Thinking about adopting a pit bull mixed with a rottweiler, but not sure if it’s the right combination for you?
Below, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the pitweiler!
From temperament to appearance, health to size, we’ll go over pretty much every detail imaginable.
Let’s get going, shall we?
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It is a Pitbull Mix Rottweiler, or Pit Bull Rottweiler Mix?
Before we continue, let’s clear this up. Pitbull is a guy. A rapper, I think.
A pit bull is a dog.
Ergo, it should be a “pit bull rottweiler mix,” if we’re being grammatically correct.
However, since Google keeps saying, did you mean “pitbull mix rottweiler,” it seems that it’s not as common knowledge as I thought.
Either that, or there’s a mix out there by Pitbull called “rottweiler.”
I’m a punk rock girl, so I have no idea what mainstream artists sing, but it’s totally possible!
Honestly, it doesn’t matter what you call them as long as you love them.
Moving forward in today’s post, though, I’ll stick with “pit bull rottweiler mix” or the cute designer dog name, pitweiler, for the sake of keeping it simple.
FYI, while Pitweiler is the most popular name for these designer dogs, they also go by MANY others. These include: RottenPit, Prott, Bullrott, Rottbull and Pittweiler (with 2 ts).
I gotta say, I definitely prefer Pitweiler to most of those! I also think something like “Prottie” would be kind of cute, but that’s nowhere on the list of alternative names, so I guess I’m the only one.
Pitweiler Fast Facts
Just want the basics on the pit bull rottweiler mix?
Take a look at the table below for some fast facts.
| Average Weight | 60 to 100 pounds |
| Average Height | 18 to 26 inches |
| Hypoallergenic? | NO |
| Coat | Single or double layer, short |
| Shedding | Light, with moderate shedding 2x a year |
| Grooming | Weekly brushing, regular baths |
| Barking | Deep and throaty, occasional barker |
| Good with kids? | Yes |
| Good with cats? | Can be with proper training |
| Good with other dogs? | Can be with proper training |
| Tolerates being alone | Not well |
| Tolerates apartment life | Not well |
| Training | Relatively easy with reward training |
| People pleaser? | YES |
| Exercise Needs | High, they’re active dogs |
| Health Concerns | Hip dysplasia, allergies, heart disease |
| Life Span | 10-12 years |
| Average cost | $100-800 |
Pit Bull Rottweiler Mix Appearance
With all designer dog breeds, there’s little to no guarantee of what you’ll get when you mix a rottie with a pit.
It really all depends on which genes come through the strongest. However, we can get a basic idea of what to expect, at the very least.
Let’s look at each breed on its own, then we’ll put them together for a general idea of the pitweiler’s appearance.
Pit Bull Appearance
Part of the problem with figuring out what a pitweiler will look like is the fact that pit bulls don’t really have a breed standard.
Remember, unless we’re talking specifically about the American Staffordshire Terrier, “pit bull” isn’t a recognized breed by the AKC (although the American Pit Bull Terrier is recognized by UKC and the American Dog Breeders Association).
Pits can stand at over two feet tall or hover at just around 14″. They’re typically built like a MAC truck- muscular and stocky…but even that varies depending on what they’re mixed with (remember, no breed standard means that less-than-ethical breeders can create all sorts of hybrid dogs designed to look like our idea of a “pit bull”).
The pit’s single-layered coat also comes in all different colors. Black, white, brown…even blue (grayish blue, actually).
One thing that most pits have in common, though, is that big beautiful smile! Oh, the poetry I could write about that grin (if I could actually write poetry. I’m dreadful at it.)!
Pits also have those sweet little ears that always look like they’re up to something.
Rottweiler Appearance
Rotties are a bit easier to describe, as their is a “breed standard” for them.
They stand between 22-27″, with males falling on the taller end than females.
The average weight ranges between 95-135 pounds for boys and 80-100 pounds for girls.
As the AKC says, they have a double-layered “glistening, short black coat with smart rust markings.”
Like the pit, Rotties have a perpetual grin on their darling chocolate-colored faces, along with a curious expression that always seems to say, “Whatcha doing?”
What happens when you combine them?
Put them together and one thing is certain- they’ll always have a smile ready for you when you come home!
Beyond that, though, there are no guarantees. However, overall, pitweilers are strong and muscular dogs.
Weight-wise, they tend to favor their Rottie parent, averaging between about 60-100 lbs.
His coat may be single-layered like the pit or double-layered like the Rottie. However, like the pit, coloring can range from white to black.
