Rottle – Is The Rottweiler Poodle Mix Right For You?

The Rottle is a mix between the purebred Rottweiler and the Standard Poodle.

The exact appearance and temperament of this mix varies. But, they usually grow from 16 to 27 inches, weighing anywhere between 60 and 130 pounds as an adult.

Rottles are intelligent, energetic, and very loyal to their close family.

Taking a closer look at the parent dogs will help you predict how your puppy will turn out. Your puppy could inherit any mix of traits from them!

What’s In This Guide

• Rottle At A Glance
• In-depth Breed Review
• Rottle Training And Care
• Pros And Cons Of Getting A Rottie Poo

Rottle FAQs

Our readers’ most popular and frequently asked questions about the Rottweiler Poodle mix include:

• Are Rottles good family dogs?
• Are Rottles hypoallergenic?
• How much does a Rottie Poo cost?
• What does a Rottie Poo look like?

Are you thinking about welcoming the Rottweiler Poodle mix into your home?

Rottle: Breed At A Glance

• Popularity: On the rise
• Purpose: Family companion
• Weight: 60 – 130 pounds
• Temperament: Loyal, alert, confident

Although Rottle puppies can be quite varied, this mix can make a great family pet for the right home.

Rottle Breed Review: Contents

• History and original purpose of the Rottie Poo
• Fun facts about the Rottweiler Poodle mix
• Rottle appearance
• Rottle temperament
• Training and exercising your Rottie Poo
• Rottweiler Poodle mix health and care
• Do Rottie Poos make good family pets
• Rescuing a Rottweiler Poodle mix
• Finding a Rottle puppy
• Raising a Rottle puppy
• Rottie Poo products and accessories

Mixes, especially Poodle mixes, are all the rage these days, and it’s not surprising. Let’s take a closer look at the Rottweiler Poodle mix, starting with where it comes from.

History and Original Purpose

As with most mixed breeds, it’s hard to pinpoint the exact origins of the Rottie Poodle mix.

Breeding two different breeds on purpose is quite a modern trend. The resulting dogs are called designer dogs.

The earliest known Rottweiler Poodle mix puppies were born in Germany in the 1980s, but other Rottle puppies could have been born earlier, either bred on purpose or by accident.

To get a better idea of the history behind this breed, you can take a look at that of its parents.

Rottle Parent Breeds History

The Rottweiler’s origins are surprising to many. The breed is often thought to be a guard dog. But, it actually started as a herding breed in Germany, driving cattle to market.

Once locomotives became the preferred way to move cattle, the Rottweiler began to lose popularity. But, their protective instincts made them popular again as police, military, and guard dogs.

Even though the Poodle is most often associated with France, this breed also comes from Germany.

Standard Poodles were bred sometime before the fifteenth century to retrieve ducks for hunters.

In fact, that famous Poodle haircut was meant to give Poodles a wider range of motion for swimming but also to give vital organs and joints plenty of insulation against cold water.

Fun Facts About the Rottle

Designer dogs are the result of intentionally mixing different purebred dog breeds. This creates a cross with a mix of the traits of the two parent breeds.

Poodles have become popular candidates for designer dogs, as they have a low shedding fur.

But, this trait isn’t actually guaranteed in a mix. Especially in a first generation mix.

Some purebred dog enthusiasts claim that breeding designer dogs is unethical because it creates unhealthy dogs that breeders overcharge for.

But, in reality, if potential owners choose reputable breeders, mixed breeds are no less healthy than purebreds.

In fact, mixing two breeds like this can widen the gene pool, leading to healthier dogs.

Rottle Appearance

A male Rottweiler can be 24 to 27 inches in height at the withers, while female Rottweilers are typically 22 to 25 inches tall. Standard Poodles range in height from 15 to 24 inches tall.

Male Rottweilers weigh between 110 and 130 pounds, while female Rottweilers can weigh between 77 and 110 pounds.

Poodles are quite slender in comparison, with male Standard Poodles ranging in weight from 60 to 70 pounds and females ranging between 40 and 50 pounds.

A Rottle will fall somewhere between these two sizes. They may be anywhere between 15 and 27 inches in height and between 60 and 130 pounds in weight.

However, most Rottie Poo puppies will grow to fall close to the middle of those ranges, between 20 and 25 inches tall and 75 and 100 pounds in weight. Of course, there are Rottweiler Poodle mixes that fall on the extremes, but they are not typical.

A large Standard Poodle and a small Rottweiler are more likely to produce offspring that grows to be in the middle, but, again, extremes are still possible.

What About their Coat?

