People are often wary of the Rottweiler, as these large, powerful dogs have a big reputation and are common guard dogs. They can also look pretty intimidating. However, the Rottie is also a favorite family pet, currently ranking at #7 on the American Kennel Club charts for 2022. Along with the purebred Rottie, a Rottweiler mix can be an amazing addition to the family.
Thanks to their popularity, the Rottweiler is frequently bred with other purebreds to create some very interesting mixes. The Rottie’s intelligence, loyalty, and ability to get on with other pets and children are all qualities that lend themselves to crossbreeding.
In this article, we’ve taken time out to review 20 of the most popular Rottweiler mixes, and we’ve given you all the information you’ll need to decide if one of these super-brave, handsome canines would make the perfect family pet for you. First of all, let’s take a closer look at what makes the ideal mixed-breed dog.
Rottweiler Mixes
When choosing a Rottweiler mixed breed, remember that crossbreed dogs carry genes from each parent. That means you can’t be exactly sure which of your pup’s parent’s characteristics or looks he will inherit. So, buying a Rottweiler mix puppy is really just a case of a potluck. Expect the unexpected with all mixed-breed pups. Owners may also want to consider pet insurance when adopting a Rottie mix, as they can be prone to some health conditions.
If you are not sure yet, consider offering a foster home to an unwanted Rottweiler mix from a rescue or shelter. If the dog settles into your home and you both get along, you can then choose to offer the pup a permanent forever home with you. Now, let’s take a look at 20 of our favorite Rottweiler mix breeds.
If you are not certain of your dog’s genetic makeup, you can use an at-home DNA test kit to find out.
American Bullweiler: Rottweiler American Bulldog Mix
The American Bullweiler is an interesting breed that comes about by mixing an American Bulldog with a Rottweiler. Depending upon which parent the puppy most takes after, your American Bullweiler could grow to stand between 13 and 25 inches in height, weighing up to 85 pounds.
The American Bullweiler has a short, dense coat that is likely to shed moderately. Twice-weekly grooming is sufficient to keep the pup looking tidy and keep your carpets from becoming coated in fur.
As well as grooming your dog, you’ll need to make sure that he gets lots of exercise every day. This is quite an energetic breed that can be prone to weight gain if he doesn’t get a couple of walks every day and some playtimes too. Usually friendly and sociable, the Rottweiler American Bulldog mix makes a wonderful family pet, as long as they have consistent training and socialization from puppyhood.
Aussierottie: Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix
The Aussierottie is a lively mixed breed that’s created by crossing a Rottweiler with an Australian Shepherd. The Aussierottie is a big dog that can grow to between 20 and 25 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 50 and 120 pounds.
These pups have short coats that can be dense, rough, or smooth. Coat colors come in black, tan, brown, and grey. Merle-coated Aussierotties are very occasionally seen. The breed sheds moderately throughout the year and more heavily in the spring and fall.
Both parent breeds tend to be sociable and get along well with adults and kids. Because of the breed’s herding ancestry, the Aussierottie can try to herd other smaller pets and even little kids. Intelligent and very trainable, the Rottweiler Australian Shepherd mix is always eager to please and lends himself well to canine sports, including agility and obedience.
The Aussierottie needs lots of exercise, and you need a spacious house with a backyard to accommodate one of these pups. Both Rottweilers and Australian Shepherds can suffer from hip and back problems, which might be inherited by a mixed-breed puppy.
Boxrott: Boxer Rottweiler Mix
The Boxrott is a cross between a Rottweiler and a Boxer. A Boxrott is a large dog with the muscular, powerful build of the Rottie and can weigh as much as 80 pounds when full-grown. This extremely popular boxer mix combines the boxer’s energy and the Rott’s loyalty.
This Rottweiler mixed breed can live up to 13 years and is generally pretty healthy, although you must ask the breeder to provide you with clear health screening documentation for hip dysplasia for both your puppy’s parents. Also, this breed can be prone to obesity, so you must be sure not to overfeed your Boxrott.
