Rottweiler Lab Mix – Family Friendly or Loyal Protector?

Are you desperate to add a Rottweiler Lab Mix to your household? Then this is the article for you!

Bringing a new dog into your life is a big decision, and there is a lot to consider when deciding which breed is going to suit you and your lifestyle best.

Don’t worry. We’re here to help!

Meet the Rottweiler Lab Mix

The Rottweiler Lab Mix is a cross between the intelligent and friendly Labrador Retriever and the loyal and active Rottweiler.

Since the Labrador Retriever Rottweiler mix is a crossbreed, there is a bit of controversy regarding his existence and the existence of other crossbreeds or hybrid dogs like him.

Let’s learn why.

Understanding the Basics of the Crossbreed Controversy

Crossbreeding dogs to create hybrids like the Rottweiler and Labrador cross is a practice that has been ongoing for centuries, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t raised some eyebrows.

For starters, many breeders are now selling crossbreed dogs for as much as purebreds, and some people find this unfair.

After all, a crossbreed is really no different than a mutt, right?

Actually, those who support crossbreeding will tell you that while a mutt is the “accidental” offspring of two random breeds.

A crossbreed, on the other hand, is the specifically bred offspring of two purposefully chosen purebred dogs, mixed in the hopes of combining certain traits.

To read more on the differences between mutts verses crossbreeds, click here.

An issue of health

Now let’s talk about what many consider to be the most important aspect of this debate—health.

As many of us know, purebred dogs are inherently more prone to suffering genetic health issues as a result of generations of overbreeding in increasingly dwindling gene pools.

Supporters of crossbreeding claim that the practice may be a solution to the purebred health dilemma by widening the gene pool.

This subsequently reduces the chances of genetic health issues being passed on to litters.

However, others insist this is speculation, and that purebred dogs and crossbreed dogs are equally susceptible to inheriting certain genetic issues from their parent breeds.

To learn more about common objections to crossbreeding click here.

Otherwise, keep reading to find out how the Rottweiler Lab mix came to be!

Origin of the Rottweiler Lab Mix

Considered by most to be a first-generation crossbreed, the Rottweiler Lab Mix has an origin that is still in the making.

So how do we find out about his history?

Why, we look into the histories of his purebred parents, of course! Let’s begin with the Rottweiler.

Origin of the Rottweiler

Nicknamed the “Rottie” by Rottweiler enthusiast, the Rottweiler is an ancient breed with roots dating as far back as the Roman Empire.

The likely descendant of ancient drover dogs, the Rottweiler is believed to have acquired his name from a Roman town known as Rottweil.

Here the breed was famously used as a guard dog and herding breed.

So loyal and protective was the Rottweiler that many owners trusted him to travel back and forth to market in the Middle Ages with small sacks of currency tied around his muscular neck.

As time passed, the Rottweiler left his herding days behind him and went on to become a popular war dog.

The Rottie played a number of roles during World War I and World War II and is still recognized today for his valiant services.

Today, the Rottweiler still works in the military, and he also makes a popular police dog.

Ranking in at number 8 out of 194 on the American Kennel Club’s, (AKC), list of America’s most popular dog breeds, the Rottie continues to capture hearts everywhere.

Now let’s learn about the Labrador!

Origin of the Labrador Retriever

A Canadian breed, the Labrador actually hails from Newfoundland, not Labrador, as his name would suggest.

The breed, which is believed to have existed since before the 1500’s, was once used as a fisherman’s companion and hunting dog.

An ideal boat dog, the Lab made for a talented swimmer.

He was built for the cold Canadian waters thanks to his thick, water-resistant coat, unique “otter’s tail” that helped propel him and his impressively webbed paws.

The Labrador was perhaps most loved for his ability to gently retrieve fish and duck in the water without damaging the game.

He bit down hard enough to hold it but gently enough not to penetrate.

It wasn’t long before the Labrador’s work ethic, incredible smarts, and gentle nature made him a favorite not only amongst fishermen and hunters but also amongst breed enthusiasts.

British breeders became especially fond of the breed and began refining it up through the 19th century.

Sitting at number 1 out of 194 on the AKC’s list of America’s most popular dog breeds, the Lab continues to be one of the most coveted family and service animals to date.

Rottweiler Lab Mix Temperament and Behavior

The temperament of any dog is important to consider before bringing the breed home, but what happens when you have a cross breed Labrador and Rottweiler?

Two breeds can have two very different personalities, and your half Labrador half Rottweiler pup could inherit different temperamental traits from each parent.

To get a better idea of what your Rottweiler Lab mix temperament could be, let’s take a look at the temperamental traits of both his purebred parent breeds.