Like I said, there are no guarantees with mixed breeds (which is exactly what all designer dogs are).
Pitweiler Temperament
While we tend to choose dogs that appeal to us based on how they look, we really should judge by temperament.
After all, that tells us whether a breed is a good fit for our families more than anything.
Again, we’ll start by looking at each dog, then put them together.
Pit Bull Temperament
Pits have an unearned rep for being aggressive dogs, as if they spend all their time looking forward to biting people.
In truth, they’re actually incredibly loyal, sweet, and family-oriented dogs.
Yes, there are aggressive pits, but literally any and all breeds can become aggressive if they’re mistreated or not not properly trained. Heck, my aunt once had a teacup poodle that was mean as a badger! And wow, did her tiny little teeth hurt like a [expletive deleted].
Pits are actually major people pleasers who love nothing more than to hear, “You’re a good dog!” Seriously, while they like treats (what dog doesn’t?), they’re just as easily trained through praise.
They adore children, which is why they were used as “nanny dogs” decades ago.
Pits are also fairly social dogs who love meeting new people. Sure, you may have the odd pit bull who only likes his family, but I’ve yet to meet one.
When it comes to cats and other small animals, though, it’s hit or miss if your pit will get along with them.
Since pit bulls are part of the terrier group, they do have a high prey drive. However, with training, they can get along with cats. My friend’s pit even played well with ferrets and rats!
Rottweiler Temperament
As the AKC explains, “A well-bred and properly raised Rottie will be calm and confident, courageous but not unduly aggressive.”
They’re fairly aloof dogs when it comes to strangers, but fiercely love their families and get along well with kids.
While they’re serious guard dogs, they also have a wonderfully silly side that comes out after their work is done.
Like pits, they’re people pleasers and do not handle social isolation well. They thrive best when they’re part of a family.
It breaks my heart to see rotties chained outside, used as nothing more than a security system with a heartbeat. I strongly believe that anyone that doesn’t want a dog in their home shouldn’t have a dog, period.
Rotties are also pretty good with cats and other dogs. However, it’s best to go with opposite-sex pairs. Female dogs should live with male dogs and vice-versa.
What happens when you combine them?
As you can see, pits and rotties share many of the same temperament traits.
So, it’s safe to assume that your pitweiler will be:
- Loyal to his family
- Serious when it comes to protecting his family
- Goofy when the work day is over (he loves to play!)
- People pleasers who take well to training
He may inherit some of the Rottweiler’s aloofness. On the other hand, he may be as social as his pit parent!
Depending on which genes get passed down, he may either have that high pit prey drive or be fairly mellow towards other animals.
Pitweiler Health Considerations
Whenever I write about health concerns of mixed breed dogs, I ask myself one very important question: is this an ethical combination?
By that, I mean will this mix suffer terribly just because someone wanted a funny/cute/fancy designer dog?
Let’s take the pit bull dachshund mix, for example.
I think we can all agree that purposely combining a large pit with a pint-sized dachshund is a recipe for disaster.
Fortunately, a pit rottweiler mix isn’t a particularly dangerous combination health wise.
Neither breed falls into the “purse dog” spectrum, and while rotties can be considerably larger than some pits, they’re not dangerously so.
Designer dogs in general raise ethical concerns (there are so many mixed breeds in shelters, so why do we need to make more?).
However, the pitweiler, overall, is what I’d consider a fairly ethical combination.
That said, he’s not without his health problems. Again, we need to look at each dog individually, then put them together.
Pit Bull Health Problems
Since most pits are already mixed breeds, it’s hard to pinpoint specific health conditions that affect them.
However, there are a few that tend to pop up more than others.
- Allergies
- Hip dysplasia
- Heart conditions
If I had to name just one health problem faced by pits, it has to be allergies.
Every single pit bull I’ve ever known had at least some type of allergy that caused skin problems. Every. Single. One.
Mine had seasonal allergies that caused hot spots. A friend’s had massive flea allergies. Another- food allergies.
Hip dysplasia is also fairly common, as it is with pretty much every medium and large breed dog.
Heart disease is another common concern, but thanks to genetic screening, reputable breeders can significantly decrease the risk.
Rottweiler Health Problems
Responsible breeding can virtually eliminate the vast majority of common rottweiler health problems.
That said, there are some potential issues to consider, like:
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye diseases
- Heart problems
Cancer is also a concern, but research suggests that following the proper vaccine schedule can help reduce the risk.