Both the parent breeds are high-energy dogs that need plenty of exercise. So, do not take on a Boxrott if you’re looking for a canine couch potato. The Boxrott has a short coat that sheds moderately all year round. That means you’ll need to brush your dog several times each week to remove loose and dead hair from his coat.
Bullweiler: Bulldog Rottweiler Mix
The Bullweiler is a cross between a Bulldog and a Rottweiler. Although both parent breeds appear tough, the crossbreed is typically loving and friendly as long as they’re socialized and correctly trained from puppyhood. However, thanks to the parent dogs’ herding and guarding history, the Bullweiler does tend to have very strong guarding instincts.
Bullweilers can be medium or large in size, depending on which parent’s genes are prevalent. Most of these dogs weigh between 40 and 120 pounds, standing anywhere between 12 and 27 inches tall.
Intelligent and relatively smart, the Bullweiler is quite easy and willing to train. You’ll need to devote plenty of time to exercising your dog, as these large pups need lots of one-on-one playtime and daily walks.
Cockweiler: Cocker Spaniel Rottweiler Mix
A Cockweiler is a crossbreed that’s the result of mating a Cocker Spaniel with a Rottweiler. Typically, this medium-sized dog can be anything between 17 and 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 35 and 130 pounds, depending on which parent the puppy most takes after.
A well-bred Cocker Spaniel Rottie mix will be friendly and confident around his human family, other animals, and strangers. Both parent breeds are intelligent, working dogs, and their offspring tend to inherit these tendencies, making the Cockweiler a pleasure to train.
You should know that a Cocker Spaniel Rottweiler mix needs lots of daily exercise and does not tolerate being left alone for long periods, relishing human company and potentially becoming destructive if separation anxiety strikes. The breed is a moderate shedder that requires twice-weekly grooming to keep the coat in good condition and free from tangles.
Englishweiler: English Bulldog Rottweiler Mix
The Englishweiler is a crossbreed that’s created by mixing a Rottweiler with an English Bulldog. At first glance, these dogs look similar to the Bullweiler and are quite similar in temperament.
Although the Englishweiler looks tough, the breed is friendly and sociable, getting on well with other dogs and children. These pups have a strong guarding instinct, making loyal and alert guard dogs who readily warn you if strangers are on your property.
Although quite trainable, the Englishweiler isn’t the smartest dog on the block, so you’ll need to be patient and use lots of positive reinforcement training techniques and gentle encouragement when teaching your English Bulldog Rottweiler mix new things.
The Englishweiler is a medium-sized dog, maturing to stand up to 27 inches tall and weighing anything between 35 and 110 pounds.
The Rottweiler English Bulldog crossbreed has a short coat that can be either smooth or rough, and they do shed moderately, so you’ll need to brush your dog at least once a week. In color, the Englishweiler can have a solid, speckled, or brindled coat in many different colors, ranging from black to brown and gold.
German Rottie: German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix
As you may have guessed, the German Rottie is a mixed breed that’s created by crossing a German Shepherd with a Rottweiler. Although this breed can make a good family pet, it’s important to bear in mind that the German Shepherd can be aggressive, and the Rottweiler is inclined to be very protective of his family. For that reason, you must make sure that you train and socialize your Rottweiler German Shepherd crossbreed puppy from day one.
These are active dogs who are extremely smart and love taking part in canine sports, including dock diving and agility. Also, you’ll find the breed eager to please, extremely trainable, and willing. The Rottweiler German Shepherd crossbreed is a large dog that can grow to stand 27 inches tall at the shoulder, weighing up to 115 pounds.
Although pretty healthy and with a life expectancy of up to 14 years, the German Shepherd Rottweiler mix can be vulnerable to hip dysplasia. The breed can also be prone to separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behavior.
If your puppy takes after his German Shepherd parent, he may shed excessively when the seasons change, so you’ll need to enjoy brushing your dog several times a week, especially during the spring and fall.
