Lab Rottweiler Mix Facts

If you dream of having a best friend who will join you for long runs or hikes, then the Rottweiler Lab mix might be the dog for you.

The hybrid offspring of a Rottweiler and a Labrador Retriever, this dog carries the best traits of these two popular breeds. It’s a fun-loving, affectionate, energetic, and extremely loyal pet. It will likely have more energy than you can ever imagine. It’s also fiercely devoted and protective of its human, which can be problematic if it thinks its family is being threatened.

The breed is known by several names, like Rottador, Rottwador, Labrottie, and Labweiler.

This lovable dog needs a special kind of care and attention that it will likely receive from an experienced dog owner. The Labrottie’s energy and drive might just be too much for a newbie.

3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Rottweiler Labrador

• It’s not a good pet for families with children. The Lab Rottweiler has a tendency to become aggressive, particularly towards strangers, which can include your relatives, friends and your kids’ friends. Even if this dog has been socialized and trained, it can remain distrustful of other people and pets.
• It requires a large space to live in. This dog needs an area to run around and play. It can’t be cooped up in a small apartment or condo unit as the limited area will hinder its movements. It can also lead to boredom and bad behavior.
• It needs a lot of attention. This dog generally has an affectionate, friendly, and loving nature. It loves attention and thrives on it. The downside is it becomes become unhappy if it doesn’t get it. The Rottodor also doesn’t do well when left alone and could develop separation anxiety. This could then trigger destructive behavior like barking, chewing, and digging.

3 Reasons Why You Should Get a Lab Rottweiler

1. They’re amazing guard dogs. Due to its Rottweiler parentage, this hybrid is loyal and fiercely protective of its human. You can rest easy in the knowledge that your home and family has a big, strong protector.
2. You’ll always have an exercise buddy. This dog will only be too happy to accompany you while you jog, run or bike around the neighborhood. You can even bring this energetic dog on camping trips. It has more than enough energy to be with you whatever the activity.
3. It requires minimal grooming. This dog is a moderate shedder at most so a weekly brushing is enough to keep its coat and skin healthy. It will shed more during summer but it’s manageable.

Appearance, Personality, and Traits of a Rottweiler Lab Mix

Weight	70 to 115 lbs average
Height	24 inches average
Size	Large
Coat Type	Double coat; short to medium length
Coat Color	Black, brown, gray or combination of black and tan
Amount of Shedding	Moderate
Eyes	Dark
Nose	Dark
Ears	Floppy
Temperament	Family-friendly, loving, intelligent, energetic, active, and protective
Life Expectancy	9 to 12 years
Hypoallergenic	No
Kid Friendly	No
New Owner Friendly	No
Breed Recognition	International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC),  Dog Registry of America (DRA), Designer Breed Registry (DBR)

No breeder or dog expert can definitively say what a Rottweiler Lab mix will look like or what kind of personality it will have. It can be a perfect mix of the parent breeds’ looks and temperament. It could also have the coloring of a Labrador Retriever and the personality of a Rottweiler or vice versa.

This is the beauty of mixed breeds. You don’t know what you’re going to get, making them unique. If you want a pet carrying specific traits, then you should get a pure breed.

While the looks and traits of a Rottador is a guessing game, you can be certain that this will be a large dog with short hair.

Your mixed dog can be the size of the smallest Labrador or the largest Rottweiler. It can also be somewhere in the middle. Take that into consideration when deciding to get a Labrottie. If you don’t like large dogs or can’t handle them, then choose a smaller breed.

Your Rottweiler Lab’s coat will depend on the which parent’s gene will become dominant. It’s likely to have a muzzle and head resembling that of a Labrador and a body that’s typical of a Rottweiler.

When it comes to personality, you will have to wait for your puppy to grow up a little to see what it will be like. Your Labrottie will probably be friendly and faithful, just like the beloved Labrador. Conversely, it can also become an effective guard dog like the Rottweiler. If that’s the case, you should expect your dog to be distrustful or downright aggressive towards strangers.

While guard dogs are loyal and affectionate towards their families, they don’t act the same way with people who are strangers to them. This means your other relatives and family friends. Your Rottodor has to be trained to accept other people and be at ease with them.

