The Labrador Rottweiler mix, often referred to as the Labrottie or the Rottador, is a mixed breed that combines a Labrador Retriever and a Rottweiler, resulting in a dog with high stamina, energy, and enthusiasm. No breed associates recognize the Labrottie, but it is a hybrid recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club. The hybrid brings together some of the best traits of both breeds, but before deciding to add this hybrid dog to your household, you’ll want to learn more about the Labrador Rottweiler mix. Here’s a closer look at its origins, grooming needs, temperament, health, and more.
Origin and History
The Labrador Rottweiler mix has become very popular, and it’s not surprising, since both of the parent breeds are quite popular. While we don’t know exactly when this mixed breed was started, it likely got its start within the past 20-30 years, since hybrids have picked up in popularity within the past couple of decades. You can learn more about the origins of the Labrottie hybrid by looking at the history of both the Labrador Retriever and the Rottweiler.
The Labrador Retriever is a breed that actually traces back to 17th century Canada. Canadian water dogs are the breed’s ancestors, and over time they would be differentiated into several different breeds, such as the Labrador Retriever, the Chesapeake Bay retriever, the Newfoundland, and the Flat Coated Retriever. Originally, these water dogs helped fisherman retriever nets and fish, and later they were taken to England. In England, they were bred to become better gun dogs and retrievers. Later, the Kennel Club in England recognized the breed in 1903. The American Kennel Club accepted the breed in 1917. Today, they continue to be one of the world’s most popular breeds.
The Rottweiler’s history is a bit more obscure, though some experts believe that these dogs come from Roman drover dogs used to help with livestock. We don’t know a lot about these dogs until about the 1900s. The Rottweiler and Leonberger club created the first written standard for the breed. They quickly became popular both as war dogs and police dogs. The American Rottweiler Club was started in 1971 and the breed was recognized by England’s Kennel Club in 1966.
Appearance
Since the Labrador Rottweiler mix is a hybrid, their appearance can vary greatly. Usually these dogs are quite large, and they usually have the strong, muscular body of a Rottweiler while having the lab’s head. Generally, Labrottie dogs range between 21 and 27 inches in height at the shoulder, and they usually weigh somewhere between 55 and 110 pounds.
Both the Rottweiler and the Lab have a short coat, so your Labrador Rottweiler mix will have a short coat too. Depending on the climate you live in, their double coat can be very dense. The coat can come in many different colors, including yellow, black, and chocolate, and it’s common for Labrottie dogs to have some of the Rottweiler markings on their coat.
The Labrottie Temperament
Since the Labrottie is a combination of two breeds, their temperament may vary, and each dog will have his own temperament. In most cases, the exact temperament of each puppy depends upon the parent the puppy takes after. Both of the parent breeds are loyal, so loyalty is a common trait in the Labrador Rottweiler mix. These dogs are generally very protective of the family as well. Early socialization and training is important for these dogs, since they may inherit some stubbornness from the Rottweiler. You can expect them to have plenty of energy, so regular exercise is important. If they don’t get enough exercise each day, they may start engaging in destructive behavior.
Grooming
The coat of your Labrador Rottweiler mix will be short, but the coat can vary from dog to dog. Labs tend to shed very heavily throughout the year, while a Rottweiler usually only needs weekly brushings to keep their coat in good shape. If your Labrottie does a lot of shedding, brushing him multiple times a week or even daily may be necessary. If he doesn’t shed a lot, then just one or two brushings each week should be fine. You’ll only need to bathe the mix as needed, and it’s essential to check the ears once a week for irritation, wax buildup, and infection. Ear cleansers, available from your vet, can be used to keep the ears cleaned. Be sure to brush the dog’s teeth 3-4 times weekly to prevent dental problems and bad breath. Usually, these dogs will wear down their toenails, but if they don’t, they will need trimmed monthly.
Working Roles
These dogs can be excellent military and police dogs. They do well as sporting dogs, especially if they take after their Labrador heritage. The Labrador Rottweiler mix also is an excellent watchdog that will alert your family if anyone comes on your property.
Health
A Labrador Retriever usually has an average life span of 10 to 14 years, while the Rottweiler has an average life span of between 10 and 12 years. This means your Labrottie will have an average life expectancy of somewhere between 10 and 14 years. Most hybrid dogs are quite healthy and don’t have near as many health issues as their parents. However, they still may end up with health problems from either of the parent breeds. Some of the potential health concerns for the Labrador Rottweiler mix include:
- Insulinoma
- Diabetes mellitus
- Osteochondrosis
- Von Willebrand disease
- Melanoma
- Patellar luxation
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Distichiasis
- Elbow dysplasia
- Medial canthal pocket syndrome
- Obesity
- Follicular lipidosis
- Epilepsy
- Entropion
- Congenital deafness
- Cataracts
- Ligament injuries
- Allergies
- Mucocutaneous hypopigmentation
- Glaucoma
- Subaortic stenosis
- Generalized and central retinal dysplasia
- Iris cysts
- Congenital portosystemic shunt
- Parvoviral infection
- Bloat
- Cranial cruciateligament rupture
- Hypothyroidism