Golden Rottie: Golden Retriever Rottweiler Mix
The Golden Rottie is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Rottweiler. The Golden Rottie is a very popular Golden Retriever mix that makes an unforgettable family pet. These intelligent, trainable dogs typically get on well with other family members. Because of the strong guarding instinct of the Rottweiler parent, you must be sure to socialize and train your puppy from day one.
You’ll need a large place with a back garden or yard if you’re planning on taking on one of these pups, as this is a big dog. Golden Rotties grow to stand up to 24 inches tall, weighing from 65 to 100 pounds. It’s worth noting that female Golden Rotties are generally larger than males.
The Golden Rottie does shed continually and more heavily in spring and fall when the coat is “blown.” So, you will need to spend time grooming your dog at least once or twice a week. Both parent breeds come from working stock, which means their crossbreed offspring will need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
With a rather modest life expectancy of up to 12 years, the Golden Rottie is not the longest-lived breed. Also, both purebred parent breeds can be prone to hip dysplasia.
Labrottie: Labrador Rottweiler Mix
The Labrottie is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Rottweiler. These are both working breeds, so you will find that your puppy needs plenty of exercise to keep him physically fit and mentally happy. Smart and quick to learn, the Labrottie needs early training and socialization to keep him from becoming too independent and trying to take charge.
Despite the Labrador Retriever’s reputation as a friendly, love-everybody kind of guy, this crossbreed can be distrustful of strangers and may not tolerate the attentions or teasing of small children. The Labrottie’s short coat sheds moderately and needs grooming once a week to keep it in good condition and get rid of loose and dead hair.
Peiweiler: Shar Pei Rottweiler Mix
The unusual and distinctive-looking Peiweiler, or Rott Pei, is a cross between a Rottweiler and a Chinese Shar Pei. Although this tough-looking dog is undoubtedly powerful and strong, they are big softies at heart. The Peiweiler is incredibly loyal and very protective of their human family, but they are not usually aggressive.
The Peiweiler gets along well with kids and other pets and makes a fantastic family dog, but these pups do need a large home with plenty of outside space. These dogs can grow to stand up to 22 inches tall, weighing between 50 and 100 pounds.
These good-looking dogs have a short, easy-to-maintain coat that only requires brushing a couple of times a week to keep them looking smart and in good condition. Also, the Rottweiler Shar Pei mix sheds minimally.
With a lifespan of up to 13 years, the Peiweiler is typically a healthy breed. However, they can be susceptible to a few inherited health conditions, including bloat, hip and elbow dysplasia, and osteosarcoma. The Peiweiler is a rare crossbreed that’s sure to get plenty of second glances when you take your pet to the dog park.
Pitweiler: American Pitbull Terrier Rottweiler Mix
The Pitweiler is a cross between a Rottweiler and an American Pitbull Terrier. At first sight, these dogs look quite intimidating and make incredibly strong, powerful canine companions. In truth, the Pitweiler is a very loyal breed that makes a wonderful and effective guard dog.
Pitweilers are high-energy, intelligent dogs that are happiest when they have a job to do. So, you will need to have plenty of time to devote to training and exercising your dog. One thing’s for certain, if you take on one of these dogs, you’ll never have a dull moment.
Ideally, you’ll have experience in owning and training large, powerful dogs. The Pitweiler can grow up to 25 inches in height, weighing anything from 40 to 100 pounds, so you’ll need a spacious home to accommodate one of these pups. The Pitweiler is quite long-lived, with a lifespan of between 12 and 15 years.
Pugweiler: Pug Rottweiler Mix
When you consider the size of a Pug compared with the size of a Rottweiler, you might wonder how it could be possible for a male Pug to mate with a female Rottweiler. That is impossible naturally, so creating this crossbreed is achieved through artificial insemination (AI). AI is very expensive to carry out, so Pugweiler puppies tend to be quite expensive to buy.
On the plus side, Pugweilers are very healthy and tend to be long-lived. Also, most Pug crossbreeds, including the Pugweiler, have the sunny, friendly disposition of the Pug parent, which will dilute the sometimes-aggressive nature of the Rottweiler.
