The Doberman Rottweiler – Is This Mixed Breed Right For You?

You’ve seen him out and about – a large black dog with a friendly face, silky coat, and adoring brown eyes. This dog is unlike anything you’ve seen before and yet there is something so familiar about that face and body.

And then it dawns on you. You’re looking at a Doberman Rottweiler Mix! And now you’re hooked.

If it was love at first sight, we can’t blame you. The Doberman Rottweiler Mix is growing quickly in popularity, leading many dog lovers to ask themselves if this would be the perfect new addition to their family.

But just because you’ve fallen head over heels for the Doberman Rottweiler Mix doesn’t mean he’s the best dog for you. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!

So, You’re Considering A Rotterman?

Rotterman dogs are a mix between the Doberman Pinscher and the Rottweiler.

The Doberman Rottweiler mix, also known as a Rotterman, is a crossbreed dog that combines the winning traits of both the purebred Rottweiler and the purebred Doberman Pinscher.

While both of these breeds do have a lot in common, they are also completely different dogs with different needs, health issues, temperamental traits, and appearances. And all this could have an impact on your Doberman Rottweiler mix.

With that in mind, let’s talk about crossbreeding and the controversy surrounding it.

Also known as hybrids or designer dogs, crossbreed dogs like the Doberman Rottweiler are nothing new. In fact, some may argue that crossbreed dogs have surpassed their purebred counterparts in popularity, especially over the past decade.

There are those that feel crossbreed dogs should not be as popular as they are, especially when considering certain aspects of their personalities could be less predictable than purebred dogs.

And there is something to this notion. Crossbreed dogs, even dogs who are second or third-generation crossbreeds, may be less predictable than purebred dogs when it comes to temperament, health, and appearance.

Remember, purebred dogs have been bred for generations to have specific and predictable traits. Crossbreed dogs like the Doberman Rottweiler are very new to the scene, and they may be more like one parent breed over the other as opposed to being a perfect mix between the two.

On the flip side of this, a crossbreed dog like the Rotterman could have the advantage of what is known as Hybrid Vigor.

Hybrid Vigor is the idea that crossbreed dogs are potentially healthier than purebreds thanks to their widened gene pool, which puts them at less risk of suffering from certain genetic health issues.

But what does all this mean for your Doberman Rottweiler Mix?

It mostly means that you’ll need to be aware of what you’re getting into when investing in this hybrid, and aware that you’re not going to be able to predict different aspects of your dog when it comes to appearance, temperament, and health.

So then how can we learn more about the Doberman Rottweiler Mix? The best way to learn more about this dog is to learn more about his parent breeds.

Keep reading.

The Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher is highly intelligent and devoted.

The Doberman Pinscher is a stunning dog with German origins. He was originally created by a tax collector by the name of Louis Dobermann, who was hoping for a dog that could offer him protection as he fulfilled his tax-collecting duties around town.

For a long time, Doberman Pinschers were seen as fearful and even ferocious dogs, especially for the role they played in World War ll as war dogs. However, the truth is that Doberman Pinscher dogs are incredibly intelligent, friendly, social, and trainable.

It is these traits that made this dog such a successful war dog and guard dog throughout history, but it is also these traits that make the Doberman Pinscher a popular family companion today.

Standing up to 28 inches tall and weighing up to 100 pounds, the Doberman Pinscher is an energetic and outgoing dog best suited for more experienced dog owners.

He can do well with children and other pets when well-trained and socialized at an early age, but he also requires owners who are dedicated and committed to his unique needs.

The Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is another German dog breed with guarding histories, though he is built much stockier than his Doberman Pinscher counterpart, and for good reason. Rottweiler dogs were primarily bred to help pull heavy carts for butchers and to help guard livestock.

These dogs are famous for their large, boxy heads and silky black and brown coats. They stand about 25 inches tall and weigh up to 110 pounds, making them slightly shorter than Doberman Pinschers but certainly much heavier.

Also known as Rotties, Rottweiler dogs were also once seen as scary or even aggressive, but in reality, these dogs are known for their obedience, trainability, and devotion.

They can make excellent dogs for active families with children and do well with other pets when well-trained and socialized at an early age.

Is The Rotterman A Good Family Dog?

The Rottweiler is also a dog with German origins.

Considering both the Doberman Pinscher and the Rottweiler can make great family companions, it comes as no surprise that the Doberman Rottweiler Mix can also do well with children and pets.

