible fur and coat appearance.
Size and Weight
Rottles are medium-sized dogs, a rather obvious outcome, especially when the parents are technically from the same size range.
When it comes to height, this mix could grow from 15 to 27 inches and weigh around 60 to 130 pounds.
If we look at its parentage, male Rottweilers can grow from 24 to 27 inches and weigh 110 to 130 pounds. Females are slightly smaller at 22 to 25 inches tall and 77 to 110 pounds. Meanwhile, an average poodle is between 15 to 24 inches tall and weighs around 60 to 70 pounds for males and 40 to 50 pounds for females.
That being said, a Rottle’s size could be from the smallest Poodle to the biggest Rottweiler.
Of course, various factors could change the way a Rottweiler Poodle mix grows such as their gender, possible health issues (dwarfism, muscle and bone issues, etc.), their nutrition, and their parents’ sizes.
Fur and Coat
This breed’s fur usually takes after the Rottweiler’s color. There are the occasional cases when a Rottweiler has more submissive genes and you’ll get a brown one. You can also breed Rottle puppies that have two solid colors with the usual being black and brown.
The coat, however, is more like a Poodle’s — curly/wavy, thick, and medium in length.
While their coat might be a little hard to groom, they shed minimally. This is often seasonally so you won’t have enough problems at home. But most aren’t hypoallergenic – although they can be.
Rottweiler and Poodle Mix History
Both the Poodle and Rottweiler have been popular breeds. In fact, these two breeds were on the top 10 of American Kennel Club for 2017 with Poodle in the 7th place and Rottweiler after it.
But what made these two dog breeds well-loved?
Poodle Origin
The common story surrounding the Poodle’s history is that they originated from France. We also often see them as the pets of the rich aristocrats and models — often portrayed in popular media.
However, Poodles actually came from Germany. They were originally bred as water dogs to retrieve fallen birds and ducks for hunters. At the very least, Poodles dated back from the 15th century with proofs from art and literature.
But their very origin remains to be a mystery.
Rottweiler Origin
Today, we know Rottweiler dogs as guard dogs, search and rescue, and police dogs.
Nonetheless, they were originally bred to help farmers herd cattle. Farmers and cattle owners used them to drive the herd to the market.
However, they began losing their popularity as herding dogs when locomotives were used to herd cattle. But thanks to their protective nature, they became known as capable police and guard dogs.
As with the Poodle, they also came from Germany.
The first known birth of a Rottweiler Poodle mix breed was during the 1980s. Apart from the year, there weren’t any definitive date as to when the breed was introduced and whether there have been other births before that.
Rottweiler and Poodle Mix Trainability
The Rottweiler and Poodle breeds are smart and eager-to-please dogs. Coming from them, Rottle pups can take commands easily and for that, they are extremely trainable. A word of caution though: they can have a stubborn streak.
The best way to train them is to start at a younger age, while they are still pups. As soon as you’re potty training them, you can start with the most basic of commands. And while they may kill you with their charm and puppy eyes, you still need to be firm. They should know that you are the authority and they need to follow you. Balance being a friend and owner to them.
Since Rottweiler breeds can be aggressive, training them to be social is essential so you can raise a well-mannered Rottle pup. Introduce them to other people and dogs as early as possible to make them more comfortable and familiar with strangers.
In training any breed of dog, the key is consistency. There’s also what they call the “reward system.” It’s basically rewarding your pup with treats (or their favorite toys) everytime they obey your commands.
As they grow older, you’ll be able to train them with more complex commands. Some of these dogs even become guide and service dogs for people with disability. If you have such a condition, you can ask a professional trainer to train them according to your needs.
Exercise
Exercise is essential for dogs, especially as they grow. This helps build stronger muscles and bones. Since Rottle dogs get fat faster, this also decreases their chances of obesity.
Dog exercise is actually pretty simple. You really just need to walk them for a few minutes every day. If you have a larger area, you can set them free and let them run around. Playing fetch is also another way of helping them exercise while letting them have their fun.
However, these hybrid dogs are prone to joint problems. Don’t overdo their exercise to avoid such problems. Letting them rest every now and then will be tremendously helpful in keeping them healthy.