Labrador Rottweiler Mix Puppies for Sale

It’s best to choose a Labrottie that comes from two purebred parents. This is to ensure that any genetic variations that impact how the dog behaves will be minimized. For instance, if the Rottweiler parent is socialized and friendly with strangers, then its offspring might not be too wary of other people. Of course, there’s no guarantee this will happen but it doesn’t hurt to try and stack the odds in your favor.

You should also ask the breeder about the health status of the parent breeds. A good breeder will be able to produce evidence of their health checks. Pay close attention to their hip and elbow scores and their latest eye test results. The former will determine whether your Lab Rottweiler mix puppy will be susceptible to dysplasia. The latter will tell you if the original breeds are free of Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This is a disease that afflicts Labradors and causes vision loss.

Dog owners should always select puppies that come from healthy parents. It doesn’t mean that your dog will be healthy or won’t get sick, but it will have better odds.

It’s also vital that you avoid puppy mills and backyard breeders. These people breed dogs for profit, without any regard to their well-being.

Licensed and responsible breeders care for both the adult dogs and their offspring. They are also selective about who wants to purchase their dogs and won’t sell to people they feel won’t be able to give it a good and loving home.

If you are serious about getting a Lab-Rottweiler mix and believe that you can raise it well, then you can start your search with these breeders –

1. Greenfield Puppies
2. Keystone Puppies
3. Lancaster Puppies

You can also adopt from one of the organizations listed on www.adoptapet.com, www.puppyfinder.com or www.petfinder.com. There are also organizations like the ASPCA that look for homes for rescued dogs.

Grooming Your Rottweiler Mixed With Lab

It’s fairly easy to groom a Rottweiler mixed with Lab. Due to its short hair, a weekly brushing with a soft bristled brush is enough to keep its coat shiny and healthy.

The Rottodor is a moderate shedder but this will increase during summer. This is due to the dog’s double coat. While it kept your pet warm during the cold season, it will shed the excess fur when the weather becomes warmer. You will need to groom your dog more often during this time. It’s also a good idea to invest in a powerful vacuum to keep things tidy.

Due to its active nature, your dog will be running around and playing quite a bit. It can get dirty really fast so you might have to give it a bath once a month. Experts recommend that you brush your Rottweiler Lab’s teeth daily. But since this is often not possible, brushing two or three times a week is fine.

Remember to clean your dog’s ears and trim its nails regularly.

Lab Mixed With Rottweiler Health Problems

A Lab mixed with Rottweiler is one sturdy hybrid. However, it will still be susceptible to the health problems that affect large dogs, like allergies, bloat, bone cancer, ear infections, epilepsy, eye problems, hip dysplasia, and obesity.

Owners should be particularly concerned about hip dysplasia as both parent breeds suffer from it. Due to this condition, the dog’s hips do not develop correctly. This will result in the gradual deterioration of the bone when left untreated and could cause the hip joint to lose function.

Hip dysplasia could also trigger degenerative joint disorder. This is the continued deterioration of the cartilage around the joints. Sadly, this condition is irreversible. Make sure you bring your Labrottie to the vet once you notice that it has stiff legs. Early detection will stop the condition from worsening.

Another thing you should watch out for is exercise-induced collapse, something that is seen in Labradors. It causes Labradors who are in the middle of physical activity to suddenly collapse. The condition has also been linked to a gene so it’s inherited.. Bring your dog to the vet if this happens; even if it occurred only once.

You should also watch out for conditions like –

• Acute moist dermatitis
• Cold tail
• Hypothyroidism
• Myopathy
• OCD

Rottweiler Crossed With Lab Food Requirements

You should be prepared to invest a lot of money to feed your dog. A Rottweiler crossed with a Lab is a large dog and will require at least 1,700 calories a day. That’s for a 70-pound, active Rottador. If your dog is in this hybrid’s upper weight range, you might be looking at feeding it 2,200 calories daily that should come from an animal protein-based, high quality dog food. The only way to achieve that is to go for recipes developed particularly for giant pups, such as these best large breed dry dog food brands. You may also serve them the overall  best dry dog food, but remember to increase the portions.

