Pitweiler (Rotweiller + Pit Bull Mix) Dog Breed Guide
The Pitweiler, also known as a Rottweiler and Pit Bull Terrier hybrid mix is a dog breed that isn't very well known but has continued to see a growth in popularity over the past few years. Both of the parent breeds are popular throughout the United States but the hybrid mix isn't as common this may soon change as the Pitweiler breed become more and more popular.
Both the Rottweiler and American Pit Bull Terrier are known for their large size and overall strength which can be daunting for some pet parents but both can be incredibly loyal and loving family dogs. This provides the Pitweiler breed with a large and powerful physical characteristic but also a loving and affectionate personality!
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the Pitweiler breed in order to understand if they are a good breed for your family!
Pitweiler Breed History
The Pitweiler breed comes from a mix between a rottweiler and an American Pit Bull Terrier. This breed can be thought of by many as a "designer" dog breed because the two parent breeds are intentionally bred together to make the pitweiler breed. The parent breeds have been companions to humans for hundreds of years all across the world. Both Pit Bulls, as well as Rottweilers, have been used as working dogs and protection dogs for hundreds of years, and both of these facts will play into the physical size and temperament of Pitweilers.
History of Rottweilers
The Rottweiler breed is known to be one of the oldest dog breeds utilized for work by humans. The breed is rumored to date back over a thousand years from Rottweil, Germany. They were primarily used as cattle herding dogs, farm working dogs, and helped to pull carts around town. Rottweilers are known for their large size as well as their multi-colored coat.
History of Pit Bull Terriers
The original Pit Bull breed originates from the 1800s in Britain and is a crossbreed that originated from Old English Bulldogs and Old English Terriers. The breed was brought to America in the mid-1800s and was soon reclassified as the American Pit Bull Terrier. Unfortunately, during this time period, the breed was oftentimes utilized for bloodsport and animal fighting which has caused controversy for this breed for hundreds of years. In recent years, new animal welfare regulations have helped to keep this breed healthy and slowly change public perspectives of this breed.
Pitweiler Breed At A Glance
If you are curious to learn about the Pitweiler dog breed at a quick glance then take a look at the table below. Keep reading for more in-depth information.
| Parent Breeds: | Rottweiler + American Pit Bull Terrier |
| Full Grown Weight: | 60lbs - 100lbs |
| Full Grown Height: | 18-25 inches |
| Physical Characteristics: | Bulky, muscular, short hair coat, square head |
| Temperament: | Loyal, affectionate, protective, loving, playful |
| Great Breed For: | Families, single-member families, individuals looking for a protection dog |
| Average Lifespan: | 10 years to 15 years |
| Breed Colors: | Multi-colored, white, black, brown, fawn, sable, brindle. |
Pitweiler Physical Apperance
Rottweilers and Pit Bulls have passed on many of their physical characteristics to the Pitweiler breed. Pitweilers are known to be a large dog breed that will typically range from 60lbs to upwards of 100lbs and anywhere from 18-25inches in height when fully grown. Female Pitweilers will be slightly smaller compared to male Pitweilers.
Many Pitweilers will have a deep chest and square head and body shape that is common from Pit Bulls. The breed will typically have short fur that is straight and relatively sparse in density. The color of Pitweilers can vary but the stereotypically Pitweiler will have the famous tricolor or multicolor of Rottweilers that are black, white, and brown. The overall shape and size of Pitweilers can vary depending on the genetic makeup of the dog and if it takes after more of one of the parent breeds compared to the other.
Pitweiler Temperament
Most Pitweilers are known for their loyal, loving, and affectionate personalities. The breed may be large and daunting for individuals who are unfamiliar with the breed but you will quickly realize how well-socialized and affectionate the breed can be. Pit Bull mixes will typically receive a bad wrap because of the overall reputation of the breed, but Pitweiler parents around the world will happily tell you how loving the breed can be.
Many families love to have a Pitweiler in the house for a sense of protection but also because they are great family dogs. They will alert you of an intruder but they are also great with kids and other animals around the house. The overall temperament of a dog will vary across the breed and can be changed based on the training and living conditions of the dog but Pitweilers have a great reputation for being a loving family dog.
Potential Health Issues For Pitweilers
Every specific dog breed has potential health issues that are more or less likely based on the physical characteristics of the breed as well as its genetic history. Pitweilers and many other larger dog breeds have a higher likelihood of suffering from hip and elbow dysplasia as well as joint arthritis as they age. It is because of their genetic history but also because of how large of a breed they are. Larger breeds have a higher chance of suffering from joint pain and joint issues as they age purely based on how large their bodies are. This much weight can take a toll on their joints, muscles, bones, and ligaments as they age. Healthy dog food and supplements with omega-3 fatty acids and other inflammation-removing properties can help relieve the pain your Pitweiler may suffer as they age.
Pitweiler Physical Activity Requirements
Pitweilers are typically thought to have a moderate amount of energy and physical activity requirements. They may not have as much energy as a breed such as an Australian Shepherd but they do have more activity requirements compared to more lazy breeds. Pitweilers as well as both of their parent breeds will typically require roughly 60 minutes of exercise per day. This can be done from a daily walk, indoor playing, outdoor running, going to the dog bark, or a combination of all of these.
Since Pitweilers are such large breeds, it is important that they get the exercise they require in order to stay at a healthy weight and to improve the health of their cardiovascular system. If you Piteweiler is overfed and doesn't receive enough exercise it is possible that they will get to an unhealthy weight.
Tips For Training A Pitweiler
Since Pitweilers are known for their above-average size and moderate energy levels it is important to properly train them from a young age. If you have a Pitweiler puppy then you can start the obedience training early but if you are adopting an adult Pitweiler then you should start training as soon as possible. The Rottweiler Pitbull mix is known for its size and strength which means they could cause unwanted damage to furniture or your home if they play too rough or aren't training properly.
Even though this breed is known to be a loving dog there will be times when neighbors or individuals who are unfamiliar with your dog may be nervous around them based purely on their size. To help calm their nerves it will be best if your Pitweiler is properly trained and has been socialized with other dogs, children, and adults. Socializing your dog with as many new environments as possible starting at a young age will help them stay calm and relaxed during new adventures. This will ease their anxiety and stress which will help them behave.
It is also important that your Pitweiler receives enough exercise on a daily basis. If your pup isn't receiving enough exercise then it is possible that they will get bored or will be too worked up to behave. This could cause them to get into trouble around the house and maybe even start chewing on things that they shouldn't be playing with such as socks, furniture, or anything else they can get their paws on.
Are Pitweilers Good Guard Dogs?
Yes, Pitweilers make excellent guard dogs because both parent breeds, the Rottweiler and the Pit Bull, are known for being guard dogs. The Rottweiler has been used as a guard dog and a working dog for hundreds of years and the same thing goes with the Pit Bull Terrier. The Pitweiler has the physical size to scare off intruders but is also known to be loyal and protective by nature. These characteristics will help them take care of the family, protect the home, and help you feel safe.
The Pitweiler is a great family dog and you should reach out to friends or family members with the breed to hear their experiences with them.