Temperament of the Rottweiler

Despite being a banned breed in some regions, the Rottweiler is actually known to be incredibly loyal, outgoing, and very smart.

He is said to make a wonderful family pet and is gentle with children.

Rottweilers become very bonded to their families, they love to play, and they are highly active breeds, so they will do great in active households with owners who enjoy being outside.

However, a prospective owner should note that while the Rottweiler’s protective and loyal nature makes him such a great guard dog, it can backfire for the owner who does not properly socialize and train their Rottie.

Luckily, this is a bright, playful breed who enjoys learning and will be eager to please you and make you proud, so training him is simple and fun!

Temperament of the Labrador Retriever

Sitting at number one on the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular dog breeds is no easy feat, and we can’t scoff at the Lab’s success!

What makes him the top dog? His playful personality, easy-going nature, and eagerness to learn.

This is an active, outgoing breed who gets along with everyone and everything and enjoys children, other animals, strangers, and old friends equally.

Renowned for his intelligence, the Labrador is an ideal service animal and family pet. He is also the star of several Hollywood films due to how quickly he learns.

However, a prospective Lab or Lab cross should keep in mind that this breed is slow to mature and incredibly active.

He is very high energy and will require a lot of daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep him from becoming bored and destructive.

Luckily, like his Rottie counterpart, the Labrador is easy to train and eager to please!

So, you can expect your Rottweiler Lab Mix to be intelligent, playful, active, and eager to please since both his parent breeds are as well.

However, whether he is incredibly loyal and protective or very energetic will be left up to genetics and chance.

What is the General Appearance of the Rottweiler Lab Mix?

Trying to pinpoint what your Labrador and Rottweiler mix will look like is going to be a difficult task.

This is because he is a crossbreed and his traits are going to be left up to chance and the genetics he inherits from each of his purebred parents.

For the most part, your Rottweiler crossed with Labrador will have floppy ears, a long tail, and that’s about all we can nail down!

To get a better idea of what your Rottweiler Lab mix size, weight, height, and appearance will be, we’ll have to take a look at the individual appearances of his parents.

Appearance of the Rottweiler

Standing 22 to 27 inches tall and weighing around 80 to 135 pounds, the Rottweiler is an easy breed to recognize.

He is a muscular dog with a sleek black coat with brown or caramel patches on his muzzle, chest, and paws.

And while some owners choose to dock their Rottie’s tail, others leave it long. The Rottweiler has floppy ears, round eyes, and a happy, expressive face.

The Rottweiler’s shiny coat can come in four color combinations, including:

• Black
• Blue
• Tan
• Mahogany.

Appearance of the Labrador

The Lab may be smaller than the Rottie, but not by much, standing between 22-25 inches and weighing between 55-80 pounds.

He is beloved for his sweet face, his floppy ears, long tail, and big, intelligent eyes.

This is a breed who comes in three solid color varieties, including:

• Black
• Yellow
• Chocolate.

Rottweiler Lab Mix Grooming and Overall Care

Fortunately, the Rottweiler Labrador mix comes from two parents with pretty similar coats as far as texture and length, so there is not a lot of guesswork that will go into grooming.

Since both the Rottweiler and the Labrador are shedders, you will need to brush your Rottweiler and Lab mix at least two to three times a week, and possibly more during shedding season, which happens twice a year.

The Rottweiler Lab mix will only need an occasional bath, unless of course, he gets excessively messy, which is possible with this active crossbreed who is drawn to water!

Furthermore, your Rottweiler Lab mix will need his ears cleaned regularly to avoid ear infections and his nails trimmed consistently to keep them from cracking or splitting during play or while on walks.

Speaking of walks, let’s discuss exercise and training!

How to Train and Exercise Your Rottweiler Lab Mix

Since your Rottweiler Lab mix is the crossbreed offspring of two very active and athletic parents, you can prepare for an athletic and active pup.

The Lab x Rottweiler will also be pretty intelligent, as both his parent breeds are known for their brains.

Luckily, the Rottweiler and the Labrador are both eager to please and enjoy learning and making you proud.

This means your crossbreed puppy will be a breeze to train and will enjoy learning new commands and tricks!

However, keep in mind that intelligent dogs require a bit more work, as they can be more prone to boredom if they are not mentally stimulated.

The Lab especially is prone to chewing if he becomes bored. For this reason, you will want to supply your Rottweiler Lab mix with lots of chew toys and bones.

Your Rottweiler Lab mix will also do well with any doggy jobs you want to teach him to perform, like helping with the laundry, loading the dishwasher, or fetching the newspaper.