However, the Rotterman is probably not the best dog for those with very small children, and he may not fit in well with less active dog owners.

The ideal home type for a Doberman Rottweiler mix is going to be a home with active families, singles, or couples who are able to commit plenty of time to exercise, training, and socialization.

As a potential owner, you should keep in mind that the Rotterman dog is a large, muscular, hybrid dog that can have some guarding instinct. This means he could be wary of strangers or other animals that he perceives as a threat.

Early socialization is going to be key to ensuring your Doberman Rottweiler mix is happy and healthy as he gets older, and the best way to implement early socialization is to expose your Rotterman to as many new experiences, people, places, and other animals as you can while he is still a puppy.

It’s equally important when doing so to ensure your dog has positive experiences with these new situations. We also don’t recommend that you force your Doberman Rottweiler mix puppy into a scenario that is clearly frightening or stressful for him.

Instead, it’s best to use treats, praise, and patience when implementing early socialization with any dog to help them associate new situations with something positive.

This will help them grow up with less fear and more confidence, thus reducing the chances of anxiety and fear-based behavioral issues down the road.

Tips On Training And Exercising A Rotterman Dog

Rotterman dogs are very active and need plenty of exercise.

Speaking of using treats for early socialization, we also recommend using treats when it comes to training.

The Doberman Rottweiler mix comes from two working parent breeds that are famously intelligent and loyal, which means your Rotterman is likely going to be quite smart and eager to please you.

This is great news for anyone who is looking for a dog they can not only train quickly and easily but also bond with during the process.

When it comes to training the Rotterman, it’s important to begin early on in your dog’s life and continue on throughout his lifetime. Training should be kept consistent, game-like, and fun.

Avoid scolding your Doberman Rottweiler mix during training sessions, as this can lead to your dog shutting down. The Doberman Rottweiler mix is a sensitive dog, especially if he inherits more of his Rottweiler parent breed’s temperament.

He will shy away quickly from harsh punishments and does best with positive reinforcement training that utilizes treats and praise. And when it comes to this type of dog, we suggest starting out with the basics of training including basic cue words like sit, stay, drop it, come, and lie down.

You can move on to other, more complicated phrases, and you may even be able to train your Doberman Rottweiler mix to do chores around the house. Remember, this dog comes from working breeds, so he will enjoy having a job to do.

But what about exercise?

The Doberman Rottweiler mix is an athletic dog at heart, and he will require routine exercise each and every day in order to stay happy and healthy both physically and mentally.

This means that not only is a Rotterman going to do best in homes with plenty of space to accommodate them, but they will also do best with owners who can commit to walking them for at least an hour or so a day, and often twice a day.

The Doberman Rottweiler mix will also enjoy free play outside in a securely fenced yard, or free time at a dog park, so long as he is properly socialized around other dogs of his same size.

When you’re training and exercising your Doberman Rottweiler mix, we suggest using high-quality treats to help hold your dog’s attention as well as quality walking gear, like those listed below.

Blue Buffalo Blue Bites Training Treats

No products found.

The Blue Buffalo Blue Bites Training Treats make an excellent reward for your dog. They are small enough to rapid-feed if needed and low enough in calories that they won’t cause a significant change in your dog’s weight over time.

These training treats are also made with high-quality ingredients that promote healthy digestion and have even been specially formulated to help support the immune system.

PetSafe Easy Walk Front Clip Harness

No products found.

We like the Petsafe Easy Walk dog harness for Doberman Rottweiler mix dogs because it helps reduce pulling and makes walking feel more natural for your dog.

This makes walking more pleasant for both you and your Rotterman. It also helps reduce pressure on your dog’s neck and throat, which can cause choking and even lead to health issues or injury.

What About The Health And Lifespan Of A Rotterman Mix?

Rotterman dogs are large breed dogs with an average lifespan of between 8 and 13 years.

One of the main concerns with those investing in crossbreed dogs is the fact that it can be difficult to predict not only temperament and appearance, but also health issues in these types of dogs.

However, as we mentioned above, crossbreed dogs like the Doberman Rottweiler mix could have the advantage of Hybrid Vigor, making them less susceptible to certain health conditions that their parent breeds may carry.

With that said, Hybrid Vigor is not an indication that your dog will not suffer from specific genetic health issues, and in fact, it’s important to remember that the Doberman Rottweiler mix could still suffer from any and all of the same health conditions as his purebred parent breeds.

