The Rottador is one of the most popular designer breeds in the world. Find out more about this gentle giant here!
The Labrador Rottweiler Mix, also known as the Rottador, is a dog breed that’s a result of crossbreeding a Labrador and a Rottweiler. It is a large dog that was recently developed. It’s known to be a friendly, active, and intelligent dog.
As you read on, you’ll learn everything there is to know about the Labrador Rottweiler mix. First, you’ll read about the Rottador’s history and how the breed was developed. Second, you’ll learn about the Rottador’s personality and appearance. Third, you’ll read about the different feeding, grooming, and exercise needs of the Rottador and how to take care of one. Finally, you’ll find out about the common health issues that this breed faces.
Table of Contents
The History of the Labrador Rottweiler Mix
Since it’s a new and still developing breed, the Labrador Rottweiler mix has a short and vague history. Breeders first began officially breeding Rottadors in the United States in the 1990s. The breed was developed because breeders wanted to crossbreed Labradors and Rottweilers to eliminate their common health issues.
Breeders also wanted to create the perfect balance between a family companion and watchdog. Ideally, the Labrador Rottweiler mix should have the friendly nature and gentleness of a Labrador and the courage and alertness of a Rottweiler.
Although the Labrador Rottweiler mix is still a developing breed, it has been recognized by multiple registries. The Rottador is recognized by the American Canin Hybrid Club (ACHD), Designer Breed Registry (DBR), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), and the International Designer Canin Registry (IDCR). Like most designer breeds, it is unlikely that it will be recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the near future.
The Labrador Rottweiler Mix’s Personality
Labrador Rottweiler Mixes are active dogs that are calm and patient around their human companions. They are also known to be gentle with children. Rottadors are protective but not aggressive. They will bark at unfamiliar people but won’t resort to biting unless they feel they are threatened.
Like its breeders intended, Rottadors are affectionate but alert dogs. They make for excellent watchdogs that protect their homes but they’re also great with people. Although they are friendly, it’s still important to expose your Rottador to socialization as early as possible. This helps your Rottador get used to people and other animals.
Just like the Labrador Retriever, the Rottador is so gentle that it can hold an egg in its mouth without breaking it. This designer breed inherited this trait from its Labrador genes which were developed to be able to hold small prey or game without killing it.
Rottadors are known to be very playful dogs. They enjoy spending active quality time with their owners. Most Labrador Rottweiler mixes enjoy a good game of fetch. They also love to swim so they’re great companions for trips to the beach. Since they need a lot of mental stimulation, Rottadors can easily become bored or anxious when they don’t get enough play.
What Does the Labrador Rottweiler Mix Look Like?
In this section, you will read about the looks of the Labrador Rottweiler Mix. It will cover the Labrador Rottweiler’s size, appearance, and coat, nose, and eye colors. Since it is a designer breed, there are a number of ways that a Labrador Rottweiler Mix can look. Its appearance will depend on which of its parents’ genes it inherits.
Size
The Labrador Rottweiler Mix is a large dog. When fully grown, Rottadors stand at about 24 to 27 inches in height. They also weigh about 70 to 115 lbs as adults. There is a large variety in weight because it’s a designer breed. Some Rottadors are closer to Labrador Retrievers while others are closer to a Rottweiler in size.
Since it’s a large dog, the Rottador goes through rapid growth in size. At 8 weeks old, Rottador puppies should weigh about 13 lbs. After just 8 more weeks, at 4 months of age, the Rottador will triple its weight and be about 37 to 40 lbs.
The Labrador Rottweiler Mix normally reaches its full size when it turns 2 years old. At this point, it will be anywhere between 70 to 115 lbs. For it to grow healthily, your Rottador should be gaining about 10 to 13 lbs a month from 2 to 8 months old. From 9 months to 2 years, it should be gaining about 3 to 5 lbs a month.
Appearance
Labrador Rottweiler Mixes typically have the body type of a Rottweiler and the facial features of a Labrador Retriever. They have strong and wide chests and muscular hind legs. This breed usually has a short and smooth double coat that feathers around the tail.