One downside of the Pugweiler crossbreed is that both breeds shed a lot. So, you’ll need to be prepared to spend plenty of time brushing your dog and vacuuming your home.
Rottcollie: Rottweiler Border Collie Mix
The Rottcollie is a crossbreed between a Border Collie and a Rottweiler. The Border Collie Rottweiler crossbreed is an energetic dog that makes a fun four-legged friend for an active family with older kids and teens. Protective of his human family, the Rottcollie can be somewhat aloof and suspicious of strangers and makes a good fit for a guard dog.
The Rottcollie usually stands between 19 and 27 inches tall and can weigh anywhere between 30 and 135 pounds, depending on which parent his genes most favor. These pups are super-bright, intelligent dogs who need plenty of mental stimulation and physical exercise to keep them satisfied and happy. Training the Rottweiler Border Collie crossbreed is usually a breeze, as these are very smart pups who love to learn and are always eager to please their human handlers.
Rotterman: Rottweiler Doberman Pinscher Mix
What do you get if you cross a Rottweiler with a Doberman? Well, a Rotterman, of course. The Rotterman is a large dog that’s best suited to a home with singles or families living in a spacious home with a large yard. An adult Rotterman can grow to stand up to 28 inches tall at the shoulder, weighing between 70 and 130 pounds. It’s also one of the most popular Doberman mixed breed pups you can adopt or buy.
These dogs have an average lifespan of between nine and 12 years. The Rotterman can suffer from a few health conditions, including bloat, hypothyroidism, Von Willebrand’s disease, eye problems, panosteitis, heart issues, and some forms of canine cancer.
When it comes to temperament, the Rotterman is smart and intelligent while also being affectionate and loyal. You should have experience training large dogs, as these guys can be dominant and independent. Positive training methods will be necessary to ensure that your dog respects you as the pack leader.
Despite their somewhat fierce appearance, the Rotterman is not aggressive and loves to be the center of attention in your home. For that reason, you shouldn’t expect your dog to live alone outside or spend long periods without company.
Daily exercise for your Rotterman is a must, as these are energetic, active dogs that need a job to do. Your canine companion will enjoy accompanying you on runs, walks, and road trips that end in a long hike. At home, your furry friend will also appreciate playtimes with you and your kids in the yard.
Rottgi: Rottweiler Corgi Mix
The quirky, comical-looking Rottgi is a cross between a Rottweiler and a Corgi. The Rottweiler and the Corgi are very popular breeds, so it’s unsurprising that they were used to create this mix. The Rottgi can grow to be a large dog, standing up to 27 inches tall and weighing up to 135 pounds, depending on which parent breed the puppy most takes after.
These pups have short coats that shed continually, so you’ll need to spend some time brushing your dog, ideally two or three times per week. The Rottgi comes in a variety of coat colors, including fawn, black, tan, sable, and red. Although typically healthy and with a lifespan of up to 12 years, the Rottweiler Corgi crossbreed can be prone to back and joint problems.
Rotthuahua: Rottweiler Chihuahua Mix
The Rotthuahua is an interesting crossbreed that’s created by crossing a Rottweiler with a Chihuahua. One major advantage of this rare crossbreed is that the Chihuahua is one of the longest-lived of all breeds, often reaching 18 years of age or more. That counterbalances the Rottweiler’s average lifespan, producing a mixed breed that often lives to around 14 or 15 years of age.
When it comes to estimating the size of an adult Rottweiler Chihuahua crossbreed puppy, it’s purely guesswork. If the Chihuahua genes win the day, the adult Rotthuahua will be quite small in stature. On the other hand, if the Rottweiler genes are dominant, your adult Rotthua could reach up to 22 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 90 pounds. Either way, this is a very odd-looking mix that’s rarely seen.
Rotticorso: Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix
The Rotticorso is a cross between a Rottweiler and a Cane Corso. These very sizable dogs need to live in a large home with plenty of outside space. On average, the Rotticorso grows to stand from between 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder, weighing in at 80 to 120 pounds.