The Poodle’s coat is one of its most distinguishing characteristics. The Poodle has a dense, curly coat that sheds very little.

A common myth is that because it barely sheds, the Poodle is hypoallergenic. Unfortunately the allergen is in dander and saliva, not hair, so no dog breed is totally allergy-friendly.

The Rottweiler has a straight, coarse, dense medium length outer coat, with an undercoat around the neck and thighs.

Rottweilers are light seasonal shedders.

Expect a Rottweiler Poodle mix to have a lot of fur that can be wavy or curly in texture and medium to long in length.

Despite that dense coat, a Rottie Poo will shed very little. An undercoat may or may not be present. But, a Rottle still may not suit those with allergies.

Coat Colors

The Rottweiler cross Poodle can have a variety of coat colors including:

• Black
• Gray
• Brown
• Red
• Cream
• Blue
• White
• Pied.

Rottle Temperament

The Rottweiler cross Poodle is calm, alert, and confident. But, this mix may be wary and reserved with strangers.

Around its family, the Rottie Poodle mix is playful, affectionate, and silly. The Rottie Doodle is very loyal to its family and may act as a guardian towards the family, especially children.

The Rottweiler can be very cuddly and may try to act like a lap dog.

However, the Rottweiler Standard Poodle mix should never be left alone with children.

Because it is a large dog, it can inadvertently hurt small children. Children also may attempt to roughhouse while playing with a Rottweiler and Poodle mix, which can encourage aggression.

The Rottweiler Poodle mix does not typically enjoy being alone, but is not usually prone to separation anxiety.

Socialization

The Rottweiler parent is known for its protective instincts. So, there’s a chance your mix breed puppy will inherit this trait.

Socialization as a puppy is vital to ensure your Rottle grows into the best personality possible.

It’s especially important to socialize your puppy well with strangers, other animals, other dogs, and young children.

This will help to minimise the risk of aggression when your puppy grows older.

Training and Exercising Your Rottle

The Rottweiler and Poodle are both among the most intelligent dog breeds, so the Rottie Poodle mix is also particularly bright.

The Rottie Doodle is immensely trainable and eager to please, but may have a stubborn streak.

Early socialization and training are essential for raising a well mannered Rottie Poodle mix, as is quickly establishing and maintaining your leadership.

Consistency is key when training and socializing a Rottweiler Poodle Mix.

As we mentioned earlier, introducing the Rottle to a variety of new people and experiences as early as possible provides your Rottweiler and Poodle mix with opportunities to learn. This can also help prevent stranger aggression.

Exercise Needs

The Rottle is a mix of two athletic breeds, so daily exercise is essential.

Swimming is often a favorite pastime of Rottweiler Standard Poodle mixes. They also enjoy long walks, hikes, or jobs with their favorite people. Retrieval games can also be a fun way to exercise a Rottweiler cross Poodle.

The Rottweiler Poodle mix tends to excel at canine sports like agility, tracking, and obedience, which can be excellent opportunities to exercise the Rottie Doodle’s body and mind.

This is not a great breed for someone who wants a lapdog. Although the Rottle will enjoy a cuddle, they need to burn off those high energy levels first.

Rottle Health and Care

To determine potential health problems of the Rottweiler Poodle mix, we need to look at the health problems of each parent breed.

This mix will be potentially prone to all of the same issues.

The Rottie Poo has a potential lifespan of 8 to 12 years, but the average tends to be close to the middle, around 10 years. Major health conditions can shorten an individual dog’s lifespan.

Common Rottweiler Health Issues

Rottweilers have a life expectancy of 8 to 10 years. But, there are a number of health problems that can plague them, and shorten that lifespan.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

Like most large dog breeds, one of the most common health problems for Rottweilers is hip and elbow dysplasia.

Dysplasia is a congenital condition that occurs when a joint fails to form properly. Hip dysplasia affects more than 20 percent of Rottweilers, while elbow dysplasia affects almost 40 percent, according to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).

Osteochondritis Dissecans

Osteochondritis dissecans (OD) is another joint disorder common to Rottweilers. OD is characterized by cracks in the articular cartilage and subchondral bone in the joint, causing pain and swelling.

Heart Problems

Rottweilers are disproportionately at risk for the heart conditions dilated cardiomyopathy and subaortic stenosis.

Dilated cardiomyopathy occurs when the walls of the heart thin, impairing cardiac function and potentially leading to heart failure. There are typically no external signs before heart failure, but ECG can be used to detect dilated cardiomyopathy.

