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Rottle (Poodle & Rottweiler Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Rottle (Poodle & Rottweiler Mix)

Height: 10–27 inches
Weight: 60–90 pounds
Lifespan: 9–15 years
Colors: Gray, blue, red, brown, white, black
Suitable for: Active families or those looking for a low-shedding dog
Temperament: Loyal, Loving, Intelligent, Easy to train, Sweet, Brave, Gentle

The Rottle is a hybrid breed combining two well-known breeds: the Poodle and the Rottweiler. This cross is also known as the Rottie Poo. They do best with families, including those with other dogs and animals, and can adapt well to life in an apartment. Both parent breeds are renowned for their intelligence and ability to be trained, so it is hardly surprising that the hybrid cross has equally high intelligence.

They love to please their human owners and are mentally alert. Not only does this make them highly susceptible to positive training, but it also means that they make excellent watchdogs. It is their sweet and loving nature that makes them such great family pets. They are active dogs, but they will also enjoy downtime, especially if it is spent in the company of their favorite humans.

The Poodle’s low-shedding coat may be present in the hybrid, but it tends to lose its signature curls. And, while most Rottles have the brown and black coloring of the Rottie parent, they can have other colors, including red, white, and gray. Since they are a Rottweiler and Poodle hybrid breed, there are no accepted breed standards that must be adhered to.

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Rottle Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

The Rottie Poo is a hybrid breed, and you should be able to find a Rottle at a lower price than the parent breeds. Take your time to search for an ethical and reputable breeder. A good breeder will offer healthy puppies from good stock. This doesn’t guarantee that your puppy will grow up free of health problems or be mild-mannered and good-natured, but it increases the likelihood of a well-behaved and respectful dog.

It’s best to ask questions about the breed and their puppies, in particular. Ask to see proof of screening and health checks. This will include evidence that the parent dogs have been screened and checked for hip and elbow dysplasia.

Ensure you meet the puppy and ask to see one or both parents. Check to see if the mother is responsive and looks healthy. Ensure that they are happy to meet you but not overly friendly. This is a reasonable sign that your puppy will show a similar temperament because puppies learn from their moms.

Because hybrid breeds can occur naturally without intentional breeding, you may find one in a local shelter. Try to determine why the dog was put up for adoption, and ensure that you meet the dog at least once before you adopt. If you have dogs, try to bring them with you to meet your rescue Rottle before you take them home.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Rottle

1. The Poodle Parent Is Described as Hypoallergenic.

One of the reasons that the Poodle has become such a popular pet, other than their intelligence and their loving nature, is because they shed very little compared to other breeds. The Poodle is much easier to look after and care for because owners don’t have to spend all day sweeping up hair. They are also ideal for those who suffer from allergies but still want a dog. Allergy sufferers are allergic to a specific protein found in dog saliva, skin secretions, and dander.

Although some breeders and owners describe the Poodle as being hypoallergenic, they can still cause an allergic reaction, so they are not truly hypoallergenic, but they are as close as you can expect to get. The Rottle is likely to adopt a similarly low-shedding coat.


2. Poodles and Rottweilers Both Hail From Germany.

Most people believe the Poodle is French and the Rottweiler is German, but they would only be half correct. The Rottweiler is believed to be a descendant of drover dogs left behind by the Roman army. Their name originates from Rottweil, where they were left when the Roman army abandoned the area.

However, while most people believe the Poodle to be French, they come from Germany. In France, the dog is known as the duck dog. The name Poodle comes from the German word “pudel,” meaning to splash about.


3. The Poodle Cut Is Not Just Fashionable.

The Poodle’s haircut is well known. It consists of various puffs and pompoms, but several styles dictate where the shocks of hair should be found.

While they are common in exhibitions and shows, the cut was functional before it was fashionable. A full coat would have left a Poodle hampered by their hair, and a wet coat would have weighed the dog down when retrieving birds from rivers and other bodies of water. Cutting all the hair down would have left the Poodle vulnerable to the cold and wet. The Poodle cut was introduced as a means of enjoying the best of both worlds.

