Rotterman Dog Breed

The Rotterman, although he comes from two German guarding breeds, is not only protector but family companion. This mix between the Rottweiler and Doberman Pinscher is not inherently dangerous. Any aggressive tendencies can usually be either enhanced or toned down through early socialization and training. When adopting a hybrid, it may be harder to change personality traits of an adult and often times impossible to identify the temperaments of the parents. Generally, this is a great choice for families with children and other pets, those that are seeking a protector or guardian, or people that need an exercise buddy. One thing is very important, and that is the owner MUST have space for them and time to exercise them daily; a fenced yard is recommended.

PROS

• Behaves very well with kids and other pets
• Can live indoors or out
• Watchdog and guard dog abilities
• Exercise partner
• Low maintenance grooming
• Trains easily
• Independent while owners are at work, school, etc.

CONS

• Daily outdoor exercise is REQUIRED
• Ideally needs a yard and plenty of space indoors too
• May remain weary of strangers
• May be prone to anxiety

Rottermans, as hybrid dogs, will inherit characteristics from both parents but not always equally. We recommend prospective owners read up on the traits of both Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers before adopting one of these dogs. The following Rotterman dog breed information can be supplemented by visiting our parent breed pages.

These guys are very intelligent and are typically easy to train if you have the time and patience. Their loyalty and working spirit give them a decisive, "can-do" attitude during training sessions. Instruction should start as a puppy because these dogs will grow large and their independent nature may make them hard to control later. They can make excellent family pets and guardians, as well as get along with other animals if their training and socialization is successful.

Rottermans make capable watchdogs and guard dogs due to their alert, protective personalities. This also means they may remain suspicious of strange adults or children, so if you want to lessen these traits you should socialize them as early as possible.

These guys need substantial daily exercise. They are large, athletic and can be prone to boredom and anxiety if these needs are not alleviated. A fenced yard is highly recommended and they love toys and bones to chew on. A better exercise partner is hard to find; they will keep up with you on all your walks, bike rides,hikes, jogs, runs and swims! At least one of their parents is known to frequently chase cars so do keep them on a leash unless expertly trained or in an enclosed area.

A Doberman Pinscher and Rottweiler will be less predictable in terms of personality than either purebred parent. They may inherit more Rottie characteristics, more Dobie traits, or a balanced mixture. Early socialization and training will hone the best traits of your puppy. Overall, the Rotterman temperament is described by owners as "intelligent, alert, loyal and protective".

Rotterman dogs are one of the top choices for those that are seeking a watchdog or guard dog and don't require a purebred. Don't let their independent exterior fool you, they are affectionate pals that need plenty of human interaction and love. They rarely bark unless playing hard or alerting you to something important. Most are easily trained, even by a first timer. Make sure you start training at the appropriate time; a large dog can be hard to control when he doesn't know whom to follow. If they inherit more Doberman traits, expect them to be more prone to chewing and anxiety.

This breed is a large, active one that needs plenty of exercise to curb bored behaviors. They love toys and bones to chew on. Rottermans make excellent exercise partners and they can easily keep up with you, whatever your method of choice may be--even swimming.

Surprisingly, these dogs live very peacefully with other pets when raised with them. They also make great family pets if trained and socialized early on. With strangers, however, they may remain suspicious but, this too, can be lessened with proper training.

Rottweiler x Doberman mixes result in puppies that should be healthier than the parent breeds, especially first generation crosses. Choosing a reputable breeder, combined with routine trips to your veterinarian, can help detect some diseases such as cancer. It is recommended you read up on all possible health issues of both parent breeds before adopting one of these dogs. Typically, this breed will live from 9-12 years with few problems, although it is not uncommon to see hybrid breeds surpass these expectations.