Subaortic stenosis refers to the development of a ring of abnormal tissue around the valve to the aorta, which impedes blood flow and leads to a heart murmur. To compensate, the heart has to work harder, which can lead to exhaustion, collapse, and heart failure.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), characterized by the gradual degrading of the retina, impairing vision and possibly leading to total blindness, is also particularly common among Rottweilers.

Cancer

Osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, is one of the most common causes of death, especially early death, among Rottweilers.

Common Poodle Health Issues

Standard Poodles have a lifespan of 11 to 12 years. Like Rottweilers, there are a number of health problems they have a predisposition to.

Joint Problems

Standard Poodles suffer from joint problems including hip dysplasia and patellar luxation.

Patellar luxation occurs when the patella (knee cap) dislocates. Patellar luxation is generally congenital, but can also be caused by obesity or blunt force trauma.

Addison’s Disease

Addison’s disease, a disorder in which the adrenal gland does not produce enough hormones, is common among Poodles.

This health issue causes a number of symptoms, such as lethargy, gastrointestinal distress, and a low tolerance for stress.

Thyroid Problems

Standard Poodles are also prone to thyroid issues, including both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, which are characterized by over- and underproduction, respectively, of hormones by the thyroid gland.

Von Willebrand’s Disease

Von Willebrand’s Disease, a blood clotting disorder, is more common among Poodles than other breeds.

Canine Bloat

Poodles are also one of the breeds most at risk for bloat, the expansion of the stomach after it has been filled with food, water, or air.

This expansion can cause the stomach to tear. It also puts pressure on surrounding organs, potentially damaging them as well, so bloat requires immediate medical attention to prevent death.

Epilepsy

Poodles are particularly likely to experience epilepsy, a disorder characterized by seizures that occur without an apparent trigger.

Eye Problems

Poodles are also at risk for certain eye disorders, including progressive retinal atrophy, and corneal dystrophy.

Corneal dystrophy occurs when substances from the body, like fats and cholesterol, deposit in the cornea, impeding vision.

Grooming and General Care

The Poodle’s coat is famously high-maintenance. While the presence of the Rottweiler’s genes can make the coat of the Rottweiler and Poodle mix a little easier to handle, it still needs a lot of upkeep.

Keeping your Rottie Poodle mix at a short trim makes managing the fur much easier.

Some owners clip their Rottweiler Standard Poodle mix themselves. Others prefer to take their Rottie Poo to the groomer every four to six weeks to be completely bathed and groomed.

If you prefer to keep your Rottie Doodle with a long coat, you’ll need to brush your Rottle dog daily to prevent matting.

Twice daily brushing may be necessary during shedding seasons.

Do Rottles Make Good Family Pets?

For the right family, the Rottle can make a great companion. However, they may not be best for a first time owner.

Rottie Poos need a lot of socialization and training from the moment they come home as a puppy.

This is particularly important to reduce the risk of aggression when your dog grows older.

As adults, this mix will need regular grooming and plenty of daily exercise. These dogs don’t like being left alone, so owners much be prepared to put lots of work and time in.

And remember, mixed breed dogs can be unpredictable in their exact temperament and appearance.

If you love the Rottle but want one with a specific coat type, you might be better choosing an older rescue dog.

Rescuing a Rottle

As this mixed breed gains popularity, older Rottles in need of loving homes will become more common.

Rescue dogs are usually cheaper than puppies, and many already have basic training and socialization.

Plus, you’ll know exactly how your mix will look, as they are usually fully grown.

Specific rescues for mixed breeds aren’t that common. But, you may be able to find a Rottle in a rescue center for the parent breeds.

Scroll to the end of this article for some links that will help you start your search.

Finding a Rottie Poo Puppy

The first step to raising a healthy Rottle dog is choosing from healthy Rottle puppies. Healthy Rottle puppies come from healthy parents.

OFA recommends that, before breeding, Rottweilers are tested for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, vision problems, and cardiac problems. Poodles should be tested for hip dysplasia, vision problems, cardiac problems, and thyroid problems.

Any ethical breeder can provide you with the results of these tests, but the results should be registered with a canine health registry like the OFA as well.

Parents should be at least two years old for these tests to be accurate, as well as for the best odds of producing healthy babies.

Because of the size difference in the Rottweiler and Poodle, the mother should be the Rottweiler, as birthing overly large pups can be dangerous for a Standard Poodle.

The breeder should allow you to meet the mother as well as any puppies in the litter that are still present. They should all appear happy and healthy. You should also be able to get information about the father and the breeder who owns him.

All dogs owned by the breeder should be working animals or beloved pets, and not simply treated as business assets.

