Doberman Rottweiler Mix – The Rotterman

Sometimes called the Rotterman, the Doberman Rottweiler mix is a cross between a Doberman Pinscher and a Rottweiler. Both of the parents are very intelligent and strong, which means there’s the potential to create a dog that is very smart and strong as well. Sometimes it can be difficult to predict how a hybrid will turn out, but you can learn more about the mix by looking closely at the parents. If you’re trying to decide if the Doberman Rottweiler mix is right for you, here’s a closer look at the Rotterman, its history, temperament, appearance, grooming needs and other essential information you’ll need to make an informed decision.

Origin and History

Like many other designer dogs, there’s not a lot of information on the origin of the Doberman Rottweiler mix. It’s likely the Rotterman was created in the past couple of decades, but no one is quite sure when or where the hybrid was started. Even though we don’t know much about the history of this mix, we can learn more by looking at the history of both parents: The Doberman Pinscher and the Rottweiler.

The Doberman Pinscher traces back to Germany and was first created by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann in the 1800s. He wanted to create a dog that was aggressive and intimidating, offering protection as he went through dangerous areas to collect taxes. While there aren’t good records documenting the origin of the breed, it’s thought that these dogs were probably descendants of mixed-breed, shorthaired shepherd dogs crossed with the Rottweiler, German Pinscher, and the Black and Tan Terrier, although other breeds may be in this breed’s background as well. The German Kennel Club recognized this breed officially in 1900, and the breed spread throughout Europe and would later make it to the United States in the 1920s.

While we don’t know the exact history of the Rottweiler, it’s thought that these dogs trace all the way back to drover dogs that were used by ancient Romans. Eventually these dogs, used for herding, became known as Rottweiler Metzgerhund dogs, which translate into “Butcher’s Dog.” The breed fades away for a time until a club was created that came up with a standard for the Rottweiler, and these dogs eventually became popular police dogs during the early 20th century. Later they were used in the World Wars. The Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub was formed in 1921 and the Rottweiler was added to the AKC Stud Book later in 1931.

Appearance

When you cross the two breeds to get the Doberman Rottweiler mix, you end up with a very muscular, strong dog that is fairly large. These dogs grow to be between 24 and 26 inches tall and weigh in at somewhere between 70 and 100 pounds. Expect these dogs to have a wide, deep chest that is very muscular, and the strong hind quarters have a tail that is generally docked. The head is usually a combination between the broad square head of the Rotty and the narrower head of a Doberman. Usually the ears of these dogs are set fairly high in the pendulant form. The Rotterman usually is black and they may have tan areas on their chest and legs. You’ll usually notice that they have tan spots over their eyes and on their muzzle as well. Their coat usually is sleek and short with a glossy look.

The Rotterman Temperament

Both of the parent breeds are very similar in their personality, so you can expect the Doberman Rottweiler mix to end up with a very strong personality. These dogs will be fearless and very watchful, and they are extremely intelligent as well. Designed to be protective, these dogs are also very loyal and they’ll want to take care of you and your family. Early training and socialization is very important for this hybrid, and they’ll also need to have plenty of exercise. Since they have a lot of energy and they are extremely smart, you’ll need to make sure that they get both physical and mental exercise each day. They’ll enjoy walking, running, playing in the yard, going to the dog park, and more. Stimulating games of fetch, hide and seek, and other mental games will also keep them mentally agile.

Grooming

Since the Doberman Rottweiler mix has a sleek, short coat, they don’t require a lot of grooming. Simply brush their coat once or twice a week and they’ll look great. They don’t need to be bathed very often, but you should bathe them if they get dirty or they start getting a doggie smell. These dogs have strong teeth, but you’ll want to keep them healthy and prevent bad breath by brushing them at least 2-3 times each week. Usually these dogs will wear down their nails outdoors, but if they don’t, make sure they are trimmed monthly.

Working Roles

Both the Doberman and the Rottweiler are working breeds, and it’s possible for the Doberman Rottweiler mix to excel in working roles as well. They can make excellent guard dogs and watch dogs, and they may even perform well in police or military roles.

Health

The Doberman Pinscher generally lives to be between 10 and 12 years old, and the Rottweiler has a similar average life span. You can expect your Doberman Rottweiler mix to live to be between 10 and 12 years old as well. While hybrid dogs are known for being healthier than the purebred dogs, they still can have potential health problems. It’s important to know about the common health concerns of both parent breeds. Some of the possible health concerns that may affect the Doberman Rottweiler mix include:

• Eosinophilic gastroenteritis
• Von Willebrand disease
• Follicular lipidosis
• Allergies
• Entropion
• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Osteochondrosis dissecans
• Hypothyroidism
• Parvoviral infection
• Medial canthal pocket syndrome
• Cranial cruciate ligament injuries
• Distichiasis
• Mucocutaneous hypopigmentation
• Subaortic stenosis
• Bloat
• Cancer
• Congenital deafness
• Iris cysts
• Enteritis and enterocolitis
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Cervical vertebral instability
• Dilated cardiomyopathy
• Cataracts
• Cherry eye
• Arachnoid cysts
• Congenital portosystemic shunt
• Nasal depigmentation
• Color dilution alopecia
• Chronic active hepatitis