If you’re looking for a new dog for your family, going with a mixed breed can be a great idea. Many people are going with mixed breeds, and the Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix has become a popular hybrid choice, since these dogs come with an upbeat attitude and loyalty to their family. A combination of the Golden Retriever and Rottweiler breeds, these dogs have a lot to offer for families that want a dependable, larger dog that the whole family can enjoy. Of course, before making your final decision, you’ll want to learn more about the hybrid, the origin and history, their temperament, grooming needs, appearance, health, and other essential information.
Origin and History
Both the Golden Retriever and Rottweiler breeds are popular, and this hybrid has become fairly popular as well. It’s not known when the mixed breed was first created, although it was probably created within the past couple of decades, as hybrids have become increasingly popular. Since we don’t know much about the history and origin of the Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix, we can look at the two parent breeds to learn a bit more.
The Rottweiler has an obscure history, and it’s thought they are probably descended from the ancient drover dogs the Roman’s used to help with driving and protecting livestock. It’s not until the 1900s that we really start to hear about the breed. They were very popular police dogs and were even used during the World Wars. The Kennel Club in England recognized the Rottweiler in 1966 and in 1971, the American Rottweiler Club first got its start.
Golden Retrievers descended from British dogs that were bred during the 1800s, a time when sportsmen were trying to breed dogs that could retriever upland game and waterfowl. Most experts believe that all retrievers trace back to Stain John’s Dog of Newfoundland. Through the years breeding often added in Wavy-Coated Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Tweed Water Spaniels, and a red setter, which eventually resulted in the Golden Retriever breed we’re familiar with today. These dogs did not become well-known until the early 1900s, when a field trial for retrievers was won with one of these dogs. The dogs would come to the United States in the 1900s, quickly becoming very popular. In 1925, the first Golden Retriever was registered with the AKC. The breed continues to be one of the most popular breeds within the United States today.
Appearance
In many cases, the Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix ends up having the build of the Golden, but they also have some of the markings of the Rottweiler. Usually they are not quite as muscular as a Rottweiler, and they often have the slimmer face and facial features of the Golden. Many of them have the Rottweiler’s eyes. Goldens have a longer coat, while the Rottie has a shorter coat, so the coat length of the mix can vary. Many of these dogs end up with the longer coat from the Golden parent, but the coat length usually varies from puppy to puppy. The average size of the Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix varies between 24 and 28 inches tall at the shoulder and they usually weigh in at between 50 and 90 pounds.
The Rottweiler Golden Retriever Mix Temperament
Usually, you’ll find that your Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix is a very loyal dog and they are protective and loyal to their family. They love playing, and if they have the chance, they may love going swimming, something they inherit primarily from their Golden side. Socialization and early training are essential to prevent aggression in these dogs, since the Rottweilers tend to be cautious guard dogs. Since both the Golden and the Rottie have a lot of energy, you’ll need to make sure these dogs get enough exercise or they can become destructive. They need plenty of games, long daily walks, and some running outdoors.
Grooming
The grooming needs of your Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix will depend on their specific coat length. If they have the longer coat of a Golden, they’ll probably need to be brushed daily or every other day to prevent shedding and keep the coat from tangling and matting. However, if they have a shorter coat, they may only need to be brushed a couple times a week. Checking their ears regularly is important. They should be wiped clean and checked for infection and irritation each week. Since these dogs like to be active, they generally wear down their toenails naturally, but if they don’t they’ll need to have the toenails clipped about once each month. Brushing their teeth a couple times each week is also important for their overall dental health and will help prevent problems with bad doggie breath.
Working Roles
These dogs make wonderful pets and great family dogs, and they can make great watch dogs, although they don’t make good guard dogs. They may also do well at hunting and retrieving if they take after the Golden parent.
Health
The Golden Retriever has an average life span of between 10 and 12 years, as does the Rottweiler, so you can probably expect your Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix to live somewhere between 10 and 12 years, too. You’ll generally find that hybrid dogs have fewer health problems than their parents. However, they still may experience some of the breed health concerns of the parent breeds. Some of the health issues that affect the Golden Retriever and the Rottweiler may affect your Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix, such as:
- Follicular lipidosis
- Epilepsy
- Von Willebrand disease
- Bloat
- Allergies
- Parvoviral infection
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Paneosteitis
- Subaortic stenosis
- Medial canthal pocket syndrome
- Cranial crusiate ligament injury
- Congenital deafness
- Mucocutaneous hypopigmentation
- Hypothyroidism
- Eosinophilic gastroenteritis
- Iris cysts
- Osteochondrosis dissecans
- Cancer
- Entropion
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Cataracts
- Insulinoma
- Pericardial effusion
- Muscular dystrophy
- Myasthenia gravis
- Obesity
- Skin disorders
I have been looking for a young female Border Collie/Golden Retriever mix. Anyone have one? I live in Niceville, FL. Email me at gary3putt3@aol.com.