Rottweiler Pit Bull Mix

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 10-15 years
The Rottweiler Pit Bull Mix, commonly referred to as the Pitweiler, is a cross between the Rottweiler and the American Pit Bull Terrier. Like all hybrid breeds, he is less prone to hereditary health issues than his purebred counterparts, but there is the possibility that he may experience health problems common to either parent breed.

Joint issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia may impact the Pitweiler. Both of these conditions are degenerative and are caused by malformed joints, leading to issues such as discomfort, pain, and limping. In more severe cases, arthritis or even lameness may result, potentially necessitating surgery. While your pup’s joints are still developing, monitor his play to ensure that he does not run on slippery floors or jump excessively.

Hypothyroidism, a thyroid condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient amounts of hormone, is another possibility. This condition may lead to infertility, obesity, lethargy, and hair loss. Fortunately, there is treatment for hypothyroidism, but it will require the affected dog to take daily medication for the duration of his life.

The Pitweiler may experience gastric torsion, more commonly referred to as bloat. Bloat occurs when the stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid, putting excess pressure on other organs. In some instances, the stomach flips, trapping blood in the stomach and preventing it from flowing to the heart and other vital areas. Bloat can be deadly, so get your dog to the veterinarian right away if you notice symptoms such as pale gums, excessive drooling, failed attempts to vomit, or a swollen stomach.

Other potential health issues for the Pitweiler include cancer, heart problems, and allergies.

The average life expectancy for the Pitweiler is 10-15 years.

Temperament & Train-ability

The Pitweiler is a powerful, intelligent, brave, and dominant crossbreed. If well-trained, the Pitweiler can be affectionate and loyal. It is important that you have experience with properly handling a dominant dog breed and that you buy from a reputable breeder when purchasing this crossbreed.

The Pitweiler is not a good choice for an apartment. He needs at least an hour of exercise daily, whether he gets it from walking, hiking, running, or playing. He will also need mental stimulation such as playing with puzzle toys or learning challenging skills and tricks during training. In order to be a happy, well-adjusted dog, the Pitweiler needs plenty of attention on a daily basis. He can become destructive if his needs regarding attention, training, and exercise are not met. In some cases, the Pitweiler may be destructive regardless.

This crossbreed likes to spend time with his family, and he is an excellent guard dog who is extremely loyal to his family and will protect them at any cost. He barks only occasionally but has a loud, deep voice. If outdoors, the Pitweiler will need a fence or a leash, since he will pursue small animals due to his strong prey drive. The fence should be fairly high to ensure that he does not jump over it.

The Pitweiler is protective with children and can be playful and sweet if properly trained. He is likely to chase smaller household pets, and he has the potential to be dog aggressive. Proper training and socialization are needed to curb these inappropriate behaviors. The Pitweiler will most likely be aloof and cautious toward strangers. Socialize your Pitweiler early and often by introducing him to a variety of people, places, sights, sounds, and smells to prevent him from being aggressive towards other pets or people.

The Pitweiler is not a good choice for a first-time dog owner as this breed should be trained by someone who has experience with dominant dogs. Very firm, very consistent leadership is absolutely essential. A full hour of daily training beginning at a young age is recommended. The Pitweiler will try to test you and assert his dominance, so you must not be lenient or inconsistent at all. At the same time, do not use physical punishment or be overly harsh. He is intelligent, and he likes to spend time with his owner and learn new skills, but he needs a trainer with an alpha personality or he may be disobedient.

Grooming

The Pitweiler’s coat varies, and it can be short and fine or dense and thick. Both coat varieties shed minimally, although he will experience a heavier shed once or twice annually. A weekly brushing should typically be sufficient.

Bathe the Pitweiler as needed, and trim his nails when they grow long enough to touch the floor in order to prevent overgrowth and cracking. Check his ears regularly for signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, and odor. Also ensure that there is not excessive buildup of wax, dirt, or debris. Brush his teeth 2-3 times weekly to prevent bad breath and maintain overall health.

Diet

The average Pitweiler should consume 4-5 cups of high quality dry dog food daily, preferably split into at least two smaller meals.

Take preventative measures against bloat by ensuring that your dog does not eat too rapidly, preventing him from drinking excessive amounts of water right before or right after eating, and imposing a one-hour wait time between eating and exercising. Do not feed him from a raised bowl unless your veterinarian specifies to do so.

Ensure that your Pitweiler has access to clean, fresh drinking water at all times.
 

Find A Rottweiler Pit Bull Mix Breeder

Rottweiler Pit Bull Mix Puppies For Sale

Adopt A Rottweiler Pit Bull Mix

Cost

The average cost for a Pitweiler should be $200-$800. Pricing will vary according to breeder location, gender, and lineage.

If you adopt a Pitweiler, expect adoption fees to cost up to $175, depending on your location.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success. The Pitweiler ranks a 3.5. Although he can be a sweet and affectionate dog if properly trained, he is a highly dominant crossbreed who needs firm leadership and an hour of training daily. He also needs an hour of exercise each day, and he requires plenty of attention to prevent him from becoming destructive. He is likely to be aggressive toward smaller animals and other dogs if not properly trained, and he is not recommended for a first-time dog owner.

 

Rottweiler

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