This crossbreed will have an insatiable appetite from their first months, so only give them the absolute best puppy food brands or even the best dry dog food for small dogs. Old goggies will still want to munch a ton, but the food needs to be appropriate for their age. The best senior dry dog food will have adequate ingredients for this age group and it will be softer so they can eat it with ease.

It’s best if you feed your Rottweiler Lab mix three times a day. This lessens the amount of food they will have per meal and reduces the risk of bloating, something that typically afflicts large breeds.  Low-quality meals are also detrimental to their health, so keep your pooch away from the worst dry dog food out there.

This crossbreed is susceptible to obesity, especially if they don’t get the exercise it needs. It’s also why portion control is necessary.

There are several good dry dog food for large breeds like the Rottweiler Lab cross. Here are three of the best:

• Dog For Dog Food: This brand boasts superbly nutritious, 100 % natural food that is easy to chew and digest regardless of your dog’s age.
• BLUE Buffalo Life Protection Formula: This brand uses ingredients that are rich in antioxidants, like blueberries, carrots, kelp, and sweet potatoes. It also uses deboned chicken as its primary ingredient and eschews corn, soy or wheat. It reportedly also alleviates allergies and poor digestion.
• Wellness Core Dog Food: The company’s proprietary mix includes several proteins that are packed with nutrients, like deboned chicken, salmon meal and deboned whitefish. It also has flaxseed, which is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids. Plus, it’s supplemented with four probiotics. It’s a bit pricey but owners of large breeds say it’s worth it as their dogs showed less joint pain and their skin condition improved.
• Nutra Thrive dog food supplement: Although not food per se, supplements are essential for the necessary intake of vitamins and minerals that your pup may need if they are particularly active or muscular like a Rott Lab mix.
• IAMS Proactive Health Adult: This affordable dog food is designed to ensure your pet gets the vitamins and minerals it needs. It’s made with whole-grains, chicken, chicken by-products, and cornmeal. It also has glucosamine to improve joint health.

Lab Crossed With Rottweiler Exercise Requirements

Both the Labrador Retriever and Rottweiler are known for their high energy levels. You should expect their offspring to inherit that trait as well.

A Lab crossed with a Rottweiler needs to be taken on long walks daily, with each trip lasting about 30 to 60 minutes long. If you can’t walk your dog for the day, an alternative is to play a nice game of catch for about an hour.

The question here is whether you have the energy and stamina to match your dog. It’s important that a Labrottie gets the exercise it needs to keep it healthy. Lack of activity and eating too much can cause your dog to put on weight. Being overweight or obese can lead to diabetes and other health problems.

A Lab crossed with Rottweiler also needs a lot of attention. The parent breeds don’t do well alone, and neither will their hybrid offspring. It needs company and puzzles and toys that will keep it engaged. Otherwise, it will become bored and develop separation anxiety. These can manifest into some pretty destructive behavior, like incessant barking, chewing, biting, and digging.

The right toys can give your dog an outlet for their energy. It also helps sharpen its mind and reflexes. Here are the top toys for a large breed like the Rottodor.

• KONG Classic: There’s a reason it’s called a classic. This KONG dog toy has been bringing joy to countless dogs for years now. It comes in large and extra large sizes and is strong enough to survive your big dog’s jaws. The toy is designed to be filled with treats to keep your pet occupied for hours as it tries to get to the goodies.
• Nylabone Big Chew: This toy has a distinct shape and is made from extra-strong nylon. A lot of dog owners claim that it takes years for their dog to wear down this toy. What’s more, the Nylabone helps keep your dog’s teeth clean and assists in controlling tartar and plaque buildup.
• Chuckit! Kick Fetch Toy Ball: Another great toy for large and active dogs, the Chuckit allows you to play fetch with your dog. But instead of throwing the ball, you kick it like a soccer ball. The grooves on the ball make it easier for your pet to carry it back to you. This toy is made with an extremely durable material that’s also resistant to punctures so it will last for a long time.

Rottweiler Lab Training

Training the Rottweiler Lab can be easy, especially if you already have experience with dogs. Having two intelligent parents, Rottador is also smart and quick to learn. Its instinctual need to please its human gives it the motivation to work hard and learn new tricks.

