The Rottweiler Poodle mix, also fondly known as the Rottie-poo or Rottle, is one of the most popular among other Doodles!
If you’re thinking of welcoming a Rottweiler Poodle mix into your family, check out our Rottle guide.
Rottie-Poo Parent Breeds
The Rottie-poo is a mixed breed between the Rottweiler and Poodle. These two parent breeds are very different in appearance and temperament, but they create an adorable family companion people love.
The Rottie-poo doesn’t have a detailed origin story, though we know breeders created the mix in the early 2000s.
As for the Rottie-poo’s parent breeds, the Poodle originated in Germany, working as a water retriever. Fast forward to now, Poodles are one of the famous and intelligent dog breeds worldwide!
The Rottweiler is a large dog breed from Germany, known as one of the oldest dog breeds worldwide. We can date the Rottweiler back in A.D. 74, taking part in the Roman Army!
Back then, people called this dog breed the Rottweiler Metzgerhound, which meant “Rottweiler butcher dog.” That’s because Rottweilers used to pull carts of butcher’s meats to German markets.
Furthermore, Rottweilers herded livestock and hunted birds, like Poodles.
Rottweiler Poodle Mix Appearance
Since the Rottweiler and Poodle are two highly different breeds, the Rottie-poo’s appearance varies, depending on what genes it inherits.
Furthermore, the American Kennel Club does not acknowledge the Rottie-poo as an official breed, so there aren’t exact regulations.
We know that the Rottie-poo comes in different coat colors and sizes! Here’s the Rottle guide on the breed’s size and coat colors.
Mini Rottle
The Mini Rottle is the smallest Rottie-poo variety, standing 10-15 inches tall and weighing between 30-45 pounds. These dogs are a mix between a Rottweiler and Miniature Poodle.
Even if they are called Mini Rottles, they are relatively big compared to average dog sizes.
We recommend getting a Mini Rottle if you live in an apartment or prefer smaller dogs.
Standard Rottle
Standard Rottles are more common since most breeders mix the Rottweiler and Standard Poodle because of the vast size difference.
Expect the Standard Rottle to stand at 15-27 inches tall, weighing a whopping 50-110 pounds. Yes, they grow that big once they hit adulthood!
Because of the Standard size, we recommend this dog breed for families with larger homes and a backyard.
Rottie-Poo Coat
A Poodle’s coat is usually dense and curly, shedding very little.
The Rottweiler would have a straight, coarse, and dense medium-length outer coat. It also has an undercoat around the thighs and neck.
While Poodles do not shed often, Rottweilers are considered light seasonal shedders.
Because of that, Rottie-poos would have a curly or wavy coat at a medium to long length.
Despite the Rottie-poo’s dense coat, it won’t shed as much. That said, these breeds do not have a hypoallergenic coat and may cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.
As for coat colors, the Rottweiler Poodle Mix can come in various colors, like:
- Black
- Brown
- Gray
- Cream
- Red
- White
- Blue
Usually, you find black Rottie-poos or a mix of black and brown. Multi-colored Rottie-poos are rarer than solid-colored ones.
Rottweiler Poodle Mix Temperament
The Rottie Poodle mix, like its parent dogs, is affectionate. These dogs are also alert, confident, and calm. However, this particular breed might be reserved with strangers.
The Rottie-poo is very playful, loving, and even loves acting silly when around family. This dog is also very loyal and protective towards its family, acting as a guardian or watchdog for its owners, particularly the children.
Because of Rottie’s love and loyalty, they love to cuddle, even sometimes acting as lapdogs.
But even if Rottie-poos are protective and playful towards children, these dogs should not be left alone with them. Given their enormous size, they can unknowingly hurt smaller children. Children might also try roughhousing as they play with the dog, which may have your dog act aggressively.
Rottie-poos love attention, which they probably get from their Poodle parent. Rottie-poos become more prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long hours.
Are Rottie Doodles Great Family Pets?
Yes, the Rottie Doodle is family-friendly and fantastic with kids. However, these dogs aren’t the best for first-time dog owners.
The Rottie Doodle will require a lot of training and socialization when you bring them home. If not, then there’s the risk of aggressive nature and other behavioral issues when your dog grows up.
Furthermore, this dog breed will require plenty of exercise and grooming. Rottie-poos also hate being left alone, so owners should prepare to give more time for their new dogs.
Rottweiler Poodle Mix Health Issues
Fortunately, large Rottie Poodle Mix can live for over ten years, provided you care for it well. Since the Rottie Poodle is a crossbreed, they inherit a unique hereditary trait known as Hybrid Vigor.
