A Pitweiler is a cross between a Rottweiler and a Pitbull which are two of the most popular dog breeds in the US. If you are considering welcoming this crossbreed into your home, there are various things you should know.

Rottweilers and Pitbulls are protective and loving of their owners, while also being highly active.

In this brief article, we will explain some key information about Pitweilers to help you decide if it is the right breed for your household.

Pitweiler Varieties

Pitbull is an umbrella term for a variety of dog breeds including the American Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bulldog, American Bully, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The most common Pitbull variety used for cross-breeding with Rottweiler is the American Pitbull Terrier, so the information in this article is based on this crossbreed.

Key Facts

Some key facts about the Pitweiler include:

• Lifespan: 8 to 13 years
• Weight: 45 to 110 pounds (20 to 50Kg)
• Height: 18 to 25 inches (46 to 64 cm)
• Activity level: Very active

Is The Pitweiler Trainable?

A Rottweiler Pitbull mix generates a dog that is very strong-willed but is typically amenable when being trained. The crossbreed is highly intelligent so can be purposefully stubborn if the training is not engaging.

Both Rottweilers and Pitbulls are known to be good working dogs so the Pitweiler cross breed continues to take on these traits to being good trainees.

Pitweiler Temperament

Assuming the Pitweiler is acquired from a reputable breeder with ethical breeding practices, and good early socialization, Pitweilers will be very loving towards humans.

However, Pitweilers should be kept on a leash when in the park with other stranger dogs as they may not get along with every other dog. Strong protective instincts can kick in and show signs of aggression.

Pitweilers that are rescued may also be more volatile in temperament due to neglect or abuse. In these cases, you should take time before introducing them to strangers or other dogs.

Experienced Owners

A Rottweiler Pitbull mix is a very active and headstrong dog breed. They should be managed by dog owners who are experienced and can manage them effectively. Pitweiler owners should be good trainers and can set boundaries with the dog.

If you lack this experience, Pitweilers can be aggressive and try to dominate you. Make sure you have adequate expertise.

Pitweiler Exercise

Pitweilers are active dogs so should have 60 minutes of exercise per day. A brisk walk will normally be sufficient, but they can also jog or play fetch with you. If you’re in a park surrounded by other dogs, you should keep them on a leash to avoid any issues.

Pitweiler Grooming

Pitbulls have short, bristly coats while Rottweilers have a medium-length coat. When bred together, Pitweiler coats are on the shorter side making them easy to maintain.

It is recommended you give a Pitweiler a thorough brush once a week to remove any dirt and debris from the coat.

You can expect twice-yearly shedding which is more likely to occur in the warmer months of the year. Compared to other dog breeds, the shedding is minimal.

Bathing is only needed once a month to ensure that the dog continues to produce natural oils which maintain its smooth and shiny coat.

Pitweiler Cost

Rescue Pitweilers can cost in the region of $100 to $300. However, while you may be doing a good thing purchasing from a rescue center, you should be aware that rescue Pitweilers are generally trickier to train and manage.

Purebred Pitweilers can be expensive and difficult to find. Breeders with good ethical practices, socialization, heritage papers, and vaccinations can cost in the region of $2,000 to $3,000.

As the mix of genetics can cause issues, you should avoid purchasing a crossbreed from a low-quality breeder.

Health Issues

Unfortunately like many crossbreeds, Pitweilers can be prone to various health issues, these include:

• Addison’s disease – when the glands produce enough hormones for bodily functions.
• Bloat – caused by gastric dilatation where the stomach crumples to store gas which leads to bloating, resulting in breathing and blood flow challenges.
• Cataracts – common in older Pitweilers where the eye lens becomes obstructed by a cloudy film.

Diet

Raw, dry, and wet diets are all options for a Rottweiler Pitbull mix. If you opt for dry or wet diets you should invest in good quality foods.

As Pitweilers are very active, head-strong dogs, they need a quality balanced diet including essential vitamins and minerals to maintain their temperament and lifestyle.

As the breed can be prone to bloating, they should be provided with multiple small meals spread across the day. For puppies, four meals per day are recommended and this reduces to two or three meals per day as they reach adulthood.