As far as eye problems go, Rotties are prone to a condition called entropion, an “abnormal inward rolling of the eyelids.”
Pitweiler Health Problems
Put both together and two potentially serious health conditions emerge- hip dysplasia and heart conditions.
While responsible breeding can help reduce the risk of heart problems, hip dysplasia is always going to be an issue.
That’s why I recommend orthopedic dog beds for all ages and stages of a dog’s life and not just their senior year.
They won’t entirely prevent the issue, but a lifetime of sleeping on something supportive can’t hurt!
With allergies being such a dominant issue in pits, there’s a fairly good chance you’ll want to stock up on Benedryl for your pitweiler.
How long is a pitweiler’s life span?
Rotties live an average of 9-10 years. Pits can live longer, up to 12-14 years.
So, anywhere between 9-14 years, with an average falling around 10-12.
Caring for a Pit Bull Rottie Mix
If you’re a dedicated dog owner, then most of these tips aren’t really anything outside the realm of what you’re already doing.
Still, let’s go over them.
Food and Diet Requirements
It goes without saying that all dogs need a healthy diet. Common sense, right?
Feed your pitweiler a good, high-quality food, be it store-bought or homemade.
There is one extra consideration, though: allergies.
If your dog’s pit parent passed down allergy issues, pay close attention to how certain foods aggravate them.
I’d introduce one protein at a time and see how your dog reacts.
If he can’t handle regular dog food, opt for a limited ingredient brand.
Exercise Needs
Since both parents are strong, powerful athletic dogs, you’ll want to provide plenty of exercise opportunities.
Agility training is a fun way to bond with your pup and engage both his mind and his body.
If you’re active outdoors, bring your dog along. Both rotties and pitties love hiking, swimming, and just plain exploring.
If you’re not really a sporty person (I’m not), playing fetch in the backyard and taking regular walks can help exercise your dog.
Grooming
Both the rottie and the pittie have short coats.
The main difference, rotties have a double coat while pits have a single.
Overall, grooming is pretty easy. A weekly brushing along with regular baths should keep that coat looking sleek.
If your pitweiler suffers from skin problems, things do get a little trickier.
Regular bathing is still important, just make sure you use a gentle shampoo.
That’s good advice whether your dog has problems or not, though.
Regular brushing helps keeping shedding down, too.
Neither parent is a major shedder regularly, but rotties do shed quite a bit about twice a year.
Training a Pitweiler
Since both parent breeds are people pleasers, pitweilers are fairly easy to train.
Stick with positive reinforcement training, though, please.
I see way too many pit bull enthusiasts and “experts” recommending a “strong hand” or dominance training methods (aka alpha training).
First, current research suggests that the whole “dogs are pack animals’ myth is just that, a bunk myth.
Second, moves used in dominance training, such as the “alpha roll” made popular by a certain celebrity, can actually cause aggression in dogs.
Given the unearned negative reputation of both parent breeds, you do NOT want to give your dog any reason to become aggressive.
Positive reinforcement and reward training, on the other hand, are backed by science and years of success stories.
If you’re looking for some great professional trainers to follow or learn from, check out either Victoria Stillwell or Zak George.
Stillwell has her own show, It’s Me or the Dog. You can also check out her training videos on YouTube.
In this one below, she demonstrates why shock collars are such an awful training tool:
Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution is my favorite, though.
Here’s an example of his training style:
So, you’ve done your research into a pit bull rottweiler mix and now you have your heart set on getting one.
The question- where do you find them and how much do they cost?
Adopting a Pitweiler Puppy
I’ll start with my regular reminder to adopt, don’t shop.
There are millions of dogs waiting for forever homes in shelters, including pit bulls mixed with a rottweiler.
However, I know that sometimes we get our hearts set on certain dogs and can’t always find them in shelters.
If that’s the case, if you absolutely have to have a pitweiler and have exhausted all your adoption options, then a reputable breeder is the way to go.
Please, please, please do your homework first, though.
Know how to avoid buying from a puppy mill, ask for recommendations, follow up on referrals.
Visit the breeder before adopting. Ask to see where the mom is kept. Look at her living conditions.
If a breeder refuses to let you visit before adopting, move on.
How much does a Rottweiler Pit Bull Mix cost?
The cost of a pitweiler depends on many factors, so I can’t give you an exact number.
If you adopt from a shelter, expect to pay anywhere from $100-300.
While that may sound like a lot, it often covers the cost of spaying or neutering as well as vaccines up until the adoption date.
If you buy your dog from a breeder, expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $800.
