The Pitweiler: A Comprehensive Guide to the Rottweiler Pitbull Hybrid

Of all the hybrid breeds that we have covered, the Rottweiler Pitbull Mix is definitely one of the most interesting. Also known as the Pitweiler, this hybrid is known for its strength.

Both of the parent breeds are muscular, powerful, and were once thought to be aggressive. But as temperament research has revealed, both Rottweilers and Pitbulls are actually loving and loyal dogs. The result of mixing the two is an energetic, strong, and smart Pitweiler. Certainly they make great family dogs!

They will do best in families that have ample time to train them and make sure they get plenty of exercise. It is also best for owners to have experience with large breeds as Pitweilers may weigh up to 100 pounds when fully grown!

This Rottweiler Pitbull Mix loves playing and has a great smile thanks to their Pittie parent. And they have a strong will to work thanks to their Rottie parent.

Let’s take a deeper look into the history of these dogs and discover all there is to know about the Pitweiler!

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Pitweilers are an intelligent hybrid of rottweilers and pitbulls

via @moosethepitweiler

What Makes a Pitweiler?

Like its purebred parents, the Pitweiler is stocky and looks intimidating - some may even say they are scary looking! Because of this, the hybrid is often looked to as an ideal guard dog or home protector. And if trained to do this job, the Rottweiler Pitbull Mix will happily fulfill the role.

As we mentioned, a full grown Pitweiler can weigh up to 100 pounds. But usually they weigh around 60-80lbs. And they may be anywhere from 18 to 25 inches in height, with females on the smaller side. A Pitweiler will generally live between 12 to 15 years, similar to their parents’ life expectancy.

But before we can really get a feel for this pup, we should look more closely at his parents - The Rottweiler and The American Pitbull Terrier.

The rottweiler parent is typically black and tan

History of Rottweilers and Pitbulls

Unfortunately, Pitbulls have a poor reputation due to their roots in bloodsports and dog fighting. They were originally bred as bull baiting dogs in Britain, where they were favored for their strong and stocky physique. Eventually, bloodsports became illegal and the British turned to dog fighting as a new, profitable sport. Sadly, when the British moved to America, they brought along this evil pastime and dog fighting quickly became a favorite of the criminal underworld.

Their loyalty and desire to please their owners, along with their power, has made them great at fighting. But when placed in loving homes, and taught boundaries, the Pitbull is one of the most loving and stable dogs around. You can read more about Pittie history in our comprehensive guide to the breed.

Now let’s cover the other half of the Pitweiler - the Rottweiler.

Rotties are a classic breed and have ancient roots dating back to the Roman Empire, where they worked to herd cattle. In more recent times, Rottweilers have been used as guard dogs. Like Pitbulls, Rottweilers are large, muscular, and very intelligent!

They also have the adorable reputation of being gentle giants - a trait that also fits the misunderstood Pitbull.

Pitweiler Characteristics: Temperament & Traits

Regarding any hybrid dog, it can be challenging to say how they will act. Of course the Pitweiler temperament depends on their parent breeds, but it also depends on which parent each individual puppy takes after most.

Your puppy may have more Pittie genes, or more Rottie genes. Luckily, Pitbulls and Rottweilers are similar enough that most puppies will definitely be friendly, intelligent, loving, loyal and strong. However, they may vary in looks.

Both Pitties and Rotties are stocky and strong. So Pitweilers will also share these physical characteristics, but their faces will either look more like a Pitbull or more like a Rottweiler.

While Rotties are typically always black and tan, Pitbulls come in a variety of colors, and so do Pitweilers! For example, your hybrid dog may be blue, similar to the Blue Nose Pitbull, red, black, brown, white, or even brindle coated. And because both Rottweilers and Pitties have easy-to-manage, short coats you will not have to worry much about grooming!

Additionally, both parent breeds are highly spirited thanks to their working backgrounds. So your Pitweiler puppy is sure to have tons of energy to burn through! You can direct some of this energy into training.

Like we have mentioned, the Rottweiler Pitbull Mix is incredibly intelligent and easy to train. Be sure to provide several positive, reward based training sessions each week. This will keep your Pitweiler interested and excited about learning new skills!

Also keep in mind that early socialization is very important. Introducing your Pitweiler puppy to different people, animals, and situations is helpful in developing confidence and healthy boundaries. This will cut down on any unnecessary aggression.

Though some people prefer that their Pitweilers act as guard dogs, many do not. They are a friendly dog but are also alert and sometimes weary of strangers. So be sure to focus your training on which trait you would like to bring out the most.

Additionally, Pitweilers fit best into families who have ample time to spend with them and that are experienced in handling and caring for large dog breeds. If let alone for extended periods, your Pitweiler may develop negative behaviors like whining, barking, crying, chewing, digging, and other destructive actions. Unfortunately, this is why many large dogs find themselves in the shelter.

To avoid these difficult and bothersome behaviors, be sure to provide your Rottweiler Pitbull hybrid with at least one hour of vigorous exercise prior to leaving them alone. You can also provide him with a crate, or den, to be comfortable in while you are away.