Rottle Puppy Cost

As designer breeds are becoming more popular, their prices are rising. The most popular mixes, like the Labradoodle, can cost over $3000 in areas where demand is highest.

The Rottie Poo currently doesn’t have quite the same hype, so prices will usually fall more in the $500 to $1500 region.

However, this will vary depending on the breeder, your location, demand for puppies, and more.

A lower cost can be an indicator of a puppy mill. But, higher prices don’t guarantee reputable breeders.

So, ask potential breeders plenty of questions to be certain you’re choosing the healthiest puppy possible.

Raising a Rottle Puppy

Caring for a vulnerable Rottie Poo puppy is a big responsibility.

There are some great guides to help you with all aspects of puppy care and training. You’ll find them listed on our puppy care page.

Preparing to bring one of these puppies home?

Rottle Products and Accessories

Rottie Poo puppies take a lot of work. They are usually strong chewers, and need durable toys, bedding, and more.

Here are some links to help you.

• Indestructible Dog Bed
• Toys for Rottweilers That Love To Play and Chew

Let’s recap.

Pros And Cons of Getting A Rottle

There’s a lot to consider when choosing a new puppy. Here are some of the main points to remember.

Cons

• This mix can be prone to aggression and territorial behavior
• Rottles have unpredictable temperaments and appearances
• These dogs are prone to lots of health issues
• Rottie Poos need lots of exercise every day
• Despite a low shedding coat, they still may not suit those with allergies

Pros

• Rottles have a loving, loyal, and confident temperament when well socialized
• This is an intelligent mix that will enjoy training
• These dogs enjoy a wide variety of exercise
• Demand for this hybrid is still quite low, so puppies may be easier to find

If you’re considering the Rottle, you may also love the following breeds.

Similar Breeds

Here are some breeds with similar traits to the Rottweiler Poodle mix.

• Rottweiler Pitbull Mix
• Newfypoo
• German Shepherd Poodle Mix
• Keeshond

Looking to rescue a Rottie Poo?

Rottle Breed Rescues

There are currently no rescue centers specifically dedicated to the Rottweiler Pitbull mix. But, you can get started by looking at rescue centers for the parent breeds.

USA

• Southern States Rescued Rottweilers
• Carolina Poodle Rescue

UK

• Rottweiler Welfare
• Poodle Network

Canada

• Standard Poodles in Need

Australia

• PAWS

If you know of any that aren’t already on this list, let us know in the comments.

References And Resources

• Gough, A. (et al) ‘Breed Predispositions to Disease In Dogs and Cats’, Wiley Blackwell (2018)
• O’Neill (et al) ‘Longevity and Mortality of Owned Dogs In England’, The Veterinary Journal (2013)
• Adams. V. J. (et al) ‘Results of a Survey of UK Purebred Dogs’, Journal of Small Animal Practice (2010)
• Schalamon (et al) ‘Analysis of Dog Bites In Children Who Are Younger Than 17 Years’, Pediatrics (2006)
• Duffy, D. (et al) ‘Breed Differences in Canine Aggression’, Applied Animal Behavior Science (2008)
• Brömel, C. (et al), ‘Comparison of Ultrasonographic Characteristics of the Thyroid Gland in Healthy Small-, Medium-, and Large-Breed Dogs’, American Journal of Veterinary Research (2006)
• Evans, K. & Adams, J. ‘Mortality and Morbidity Due to Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Syndrome in Pedigree Dogs in the UK’, Journal of Small Animal Practice (2010)
• Harasen, G. ‘Patellar Luxation’, The Canadian Veterinary Journal (2006)
• Kelawala, D. (et al), ‘Clinical Studies on Progressive Retinal Atrophy in 31 Dogs’, Iranian Journal of Veterinary Research (2017)
• Lohi, H. (et al) ‘Expanded Repeat in Canine Epilepsy’, Science (2005)
• Malm, S. (et al), ‘Genetic Variation and Genetic Trends in Hip and Elbow Dysplasia in Swedish Rottweiler and Bernese Mountain Dog’, Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics (2008)
• Martin, M. (et al), ‘Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy: a Retrospective Study of Signalment, Presentation and Clinical Findings in 369 Cases’, Journal of Small Animal Practice (2008)
• Montgomery, R. (et al), ‘Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Canine Tarsal Joint’, Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian (1994)
• Pyle, R. L. ‘Interpreting Low-Intensity Cardiac Murmurs in Dogs Predisposed to Subaortic Stenosis’, Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (2000)
• Rosenberger, J. (et al), ‘Prevalence of and Intrinsic Risk Factors for Appendicular Osteosarcoma in Dogs: 179 Cases (1996–2005)’, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (2007)