Rottweiler Poodle Mix Temperament
Rottweiler dogs have a slightly aggressive and excessively possessive temperament while Poodle breeds are often shy, a little anxious, and friendly. Therefore, these pups have the best of both worlds. They can be a little aggressive, but generally very friendly dogs.
These dogs can also be really playful and energetic and will want a bigger space so they can run around. They’re really cheerful and sweet, making them great companion dogs even for your kids.
Thanks to their Rottweiler genes, they are also perfect guard dogs. They are alert and protective of their family. If they sense something is amiss, they’ll bark incessantly to get anyone’s attention. They can also get aggressive when necessary, but as much as possible, train them to be friendly with other people and animals.
If you’re an avid hunter, a Rottweiler Poodle mix dog can be your assistant with their amazing senses. And since they have Poodle blood, they can be trained to retrieve your game.
Diet and Nutrition
Rottweiler Poodle mix breeds are highly active and muscled dogs. It is best to feed them with a hearty and wholesome diet. You can buy commercial dog food and feed them up to 5 cups of kibbles a day, distributed into 2 to 3 meals a day.
For their food, a good source of protein works wonders. It helps build lean muscle mass and bone density. However, be careful with your source of protein. If you’re buying dog foods, make sure the number one ingredient is a high-quality animal-protein source such as ducks, chickens, lamb, and beef.
They also need carbohydrates and calories to provide them with the energy they need. But make sure that it only has the right amount, enough to keep their diet balanced. They can easily get fat.
Poodles are known to easily get digestive problems. If your Rottle pup acquired this, you should find grain-free dog foods that work best for sensitive tummies. They are also prone to bloating so don’t give them a lot in just one feeding.
Also, note that dog foods are often life stage-specific. This is to cater to the changing needs of pups, adult dogs, and senior dogs.
Allergies
Canines are also prone to allergies. Normally, they get it from their food. The only downside is we won’t be able to know whether a dog is allergic if we don’t feed it to them.
Find a grain-free dog food or something with limited ingredients (but still packed with much-needed nutrients). This could minimize the chances of your pups getting allergies. Feed them little by little and observe them.
Some signs of allergies include:
- Sneezing
- Stuffy or running nose
- Facial pain caused by nasal congestion
- Watery and itchy eyes
- Skin hives
- Itching
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
If you see any of these signs, it’s best to stop feeding them the food and bring them to their vet immediately.
Rottweiler Poodle Mix Health and Care
Lifespan: They can live between 9 to 15 years.
Many dog lovers aren’t fans of designer dogs as they believe breeders are creating unhealthy pups. However, hybrid dogs are actually healthier than purebred ones. The only problem is when one of the parents have health conditions. The pups are likely to acquire the same conditions.
For that, we’ll be checking the common health problems of the Rottweiler and Poodle breeds.
Rottweiler
Here are the usual health issues Rottweiler dogs get and Rottle pups can genetically acquire:
- Elbow and hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Cataracts
- Arthritis
- Cardiomyopathy
- Subaortic stenosis (SAS)
- Hypothyroidism
- Addison’s disease
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Gastroenteritis
- High risk of cancer
- Bloating
Poodle
For Poodle dogs, here are some of the most common health issues:
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Addison’s disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloating
- Hypoglycemia
- Patellar luxations
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Sebaceous adenitis
- Urinary tract infections
Mix breed
Based on the health problems from Rottweiler and Poodle breeds, here are the most commonly diagnosed problems with Rottle dogs:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Patellar luxations
- Subaortic stenosis
- Mitral valve dysplasia
- Gastric dilation volvulus (GDV) or bloat
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Osteochondritis dissecans
- Corneal dystrophy
- Addison’s disease
Many of these health issues can’t be detected as puppies. If you’re a breeder, you need to check both breeds to guarantee their litter will be safe from these risks. For people who are buying or adopting Rottle pups, it’s better if you know the ancestry of your dog. It helps to know which types of diseases they may acquire so you can have them treated right away.