Rottadors have wedge-shaped heads and floppy ears that sit on either side of its head. Their muzzles are medium in length and their noses are large and round. They have strong jaws that meat in a scissor-bite.
The Labrador Rottweiler Mix normally has a long and slightly curved tail. Some Rottador owners opt to crop the tail for aesthetic reasons. They also have long jowls that hang lower as it ages. They have strong necks that lead to a straight back. Their paws are large and built for strong and long-lasting strides.
Coat, Nose, and Eye Colors
The Labrador Rottweiler Mix can come in a variety of colors. They commonly feature the brown or chocolate coat of the Labrador Retriever, along with a brown nose and amber eyes. However, it can also have any of the coat colors that a Labrador Retriever and Rottweiler can have.
The common coat colors of the Labrador Rottweiler include:
- Black
- Black and Tan
- Brown/Chocolate
- Fawn
- Gray
Depending on its coat color, the Labrador Rottweiler Mix can have different eye colors. When it has a fawn, black, or black and tan coat, the Rottador will have a black nose and brown eyes. When it has a chocolate or gray coat, it will have either amber or hazel eyes and a brown nose.
Take Care of a Labrador Rottweiler Mix
Now it’s time to discuss how you can take care of your Rottador. These large dogs are relatively high-maintenance pets that require a good amount of attention and care. They have high activity requirements and also need regular grooming.
The most difficult and expensive part of taking care of the Rottador is feeding it. Since it is a large breed, the Rottador needs to eat a lot of food to maintain a healthy weight. As you read on, you’ll learn everything you need to know about taking care of a Labrador Rottweiler Mix.
Grooming
The grooming needs of your Labrador Rottweiler Mix will depend on which coat type it inherits from its parent breeds. Rottweilers don’t shed much while Labrador Retrievers shed heavily. Most Rottadors will fall somewhere in the middle and be moderate shedders.
It’s best to brush your Rottador every other day but some will do just fine with being brushed just once a week. This breed sheds more often during the spring and fall seasons to prepare for the summer and winter seasons. You can use a pin brush to groom your Rottador. If it has a shorter coat, you can use a nylon bristle brush. Brushing your Rottador regularly will get rid of dead fur, dander, and dirt from its coat.
Rottadors only need to be bathed about once a month or every two months. When bathing your Rottador, be sure to use a gentle pet-friendly shampoo to avoid any possible irritation or allergic reactions. Bathing your Rottador too often can make it difficult for your dog to produce the natural oils that keep its fur and skin healthy.
It’s also a good idea to clip your Rottador’s nails if it can’t wear out its nails on its own. If your Rottador gets ample outdoor exercise, you shouldn’t need to clip its nails. However, if it spends a lot of time indoors, it may need to get its nails trimmed to prevent overgrowth. You can trim your Rottador’s nails using heavy-duty pet nail clippers.
Feeding
A Rottador puppy will need about 0.5 lbs of high-quality dog food a day while an adult Rottador will need about 1 lbs of the same food every day. While your Rottador is still a puppy, you should be dividing its food into about 3 to 4 meals a day. Once it reaches adulthood, it can start having its food divided into 2 meals a day.
It’s important for you to space out your dog’s food into multiple meals because this will help prevent bloat and overeating. It will also lessen the chances of choking or bowel problems. Having multiple meals a day will also give your dog a steady and balanced amount of energy throughout the day.
Since its body build is closer to that of a Rottweiler, it’s best to feed your Rottador with dog food that’s formulated for Rottweilers. This will help provide your dog with the right amount of protein, fats, and carbohydrates every day.