As far as exercising your Rottweiler Lab mix, remember that his parent breeds are highly active and energetic.

He will need at least an hour of exercise every day and then free play time where he can run and romp in a securely fenced backyard.

Of course, early socialization and obedience training are going to be key in ensuring your Rottweiler Lab mix grows up to be a well-rounded and happy adult dog.

This is especially important since Rottweilers are particularly protective.

Due to his guarding instincts, any Rottie or Rottie cross owner should be sure to properly socialize and train their dog at a very early age.

Rottweiler Lab Mix Lifespan and Genetic Health Issues

Based on the lifespans of his parent breeds, the Rottweiler x Labrador should live between 9 and 12 years.

And while we can estimate the life expectancy of a Rottweiler Lab mix, it is more difficult to predict any genetic health issues he may be prone to.

However, since the Labrador Rottweiler mix is a crossbreed, he is susceptible to any of the same genetic health issues his parent breeds are susceptible to.

Because of this, we suggest early health screening your Rottweiler Lab mix during puppyhood.

Early health screening can give you a better idea of what your crossbreed may be susceptible to and will help you to prepare for or in some cases avoid certain health issues.

Let’s take a look at the genetic health concerns of both the Rottweiler and the Labrador.

Life Expectancy and Genetic Health Issues of the Rottweiler

The Rottie has an average lifespan of 9 to 10 years.

Like all purebred dogs, the Rottweiler is prone to a number of genetic health issues.

These health issues include:

• aortic stenosis,
• hip and elbow dysplasia,
• entropion,
• ectropion,
• cruciate ligament rupture,
• Osteochondritis Dissecans,
• cancer,
• wet eczema,
• cold water tail,
• juvenile laryngeal paralysis, and
• polyneuropathy.

Life Expectancy and Genetic Health Issues of the Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever lives anywhere from 10 to 12 years.

The Lab can be prone to:

• elbow dysplasia,
• hip dysplasia,
• loose knee joints,
• ruptured ligaments in their hind legs,
• heart disease,
• eye disease,
• epilepsy,
• cancer,
• obesity,
• bloat, and
• chronic allergies.

Ideal Home Type for the Rottweiler Lab Mix – Is This the Crossbreed for Me?

While the Labrador Retriever and Rottweiler mix make a great pet for the right person, he is not the right crossbreed for everyone.

If you are considering this crossbreed, do your research and make sure Rottweilers or Rottie crosses are not banned in your region.

Aside from the legalities, a prospective Rottweiler cross Labrador should consider that this breed is going to be highly active and very intelligent. He will require lots of training, exercise, and plenty of early socialization.

This is a crossbreed who will do best in homes with large, fenced in backyards and with owners who live an active lifestyle and enjoy being outside.

Furthermore, possible owners of Lab and Rottweiler mix dogs should remember that this crossbreed can become very bonded to his family.

He will not do well left alone for several hours at a time.

How to Pick the Right Rottweiler Lab Mix Puppy

If you have decided that the Rottweiler Lab Mix is right for you, then we have some tips on how to find and pick the best and healthiest Labrador cross Rottweiler puppy!

If you want to look at Rottweiler cross Labrador puppies through breeders, expect to pay anywhere from $500 to over $1000.

Most reputable breeders will have health screened their Rottweiler Lab mix puppies and will be able to offer you certificates that prove as much.

Remember, getting your Lab and Rottweiler mix puppies from sources that are responsible and understand the importance of breeding standards is of the utmost importance.

By all accounts, finding responsible breeders and shelters that offer Lab and Rottweiler mix puppies should not be too difficult, as long as you do plenty of research and take your time.

Rottweiler Lab puppies are cute and sweet and with proper socialization and training, they will surely grow up to be well rounded, adaptable, and wonderful pets for the right person or family!

References

• Borbala Turcsan, Adam Miklosi, Eniko Kubinyi, Owner Perceived Differences Between Mixed-Breed and Purebred Dogs
• Tiffani J Howell, Tammie King, Pauleen C Bennett, Puppy Parties and Beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior
• Nathan B Sutter and Elaine A Ostrander, Dog Star Rising: The Canine Genetic System, Nature Reviews Genetics
• Lowell Acumen DVM, DACVD, MBA, MOA, 2011, The Genetic Connection; a Guide to Health Problems in Purebred Dogs, Second Edition,
• Purebred Vs Mutt-Common Objections to Mixed Breed Dogs
• Carol Beuchat Ph.D., The Myth of Hybrid Vigor in Dogs…Is A Myth