They may need the following occasional tests to see whether they have health issues:
- Skin evaluation
- Eye examination
- Cardiac ultrasound
- Diagnostic imaging DNA
- Blood and urine analysis
For those who aren’t aware of whether their parents have any of the aforementioned diseases, the best solution is to regularly have them checked.
Ticks and bites
Ticks are these little arachnids and parasite that threatens our fur babies. Your dog can acquire one from other dogs or when they’re exploring outside. Avoid these with tick-repellents in the form of collars, sprays, shampoo, powder, and more.
If your dog gets a tick bite, it will leave behind a little bump. You might want to observe these bites as they can get infected and bring pain and discomfort to your pooch.
Grooming
Regular grooming helps keep your dog look good – but it’s more than just making them look cuter than they already are. Most of the time, grooming also makes them feel more comfortable. For example, dogs with long, droopy ears are more prone to ear infections. A professional groomer can clean the area and avoid such risks.
Generally, you won’t have any problems with a Rottle when it comes to grooming. You only need to lightly brush their fur daily just to keep it mat and tangle free and bathe them bi-weekly. And then, you can follow up with professional grooming every now and then.
When you’re buying bathing essentials, you must guarantee that their dog shampoo is safe and dog-specific. Some may have harsh chemicals that may damage your dog’s coat and their skin. Avoid these kinds of products, especially the types that don’t include the ingredients on the label.
You might also want to trim their fur shorter, especially when you live in a hotter area. This also avoids matting.
For their teeth, brushing twice a day during their shedding season works best. You can trim their nails if you have the right equipment. However, this service is also offered by professionals.
Rottweiler Poodle Mix Puppies
Rottle puppies can be trained — and should be done as early as possible to avoid any unruly behaviors. You can let them out and play with other dogs as young as 3 to 4 months old, provided you monitor their behavior and make sure they don’t get hurt.
Even as pups, these breeds are incredibly loyal to their owners. They often create long-lasting relationships with their family, especially with the kids. They’d even sleep in the children’s room to protect them in their sleep.
If your Rottle pup is newly born, we advise that you let it stay indoors as much as possible. It’s also best to keep it close to its mum. If you’re buying or adopting one, it’s better if you wait for at least a month or so before you take them away from their mothers. They still need their mama’s milk and protection.
Newborn pups also can’t control their body temperature yet and their mother helps keep them warm.
Patience is also needed when it comes to letting them enjoy the outside world. They still have a weak and underdeveloped immune system. Bringing them out outside, even for just a few minutes, is enough to make them sick.
Start introducing them to your lawn for potty training at around four weeks old. By six or seven weeks, you can already bring them to the vet for any needed medical services.
Rottle pups behave as any other pups do — cheerful, playful, and incredibly energetic.
Price
For those who are looking to buy a Rottweiler Poodle mix, you need to save a lot. When you think about how much breeders sell pure breed Rottweiler dogs and Poodles, you should expect that a designer dog will cost the same or maybe more.
Rottle pups could sell for around $2,300 since their parents are within the same price range. Reputable breeders may even offer them for $3,000. And that’s usually just the pups alone. If you want to get them with medical services already done, you’d probably have to add at least $500.
Apart from their cost, you likely have to spend around $1,000 a year for your dog’s expenses. If they get sick and are diagnosed with major problems, that will cost you more.
You might be able to get some fairly good discount from breeders who are simply trying to give away extra puppies since they often come from big litters. However, the best possible way to acquire a Rottle is by adopting them and saving them from shelters, especially those in high-kill ones.
Breed Organizations
Hybrid or designer dogs aren’t recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, Rottweiler Poodle mix breeds are acknowledged by the ACHC or American Canine Hybrid Club as well as DRA or Dog Registry of America, Inc.
You may also find local Rottle organizations in your place that helps keep track of designer dogs.
Should You Get A Rottle?
Getting a pup is a lot like being a new parent. They will need your love and attention, especially when they are still young. The fun thing is they are incredibly loyal and will love you for the rest of their life.
Among these genuinely sweet breeds is the Rottweiler Poodle mix. If you’re planning to find a dog that can instantly get along with your family and is rather low maintenance, they are a great choice.