Below is a table comparing different brands of dog food you can feed your Labrador Rottweiler Mix puppy:
| Puppy Food Brand | Quantity per bag | Bags per year | Unit price | Price per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Canin | 30 lbs | 6 | $83.69 | $502 |
| Blue Buffalo Wilderness | 24 lbs | 8 | $69.98 | $551 |
| Merrick | 20 lbs | 9 | $69.99 | $640 |
| Now Fresh | 25 lbs | 7 | $80.99 | $566 |
| Wellness Core | 24 lbs | 8 | $68.29 | $546 |
Below is a table comparing different brands of dog food you can feed your adult Labrador Rottweiler Mix:
| Adult Food Brand | Quantity per bag | Bags per year | Unit price | Price per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Canin | 30 lbs | 12 | $237.42 | $2,850 |
| Blue Buffalo Wilderness | 24 lbs | 15 | $71.99 | $1,080 |
| Merrick | 20 lbs | 18 | $69.99 | $1,260 |
| Now Fresh | 25 lbs | 15 | $80.99 | $1,215 |
| Wellness Core | 26 lbs | 15 | $56.98 | $855 |
Dental Care
To take care of your Labrador Rottweiler Mix’s teeth, you should brush your dog’s teeth once every other day. Labrador Rottweiler Mixes can easily develop dental problems if its teeth and gums go unchecked. You can brush your Rottador’s teeth using a pet-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste set.
It’s important that you start brushing your Labrador Rottweiler’s teeth while it’s young so it can get used to it as soon as possible. Most dogs are resistant to getting their teeth brushed because it can be an unpleasant experience for them at first. However, once your Rottador gets used to having its teeth brushed, you’ll be able to do it with ease.
If you find it too difficult to brush your Labrador Rottweiler Mix’s teeth, you can also use enzymatic toothpaste. Enzymatic toothpaste is a type of pet toothpaste that’s formulated to taste like a treat and break down the plaque and tartar buildup in your pooch’s teeth and gums. It’s much easier to give your dog this type of toothpaste rather than brushing its teeth because your dog will think that you’re simply giving it a treat.
Other than enzymatic toothpaste, you can also make use of water additives. A water additive is a solution that you can add to your dog’s water source once a day. It helps fight plaque buildup in your dog’s teeth and also keeps its breath smelling fresh every day.
Exercise
Since it is a large breed, the Rottador needs to have regular exercise to keep it healthy. A Labrador Rottweiler Mix normally needs about an hour of exercise a day. Exercise also helps your dog expend any extra energy that might make it bored or anxious.
You can make your Rottador exercise by taking it for long walks twice a day. It’s good to take your Labrador Rottweiler Mix for two 30-minute walks a day because this breed enjoys spending its time outdoors. When kept inside, it can be inactive which makes it easy for this dog to quickly gain weight over time.
Another good way to exercise your Labrador Rottweiler Mix is by playing with it. These dogs enjoy a good game of fetch and will gladly chase any ball or frisbee that you throw its way. If you live close to a body of water, you can also take your Rottador out for a swim to get its daily exercise.
Rottadors also enjoy going out for hikes. If you’re someone who likes to hike for exercise, then the Rottador will make a great companion for you. These dogs can take on any trail thanks to its strong paws and legs. You might even find that this dog will last longer than you on your regular hikes. Just be sure to bring a lot of water to keep you and your pet hydrated when you’re outside.
Common Health Issues in the Labrador Rottweiler Mix
Fortunately, the Labrador Rottweiler Mix doesn’t face too many health problems thanks to the breeders that developed it. However, it is still at risk of the common health problems that either a Rottweiler or Labrador Retriever can have.
First-generation Rottadors, or Rottadors that are born from a Labrador Retriever and Rottweiler are at higher risk compared to second-generation or third-generation Rottadors. This is because they haven’t yet been selectively bred to get rid of the genetic health issues that its parent breeds face.
To know what health issues your puppy can have, you should consult with its breeder regarding its parents’ medical history. Good breeders will always be transparent about the health of your puppy’s parents and what health issues you can expect your Rottador to have.
The common health issues that affect Labrador Rottweiler Mixes include:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Cataracts
Bloat
Bloating is a health issue that commonly occurs in dogs that are overfed or eat too quickly. This is common among Labrador Rottweiler mixes because they have large and deep chests. This health issue affects most Rottweilers, so in turn, it also affects most Rottadors.