Hybrid Vigor means that a mixed breed like the Rottie Poodle is less likely to get genetic diseases that a purebred canine is at risk of as they grow up. That’s why these dogs can live longer.
That said, the Rottie Poodle still has health issues and risks. You must know their common health concerns to prepare and prevent them from happening.
Here are the following common health concerns to keep an eye on:
Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Arthritis
Corneal Dystrophy
Von Willebrand’s Disease
Epilepsy
Subaortic Stenosis
Mitral Valve Dysplasia
Cancer
Bloating
Retinal Atrophy
While these are problematic health conditions, not all Rottie-poos are likely to have these. To prevent such common health issues from occurring, take your dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups and updated vaccination records. Furthermore, your dog should go through genetic testing and receive a health clearance, so you know what to watch out for in the future.
We also recommend getting pet insurance, which saves you more in the long run. Insurance companies provide plans for pets at affordable rates!
Rottweiler Poodle Mix Exercise and Training Needs
The Rottie-poo is an intelligent dog breed from the two most brilliant parents! We know this Poodle mix to be easy to train and eager to please. However, there’s a risk of a Rottie-poo entering a stubborn streak.
That said, you must ensure that you train your Rottie-poo well and establish your leadership role.
Start off with housetraining and socialization when you bring your puppy home. From there, you can teach basic obedience training commands and follow with more complex tricks.
When training your dog, you must stay consistent. Take 10-15 minutes of the day to give your dog proper training and mental stimulation.
Other than training, physical exercise is key to a healthy dog. Since the Rottweiler and Poodle are dogs with lots of energy, expect the Rottie-poo to have high energy levels, too!
These mixed breed dogs require at least 30-60 minutes of exercise. Some ideas of daily exercise include walking, jogging, hiking, swimming, playing fetch, indoor games, and the like. If you don’t give your Rottie-poo adequate exercise, it might have aggressive tendencies from boredom and frustration!
If you want a cuddly lapdog, then this active dog breed is only suitable if you’re willing to exercise a lot beforehand!
Socialization
Rottweilers are known for their protective nature, which Rottie-poos may inherit. Because of that, it’s crucial to raise your puppy correctly and have them grow with a friendly personality.
That begins with socializing your puppy with strangers and other animals. When you slowly introduce your puppy to new people and animals, they get used to being around others. It will then minimize any risk of aggressive behavior.
Rottie-Poo Food Requirements
The Rottie-Poo requires a high-protein diet to maintain proper health. You’ll need to increase their calories and protein content for active dogs.
AMino fatty acids are essential for Rottie-poos to maintain healthy eyes, coats, and joints. You can either go for dry dog food recommended by a veterinarian or a raw food diet with organic food sources like meat-based protein, veggies, and supplements. Make sure you talk with the veterinarian before making any diet changes.
Rottie-Poo Grooming Requirements
The Rottie-poo doesn’t shed as much, which means you need to conduct regular grooming.
Your pet requires daily brushing, especially if it has a long coat. Doing so prevents mats and tangles in the fur, which causes pain and discomfort. If your dog ends up getting too many tangles, then you need to shave his coat completely. Brushing a Rottie Poodle’s coat only takes 5-10 minutes!
The Rottie-poo requires a haircut every 6-12 weeks, depending on how fast your dog’s fur grows. You can give your dog a clipping yourself or take it to a professional groomer.
Besides regular haircuts, you must bathe your Rottie-poo every 4-6 weeks or whenever he gets dirty from mud or rainy weather. Use premium dog shampoo and conditioner to keep your dog’s coat clean and free from dirt that causes skin allergies or conditions.
Other grooming requirements include:
Clipping your dog’s nails once a week or so.
Inspecting and cleaning your dog’s eyes and ears weekly.
How Much is a Rottweiler Poodle Mix?
If you’re planning to get a Rottie Doodle, expect these dogs to go between $500 to $1,500. The price varies significantly by the dealer, location, demand, among other factors.
When talking with a breeder, ask if the Rottle puppies have healthy parents, asking about health clearances and vaccination records. A reputable breeder will gladly answer all your queries and send any necessary documents for a smooth transaction.
Never trust puppy mills or sketchy breeders who sell their Rottie Poodle mix puppy at such cheap prices. They are most likely selling unhealthy puppies raised in poor environments.
Alternatively, you can adopt rescue dogs. Your local rescue center may have a Rottie Doodle up for adoption. It’s cheaper, and you get to give a dog another chance at a better life. There will be interviews and a screening process to go through, but it will be worth it in the end.