Parent Breeds of the Rottle
Image Credit: Jumpstory

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Rottle 🧠

The Rottle is most often described as being intelligent and eager to please. They can be very easily trained, but they can also become destructive if they do not get enough stimulation. Training should start at an early age, along with socialization, to prevent destructive and antisocial behavior.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

The Rottle is a loyal and loving dog. They bond closely with all human family members, including adults and children. They are usually well-behaved around children, especially if they are old enough and willing to play. Parents should always supervise time between dogs and tiny children.

As understanding as the Rottle might be, toddlers tend to grab tails, faces, and other parts of the dog. It is also worth noting that the breed can become protective of their humans. This can be a problem when inviting your son or daughter’s friends over to play. Early and ongoing socialization will help to combat this problem.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

The Rottle is a friendly dog, but they prefer the company of humans to other dogs. With that said, if you introduce your Rottle to your other dogs when they are young, they may benefit from having a canine companion to play with. Always introduce any dog slowly and patiently, especially to cats.

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Things to Know When Owning a Rottle

The Loving and loyal Rottle is known to make a great family companion. They get along with family members and can be introduced steadily and calmly to other animals, but they may not be the ideal pets for your home. Consider the following factors when deciding whether this breed is the perfect addition to your family.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Expect to feed your Rottle 2 to 3 cups of good quality food daily. You can provide dry or wet food. Many owners prefer dry food because it is easier to store, will keep longer, and will usually work out cheaper. Wet food helps ensure that your dog stays hydrated and may prove more appealing to your dog.

You can feed a combination of wet and dry food, but whatever type of food you select, ensure that you do not overfeed your Rottie Poo. This breed is prone to overfeeding and can put weight on very quickly, thanks to their Rottweiler parent. Once a dog is overweight, it can be very difficult to shed the extra pounds.

Exercise 🐕

Both parents are large dogs and require plenty of exercise. Your hybrid dog will need a lot of exercise each day, and you should be willing to provide a minimum of one hour.

Although the Poodle will enjoy running and swimming, the Rottweiler is happy walking, and it will depend on which of the parents is dominant in your dog as to whether you will be able to slip a lead on and go for a vigorous walk or whether you need to find some way of burning off even more energy. This crossbreed is known for being intelligent and energetic, which is the ideal combination for canine sports like agility.

Training 🦮

Agility can help you train your Rottle, which is an essential aspect of owning a large breed of this nature. Fortunately, the Rottle is eager to please his owners and very intelligent. They are also driven by their desire for food and treats. If you use treats as a method of reward-based training, ensure that you take these into account when determining the daily food intake for your dog.

Socialization is also important to this breed, and puppy classes can introduce your dog to new people and new animals. You should also walk them to new places so that they meet different groups of people and are confronted by unique situations. This not only teaches them how to act in those situations but shows them that new things do not need to be feared.

Grooming ✂️

One of several reasons for the popularity of the Poodle is that they are low-shedding dogs. This trait may have been passed on to the Rottle. They will shed, but not as profusely as breeds like Golden Retrievers. You can brush them every week to remove dead hairs. Dead hairs can cause your dog’s coat to become knotted and cause them discomfort.

You will also have to take responsibility for dental hygiene and claw clipping. Brush your dog’s teeth two or three times a week, and get them used to it when they are a puppy.

Dog’s claws need trimming usually every month or two, according to how much exercise they get and whether they regularly walk on abrasive surfaces like concrete. Claw clipping is another activity you should start when your dog is young. Alternatively, ask your vet to trim their nails or get a professional groomer to undertake the task for you.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Although the Rottle is a hybrid, they are known to be predisposed to some of the same diseases as both parent breeds. Look for signs of the following and seek veterinary guidance if your dog starts to show symptoms:

Minor Conditions
  • Von Willebrand’s disease
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
Serious Conditions
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Subaortic stenosis
  • Mitral valve dysplasia

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Male vs Female

The male Rottle will grow a little taller and heavier than the female, but there are no known behavioral differences between the sexes.

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Final Thoughts on the Rottle

The Rottle is known for being intelligent and loyal, and their eagerness to please makes them easier to train. The Poodle parent gives the Rottle a low-shedding coat, and the breed is known to be healthy and have a decent lifespan.

You can socialize your Rottle early, take them to agility and other training classes, and provide around an hour of exercise every day to prevent any behavioral or destructive issues. Although your Rottle will benefit from having outdoor space, they can adapt to apartment living and are excellent pets for families and single owners.

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Featured Image Credit By: pasja1000, pixabay

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