For this reason, it’s very important to have an understanding of what type of health issues both the purebred Rottweiler and the purebred Doberman Pinscher could be prone to.

It’s also important to get your Doberman Rottweiler mix from a reputable source to reduce the chances of serious health issues, but we will talk more about that further down.

For now, let’s take a look at the most common health issues a Doberman Rottweiler mix might be prone to.

With a lifespan of between 8 and 13 years, the Doberman Rottweiler Mix can be susceptible to

• Bone Cancer
• Hypothyroidism
• Gastric Dilation Volvulus (AKA Bloat)
• Heart Issues
• Albinism
• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Color Mutant Alopecia
• Narcolepsy
• Panosteitis
• Von Willebrand’s Disease
• Wobbler Syndrome
• Allergies
• And Eye Issues

This may seem like a long list of health issues, but the good news is that there are some steps you can take to help ensure your Doberman Rottweiler mix is as healthy as possible.

First, make sure you get your Doberman Rottweiler mix from a reputable source such as a licensed breeder or trusted shelter.

Avoid going through sources that could be questionable, like backyard breeders, online sellers, or anyone selling Doberman Rottweiler mix dogs for much more than their average cost.

Typically, when going through a breeder for a Doberman Rottweiler mix you can expect to spend around $500 to $700.

While some breeders may sell Rotterman puppies for more due to the quality of their parent breeds, remember that hybrid dogs like the Doberman Rottweiler mix are not recognized by most major breed clubs. As such, even if you do get a Doberman Rottweiler mix dog from show-quality purebred breeds, you are not likely going to be able to show them.

If you go through a rescue or shelter, the average cost for a Rotterman puppy is going to be between $150 to $250. This price often includes an initial vet exam, vaccinations, and even temperamental training.

There are benefits to rescuing just as there are benefits to going through a reputable breeder to get your puppy, and the choice is really up to you when it comes to how you want to obtain your Doberman Rottweiler mix.

However, we do suggest you do plenty of research and make sure you are going through the proper channels.

The wrong seller could provide you with a sick puppy, which in turn could lead to heartache and costly expenses for you down the road.

Another way to reduce potential health issues in your Doberman Rottweiler mix is to make sure you keep your dog on a healthy diet. Avoid dog food that contains fillers and additives, and instead invest in dog food that is made with real animal protein and has an adequate amount of carbs, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients your dog needs to thrive.

It’s also important to feed your dog based on his age, weight, and activity level.

Because Doberman Rottweiler dogs can be prone to suffering from Bloat, you might also consider investing in a slow feeder. Slow-feeder bowls can help reduce the amount of air swallowed by your dog during mealtime, thus helping reduce the chances of Bloat due to eating.

Outward Hound Slow Feeder

No products found.

The Outward Hound Slow Feeder is an excellent slow feeder for any large dog breed, but especially for dogs like the Doberman Rottweiler mix who can be so prone to suffering from Bloat.

This slow feeder helps slow your dog down while he is eating, which reduces the amount of air swallowed during mealtime. The feeder can also help create healthier eating habits for your dog, as well as improve digestion and maintain a healthy weight overall.

How To Decide If A Rotterman Is Right For You

The Doberman Rottweiler mix is a great dog, but is he really the right dog for you?

The Rotterman may seem like your dream dog on paper, but how do you know for sure if this is the right dog for you?

Experts say it’s important to ask yourself not only if this is the right dog for your home and lifestyle, but if your home and lifestyle are right for this type of dog.

Remember, the Doberman Rottweiler mix is a large breed dog that requires routine exercise, training, socialization, and mental stimulation each and every day in order to stay happy and healthy.

This is not the best dog for owners who are less active or who would prefer a dog that is more laid back. This is also not the ideal companion for anyone living in smaller spaces like apartments or those who do not have a secure backyard.

If you suffer from allergies, you may also want to rethink the Doberman Rottweiler mix. Though his coat is short and smooth, he does shed and his fur does produce allergy-inducing dander that may be problematic for those with sensitives.

Last, the Rotterman can do well with children and other pets, but he may not be ideal for those with very small children. His large size and energy level could be overwhelming for very small youngsters, so parents should consider this before investing.

Otherwise, if you are an active family, single, or couple that is ready and willing to commit the time and energy to this type of intelligent, outgoing, and devoted hybrid, we say go for it!

Best of luck and thanks for reading!