The symptoms of bloat include difficulty breathing, enlarged stomach or belly, drooling, and gagging. These symptoms will normally appear after your Rottador has finished its meal. They will occur if your Rottador has eaten too quickly or has eaten too much food.
You might think that bloating isn’t a serious problem but it can be risky for dogs. It causes a great amount of pain and even lead to more serious digestive problems if left untreated. You can prevent your Labrador Rottweiler Mix from experiencing bloat by giving your dog its food in a slow-feeding bowl. A slow-feeding bowl will prevent your dog from eating their meals too quickly, which is the most common cause of bloating.
If and when your Rottador experiences bloat, you should take it to the vet immediately. Your vet will normally treat bloat by inserting a stomach tube through your dog’s mouth and throat or with the use of a large needle to release trapped gas in your dog’s stomach. However, if the bloat leads to a twisted stomach, your Rottador will need to undergo surgery.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a condition wherein your dog’s ball and socket joint, which is found in the hip, doesn’t fit exactly. This is most commonly caused by genes but can also be influenced by improper nutrition. If your Rottador’s parents carry genes of hip dysplasia, it is likely that your dog will develop this problem over time.
Symptoms of hip dysplasia include an unstable rear end, decreased activity, lower energy, decreased range of movement, a dropped back and limping. These symptoms can also be signs of an injury so it’s important to get your dog diagnosed to find out whether it’s hip dysplasia that’s causing these symptoms or a sprain or fracture.
Once you notice any of these symptoms, you must take your dog to the vet immediately. Hip dysplasia is normally diagnosed through a physical exam and an x-ray. The x-ray will reveal the state of your dog’s joints and help the veterinarian understand what treatment your dog will need. The earlier you detect hip dysplasia, the better chances your dog has for recovery.
If detected early, hip dysplasia can be treated with medication and physical therapy. These methods are better for your dog because they are more cost-efficient and less difficult. However, if detected late, hip dysplasia is treated with surgery. In this treatment method, your veterinarian will conduct a procedure that repairs your dog’s ball and socket joint to help it fit together correctly.
Cataracts
A cataract is clouding that builds up or develops in your dog’s retina. This health issue is common in Labrador Retrievers so your Rottador is at risk of inheriting this disease. It normally occurs when a dog reaches its senior years.
Cataracts can also be caused by injuries or occur as a symptom of diabetes in your dog. The symptoms of cataracts include swelling in the eye, frequent tearing, and clouding in the eyes. You can usually tell that a dog has cataracts if its pupils change from a brown color to a hazy blue one.
Unfortunately, the only treatment for cataracts in dogs is through surgery. The good news is that the surgery for correcting cataracts is highly effective and low-risk. Your veterinarian can restore your dog’s vision by removing the clouding in its retina.
Final Thoughts
The Labrador Rottweiler Mix is an attractive and lovable dog. It can be your beloved family pet and household protector at the same time. There is no other dog that can make you feel loved and safe like the Rottador does. Not only will it warn you of any impending danger, it will also show you and your family just how much it loves and cares about you. This beautiful dog has gained its popularity in the dog lover’s world with ease because of how much it has to offer to its companions.
Although they can be hard to take care of, Rottadors are always worth it. They’re intelligent, affectionate, and playful dogs. Not to mention, they’re adorable too! No matter what coat color or eye color your Rottador has, you’re sure to fall in love with this special dog.
Rottadors a prime example of the positives of creating designer breeds. Although purebred dogs are indeed special in their own way, it’s also important to think about the health benefits of developing designer breeds. Despite not being a purebred dog, the Rottador is still a wonderful pet that faces less health complications than its parent breeds. Ultimately, the goal of taking care of dogs should be to make sure that they can live long, healthy, and happy lives.
Hey there! I’m Matt and I’m a content writer from the Philippines. I’ve raised over 10 dogs and 5 cats. I love taking care of my rescue dog Kewpie and my two rescue cats, Misty and Rosy.