If you will be gone for more than a couple hours, we recommend hiring a dog walker or sending your Pitweiler to doggy daycare. This way, they will receive positive socialization and will not have a ton of pent up energy to burn once you return. Instead, you can just cuddle up at the end of a long day with your best furry friend!

via @pitweiler.hennessy

Caring for a Pitweiler

Like we have suggested, Pitweilers are best suited for active families - especially if they have experience with large dogs and understand their needs. These pups are not well-suited for first time pet owners, or for apartments, unless you make sure they receive plenty of exercise. It is also important that you provide structured training and various socialization experiences as soon as you bring your new Pitweiler home.

In this part of the guide, we will cover feeding, health considerations, training and everything in between!

How to Feed a Rottweiler Pitbull Hybrid

Similar to feeding regimens of other large breed puppies, Pitweilers should eat four small meals each day until they reach their full size - this will occur around 1 year of age. After this milestone, you can reduce their meals to two a day. It is best to avoid feeding just one meal per day, as this can increase your Pitweiler’s risk of experiencing Bloat and Volvulus.

Many large dogs with barrel chests are prone to this potentially deadly condition.

Essentially, when a dog experiences Bloat the stomach twists on itself and it can cause fatal complications. Breaking your Pitweiler’s nutritional requirements into at least two meals per day will help keep his stomach safe. And of course, avoiding feed one prior to exercise also reduces the risk.

Pitweilers can be many colors, including red.

via @pitweiler_nymeria

Rottweiler Pit Mix Health Concerns

While Pitbulls and Rottweilers are both relatively healthy, they do have a few health issues that may be passed on to their mixed puppies.

Like we mentioned before, Bloat and Volvulus are common to all large dogs. The Pitweilers are no exception, so follow the tips we provided above to help avoid this illness.

Another common issue is hip and elbow dysplasia. This condition is characterized by abnormal growth of the joints that causes pain and lameness. Thankfully, it can be treated with medication, therapy, or surgery if caught early. And if you are shopping with a reputable breeder, your puppy’s risk of developing dysplasia should be low.

Also, Rotties and Pits tend to suffer from cataracts in their old age. It can cause blindness if left unchecked and is most commonly treated with surgery.

Of course being proactive from the beginning is the best way to make sure your Pitweiler lives a long, healthy life. Keep up with puppy well visits and annual check ups once he is fully grown. There are certain vaccinations and preventative medications that your Pitweiler needs to remain in good health!

Exercise and Training Requirements of a Pitweiler

As we have stressed throughout this guide, The Rottweiler Pitbull Mix has very high activity needs and will require one hour of exercise per day at the absolute least. Like most high energy breeds, they will thrive with two hours or more depending on the activities they enjoy! It is best to offer only one or two toys at time as Pitweilers can get bored easily.

In fact, perhaps sticking with a ball and playing the classic game of fetch will work best for your pup! And Pitweilers come from highly intelligent working dogs, they love to play puzzles and brain games. Try this:

Grab a muffin tin and place a small treat in 3 random muffin cups
Cover each muffin cup with a tennis ball
Let your dog move the tennis balls to find the hidden treats
Give praise!

Your Pitweiler will love this fun bit of nose work as it is mentally stimulating and provides a tasty reward! You can also find commercial puzzles and brain games at most pet stores or online.

Your Rottweiler Pitbull Hybrid will also enjoy long walks, hiking, swimming, or running with the family! However, they are happy to cuddle in your lap at the end of the day.

When it comes to training, you should engage in a positive reward based method that uses reinforcement rather than punishment. Not only can punishing your pup make them fearful, but it can also worsen poor behaviors.

Instead, use verbal praise, extra petting, and small treats to reward your Pitweiler for good behaviors and following commands. When your dog does something wrong, redirect them and praise them once they have become refocused.

pitweilers need at least one hour of exercise per day

Summary of the Rottweiler Pitbull Mix Breed Guide

Now that we have shed some light on this hybrid, we hope that you are in a good position to decide if he is right for you! With his energetic and spunky personality, the Pitweiler does best in a home that is experienced in handling large dogs.

He will love training time and solving brain teasing puzzles with you! And then, curling up for lots of love and cuddles at the end of the day! Though Rottweiler Pitbull Mixes are larger than life, they are truly gentle and loving giants - the perfect 100lb lap dog.

What do you think of the Pitweiler? Let us know in the comments below!

Characteristic

Fact

Life Expectancy:

12-15 years

Color:

Brown, Black, White, Blue, Red, Brindle, Black and Tan

Price:

$200-800

Trainability:

Easily Trainable with effort

Temperament:

Friendly, Loving, Loyal, Intelligent, Silly

Health Considerations:

Bloat, Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Cataracts

Energy Levels:

Very High; require at least 1hr of exercise

Coat:

Short, Smooth; Low Maintenance

Size:

Large breed; 40-100lbs, 18-25”

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