Staffweiler Dog Breed

The AmStaff x Rottweiler mix, as a crossbreed, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does any info exist about these hybrids' specific origin; while a Rottweiler-cross-Staffy has probably existed naturally for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed its creation. The Staffy-cross-Rottweiler likely gained popularity during the designer dog "explosion" in North America in the late 20th or early 21st centuries. Whatever the case, these big, protective, loyal dogs can be great pets for the right families, and they make great guard dogs--but they'll need a lot of training and socialization.

A few facts about the American Staffy x Rottweiler mix: they're large- to giant-sized, averaging 21 inches at the shoulders in height and 85 pounds in weight; they have short-haired, stiff, double-layered coats that shed seasonally; and they're very energetic and will need a lot of exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Rottweiler x American Staffy mix:

Some important Rottweiler-cross-Staffy information: these hybrids are the offspring of two powerful breeds with great physical capabilities--so owners can expect the Staffweiler mix to have those abilities as well. Staffweilers are big and muscular: height at the shoulders is typically 19-23 inches, and weight is 70-100 pounds. Staffweilers' short coats come in a variety of colors, usually in multi-colored patterns, that often include black (inherited from the Rottie) mixed with red, blue, brown, white, and various types of brindle, among others.

These hybrids, like their parents, have strong protective instincts, and will need a great deal of training and socialization (starting during puppyhood, if possible) to teach them to be calm and peaceful. Some neighborhood associations or city ordinances, in fact, have rules against owning breeds like this because of their believed potential to be dangerous; though that view may be unwarranted, potential owners will need to check with local authorities before bringing a Staffweiler home.

Staffweilers are very strong and energetic, so they'll need a good bit of daily exercise, both to keep their muscular bodies in shape and to give them physical outlets for their abundant energy.

Strong, confident, loyal, friendly with family members, energetic, and at times stubborn and even dominant, the Staffy x Rottweiler temperament is one of protectiveness and love. These hybrids will be very affectionate with loved ones, and they'll be very protective of them; Staffweilers' instincts as guardians are strong enough, in fact, that some view them as aggression. Regardless, these dogs will need obedience training starting, during puppyhood, to teach them to be calm. Staffweilers can also get along well with kids and most other pets--though they can be naturally dominant over other dogs, so it might be best if your Staffweiler is part of a "one-dog" household.

Another aspect of the Staffy-cross-Rottweiler temperament: Staffweilers are smart and can respond well to training, but they'll need confident, authoritative trainers who'll be willing to act as the "alpha" in the dogs' lives. In any case, firm, positive, gentle, reward-based training methods are best for these hybrids.

And perhaps the best part of the Rottweiler x Staffy temperament, of course, is their watch- and guard dog abilities. Staffweilers are confident enough to bark at and investigate unknown sights and sounds, and neutralize most any potential threat.

The Staffweiler, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), is pretty healthy. Even so, these hybrids can suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including hip and/or elbow dysplasia, heart disease, various allergies, and hypothyroidism. Larger, deeper-chested Staffweilers are also prone to gastric torsion (or bloat), especially if they're allowed to "wolf" their food too quickly. Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parent, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for these hybrids is relatively short, at 9-13 years.