Rottie Poo, Rottle, Rottie Doodle, or Rottie Poodle. The Rottweiler poodle mix has many names, but they are all the same incredibly cuddly designer dogs that won many hearts.
| HEIGHT: 15 to 27 inches | WEIGHT: 60 to 100 pounds |
| LIFE SPAN: 9 to 15 years | BREED SIZE: Medium to large |
| INTELLIGENCE: High | EXERCISE NEEDS: High |
| ENERGY LEVEL: High | BARKING LEVEL: Low |
| DROOL TENDENCY: Medium | COAT LENGTH: Medium to long |
| COLORS: Blue, black, brown, cream, red, white, or a combination of two or more these colors |
| TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, friendly, loyal, gentle, playful, timid, intelligent |
| GOOD WITH: Active families with young or older children, active adults, first-time owners |
| HEALTH FACTORS: Dysplasia, eyes diseases, blood disorder, heart disease |
| OTHER TRAITS: Easy to train, minimal shedding, over-protective, ideal for homes with lots of space |
What’s there not to love about this Rottweiler poodle mix? Their loyalty and devotion are from the Rottweiler, while their playfulness and friendliness come from the poodle. With a Rottie Poo, you are sure to get the best of both worlds.
Background | Their exact origin is unknown but their popularity is steadily on the rise.
In the 1980s, dog breeder Wally Conron developed the first doodle by crossing a Labrador with a poodle. Their offspring is the Labradoodle, designed to assist visually impaired individuals with allergic reactions to dogs. From this came the idea of crossing other breeds with the poodle. The goal is to create a non-shedding and hypoallergenic breed. Experts believe the Rottweiler poodle mix first appeared in the early 2000s. It is one of the less common types of doodles. However, it makes a fantastic pet because of its gentle nature, mild temperament, devotion, and intelligence.
Appearance | The Rottweiler poodle mix can grow really massive but still remain cute.
Rottie Poos do not have a uniform standard appearance. Depending on the size poodle (miniature or standard) the Rottweiler is bred with, their mix can weigh between 60 to 100 pounds and measure 15 to 27 inches tall. Some of the Rottweiler poodle mixes can however grow as big as 110 pounds.
Rottie Poos possess a compact and well-muscled body. Their ears are mostly furry and droopy, their eyes oval-shaped and usually brown or black, while their muzzle is flat with a black nose. They may inherit the long and curly double-layered fur of the poodle. Other times, they get the short and straight single coat of the Rottweiler. Their hair may be blue, black, brown, cream, red, or white, with some sporting a combination of two or more of these hues.
Temperament | They are independent but super snuggly.
The Rottweiler poodle mix is affectionate, sweet, loving, playful, friendly, and fiercely devoted to its owners. They often want to be cuddled like lapdogs despite their enormous size. Despite their love for attention, they are not prone to separation anxiety. These dogs also get along well with children, even the younger ones. However, it is always advisable to have adult supervision when these dogs interact with small kids, as their massive size may inadvertently cause harm.
From their Rottweiler side, Rottie Poos can be territorial and excessively protective. They have a strong hunting instinct and may chase other animals. On the other hand, they can also be aloof and anxious, traits they inherit from their poodle parent. It is crucial that training and socialization begin at a young age to prevent undesirable behaviors.
Care | Just because the Rottweiler poodle mix sheds minimally, doesn’t mean they don’t need proper grooming.
Because Rottie Poos are mostly non-shedders, you don’t need to brush their fur constantly. Brushing two to three times a week is sufficient to keep their coat tangle-free and remove loose hair. You can trim their fur every six to 12 weeks to prevent matting. Otherwise, you can take them to a professional groomer for a haircut.
Bathe your Rottweiler poodle mix pups once a month or when needed. Be sure to use a mild shampoo to avoid drying and irritating their skin. Clip their nails and clean their ears once every few weeks or as necessary. Don’t forget to brush their teeth with dog toothpaste once daily.
Exercise | Daily activity keeps them happy and healthy.
Because of their high-level energy, Rottie Poos need about 60 to 90 minutes of activity each day. You can take them hiking, running, swimming, agility training, hanging out at the dog park, or playing outdoor games, such as frisbee or flyball. These dogs can thrive in an active urban setting but will be happier in a home that has a lot of space to run around.
Lack of exercise can result in these dogs becoming overweight. Obesity often leads to health problems. Inactivity also causes boredom and destructive behavior.
Diet | The Rottweiler poodle mix has the tendency to overfeed.
Like the Rottweiler, these designer dogs are prone to obesity. Rottie Poos tend to overeat when they are bored. Like any other dog, their dietary requirements depend on their size, age, level of activity, and overall health. Limit the amount of food you give them based on their vet’s recommendations. Be sure to stick to the regular feeding schedule and don’t leave meals out during the day.
In addition to dry dog food, the Rottweiler poodle mix will appreciate a supplement of chicken meat, beef, fish, or eggs. Refrain from giving them treats too frequently to prevent them from getting used to it. Treats should be given as a reward.
Training | They are quick to learn and a pleasure to train.
Having two intelligent parents makes the Rottie Poo a very bright dog. To top it all, they are mild-tempered and eager to please their owners. Training must start at a young age when the dogs are more docile and manageable. Socialization is an essential part of their lessons. A Rottweiler poodle mix will need to mingle with people and animals while they are puppies to prevent aggression to strangers and other pets when they are older. Be sure to introduce them to new situations slowly and calmy. Also, give them lots of praise and healthy treats to encourage them.
Health | Inherited health issues can shorten the Rottweiler poodle mixes lifespan.
Most large dogs have a relatively short life expectancy, but Rottie Poos may live up to 15 years with proper care and good living conditions. Even so, some health issues can affect their lifespan. These include hip dysplasia, heart issues, epilepsy, bloating, eye diseases, and Von Willebrand’s Disease, a disorder wherein the blood doesn’t clot properly. Most of these conditions are genetic, so they are mostly unavoidable. Still, it is essential to provide the Rottweiler poodle mix with the appropriate diet, a loving home, and regular exercise to extend their life span to the maximum.