Like other breeds, a Rottweiler Lab mix will respond to positive reinforcement better than through punishment or other harsh strategies. The former because it touches on the dog’s pleasure-seeking instinct while the latter simply instills fear in your pet.

While an experienced dog owner is better suited to the Labrottie, you can still bring one home even if it’s your first time to have a dog. However, you should tap the services of an experienced dog trainer to help train your dog. It’s also vital that training and socialization should be done while it’s still a puppy.

If you don’t socialize your Labrottie puppy, it will never learn to get along with other people and pets. Expose your puppy to other dogs and people by bringing it to a dog park. You might have to keep it on a leash initially until it learns to interact peacefully with others.

Even if your Lab Rottweiler mix is socialized, you should not let it play with very young children. Kids don’t understand the boundaries when it comes to petting dogs and might end up accidentally hurt.

Training and socialization will be a lifetime process. Here are some tips that can make things easier –

• Don’t punish your Rottweiler Lab mix. Punishment-based training never works. Studies have also shown that using this technique raises less obedient dogs that are more likely to attack strangers and even their owners.
• Have a lot of visitors over while your dog is still a puppy. Puppies are very confident, so this is the best time to introduce them to new situations. You want to desensitize them to strangers and teach them that it’s normal to have other people arriving in the home. They should not become afraid of other people as fear is what makes dogs attack.
• Correct nibbling behavior immediately. If you don’t, your dog will think it’s alright to bite while playing. While you might find it amusing, other people won’t. A quick tap or a spray of a citrusy mix will put a stop to it. Redirect their gnawing tendency towards an appropriate chew toy.

Labrador Rottweiler And Families

While there’s no denying that the Lab Rottweiler is an amazing dog, it is not for everyone. This strong dog has an equally strong will and drive. It needs someone who knows how to handle powerful, intelligent canines and who can step up and be firm with it. In short, it needs a no-nonsense Alpha.

The Labweiler also needs a family who has an active lifestyle since it needs to be exercised regularly. This dog has boundless energy so it needs a place to romp around. It will not do well in small apartments or with owners that are more inclined towards a sedentary lifestyle.

If you have a busy lifestyle, work long hours or are often called away on trips, then you’ll need to look for another companion. A Rottweiler Lab mix doesn’t do well when left alone for too long. It can become bored when it’s not intellectually challenged or there’s no one to play with. This can lead to very destructive behavior. You could come home to a ruined couch or to complaints of excessive barking. Don’t be surprised if your dog destroys your garden too.

Families with young children should also choose another dog. The Lab Rottweiler is a large breed and even if it’s well socialized and trained, its size and the exuberance of young kids and their inability to grasp how to manage dogs carefully will never be a good combination.

The Rottweiler Lab mix can be the greatest canine companion for the right person. This lovable giant needs a confident and experienced dog owner who leads an active lifestyle. The dog’s high energy levels and intelligence makes it a fun partner to take during runs around the park or hikes up the mountain. If you can keep up with its energy and willing to spend lots of time with the Rottador, then you’ll have earned the love and loyalty of a dog that will do everything keep its family safe.

Best Supplements for Lab Rottweiler Mix

Choosing the best supplements for a Lab Rottweiler mix involves addressing their specific needs, considering their size, energy levels, and potential health concerns. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, such as fish oil, can support joint health, contribute to a shiny coat, and promote overall cardiovascular well-being, which is crucial for the Rottweiler’s large frame.

References:

1. Davison, L.j., et al. “The CaninePOMCGene, Obesity in Labrador Retrievers and Susceptibility to Diabetes Mellitus.” Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, vol. 31, no. 2, 8 Feb. 2017, pp. 343–348., doi:10.1111/jvim.14636.
2. Mhlanga-Mutangadura, T., et al. “A HomozygousRAB3GAP1:C.743delCMutation in Rottweilers with Neuronal Vacuolation and Spinocerebellar Degeneration.” Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, vol. 30, no. 3, 10 Mar. 2016, pp. 813–818., doi:10.1111/jvim.13921.
3. Walton, Joel, and Eve Adamson. Labrador Retrievers for Dummies. Wiley Publishing, 2007.
4. Beauchamp, Richard G. Rottweilers for Dummies. Wiley Publishing, 2004.
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labrador_Retriever
6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rottweiler