These are strong, active dogs that do best when they are given a job to do. The Rotticorso will not be content to sit around idly all day. You will need to devote plenty of time to training and exercising your dog. These pups can be challenging to train, so this breed is not suited to inexperienced or first-time dog owners.
Because both breeds are large and stubborn, this is not a mix that’s recommended for first-time dog owners. Their coats will range from taking after their Rottweiler parent to a brindle coat or anything in between.
The Rotticorso can get along fine with all family members, but these are very hefty animals, and small children could be knocked over and injured by an exuberant Rottweiler Cane Corso crossbreed. For that reason, early training and socialization are essential if you decide to take on one of these pups.
Rottoodle: Rottweiler Poodle Mix
The Rottoodle is a charming cross between a Rottweiler and a Poodle. These pups are one of the longest-lived of the Rottweiler mixed breeds, surviving for up to 15 years. While overall healthy, the Rottoodle can be vulnerable to degenerative myelopathy and Von Willebrand’s disease.
The Rottoodle is an energetic, powerful dog that will need early socialization and training if he’s to be well-behaved around small kids and other pets. These dogs need plenty of exercise, so they are best suited to an outdoorsy, active family with plenty of dog-owning experience. They also need significant grooming and brushing to keep that Poodle-like coat soft and clean.
Rottoodles can vary in size, depending on the size of the Poodle parent. So, if mom or dad is a Standard Poodle, the pups will grow into very large dogs. On average, a Rottoodle grows to stand around 25 inches in height at the shoulder, weighing up to 120 pounds.
Rottsky: Rottweiler Siberian Husky Mix
The noble Rottsky is a mixed breed that’s created by mating a Rottweiler with a Siberian Husky. The Rottsky is an athletic, active dog that inherits the exercise-driven character of both the parent breeds. These dogs can grow to stand 25 inches at the shoulder, weighing in at up to 75 pounds. So, you’ll need plenty of space in your home, and, ideally, you’ll also have a large backyard or garden.
This crossbreed is generally healthy and robust, typically living for up to 13 years. You should be aware of major health concerns, including hip dysplasia, glaucoma, and cataracts, to which both parent breeds can be vulnerable.
Saintweiler: Saint Bernard Rottweiler Mix
The Saintweiler or St. Weiler is a cross between a Rottweiler and a St. Bernard. The noble Saintweiler is undoubtedly a large dog. If you decide to take on one of these pups, you’ll need a big house with plenty of outside space. A Bernweiler usually grows to weigh around 80 to 100 pounds, standing up to 26 inches tall at the shoulder.
While often very healthy, the Bernweiler can suffer from eye diseases, heart problems, hypothyroidism, and bloat.
The Saintweiler is usually a quiet dog, but he’s also alert to strangers and can be very protective of his family. These dogs also suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. Spend time socializing and training your dog from when he’s a puppy to ensure that he gets along well with other pets and visitors to your home.
Final Thoughts
The purebred Rottweiler is a wonderful family pet, perfect for a family that enjoys an active lifestyle. However, the Rottie is a powerful pup with a very strong guarding instinct. You might want to consider a Rottweiler that dilutes the toughness of the Rottweiler’s character. Mixed breed pups are usually healthier than purebreds, and many live longer, which means fewer vet bills and more years to enjoy with your canine companion.
Designer-breed puppies can be costly to buy, even though they are not purebred. Some owners may not want the challenge of taking on training and raising a puppy. If that sounds like you, don’t worry. Help could be at hand in the shape of your local rescue or shelter. You can take in an older dog that needs a loving home without the worry and high energy of a puppy.
If you do decide to take on a Rottweiler mixed breed dog from a shelter, always check that the dog has been health and temperament tested before you take him home. And if you work with a breeder, look for one that provides health screenings. A responsible breeder is transparent about the care and health of their puppies and mama dogs. Good luck in finding the perfect Rottweiler mix to add to your four-legged family.