The Labrador mix with Rottweiler is a crossbreed between a purebred Labrador Retriever and a purebred Rottweiler that is becoming more popular among dog fans. Given the size of the parents, these hybrids are large, energetic, and protective, some of the best traits they inherit.
This cross between a Labrador and a Rottweiler adapts well to all types of living conditions. They are full of life and loyal companions that will join you in that workout making them ideal for active single individuals or families. Do you live an inactive lifestyle? Is it your first time owning a pooch? If yes, then this mix is not for you.
In our article today, we have dived into the Lab Rottweiler mix and gathered everything you need to know about them. We have looked into their appearance, personality, health concerns, life expectancy, training, nutritional needs, and more. By the time you are done reading, you will know whether this adorable hybrid is for you.
Table of Contents
What do you call a Rottweiler and Labrador mix?
This hybrid between a Rottweiler and a Lab is also known as Rottador, Labrottie, Rottwador, Labweiller, as well as Rott ‘n Lab. Because of their unfortunate status as designer dogs, they are not recognized by the AKC. However, it is registered by the ACHC, DBR, DDKC, DRA, and IDCR.
| Size | 24 to 27 inches tall |
| Weight | 70 to 110 lbs. |
| Lifespan | 10 to 15 years |
| Grooming Needs | Sheds quite vigorously |
| Temperament | Family-friendly, devoted, smart, energetic, active & protective |
| Coat & Colors | Short low-maintenance; Black, brown & grey |
| Suitable for: | Active individuals & families |
History of the Breed
No one knows when the Labrottie actually came to be, but it may have existed naturally for some time now. However, the intentional crossing of the Labrador Retriever and Rottweilers started in North America, most probably in the 1990s.
Breeders of the Rott ‘n Lab aimed at minimizing health problems found in both parents while creating an ideal family pooch and guard dog. The growth in popularity led to increased demand and these pooches are now famous.
Parents
The Labrador Retriever – Labrador Retrievers originated in Newfoundland, Canada. They were initially created as water dogs that helped fishermen recover fish from frozen waters or when they fell off the fishing hook. Labs were also used to haul nets with fish. These purebreds are available in 2 types, including the American Lab and English Lab. Labradors have been the top-ranked dog breed for the last 3 decades and even today.
Labs are rated the 7th most intelligent dog breed in dog IQ out of 138 distinct breeds that man knows. Owners of this dog breed boast saying they love the breed for its outgoing, calm, and kind nature. Labrador retrievers were registered by the AKC as a breed in 1917. You can use these secrets when training your Labrador Retriever.
These medium-to-large dog breeds are 21.5 to 24.5 inches in height at the shoulders and weigh 55 to 80 lbs. They are a healthy dog breed that lives 10 to 12 years. Common health issues in Labs include obesity, hip dysplasia, soft joints, epilepsy, bloat, allergies, tumors, and eye disease.
The Rottweiler – The FCI Standard identifies the Rottweiler as one of the oldest dog breeds with its roots dating back to the Roman era. Initially, these dogs were used by the Roman legions as driving dogs or herders in the Alps. Rotties, as they are also known, lead the contest in terms of dog IQ and they are rated the 9th most intelligent dog breed. Read on how to train Rottweilers here.
The first Rottweiler is believed to have arrived here in the US in the late 1920s with a German emigrant, but the first dog was registered by the AKC in 1931. Their popularity grew after WW2 and have since been man’s best friend. These medium-to-large or large dogs are 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh 77 to 110 lbs. People love them for being obedient, calm, brave, protective, confident, loyal, and good-natured. Check our review of dog food for rottweilers.
Rottweilers have a life expectancy of 8 to 10 years but are prone to health conditions such as hypothyroidism, von Willebrand’s disease, folliculitis, cancer, and gastroenteritis. PRA, cataracts, eyelid deformities, as well as eye & vision problems, are also common health issues in Rotties.
Appearance
It would be hard to tell what your Labrador Rottweiler mix will look like. What we know for sure is that most Rottadors will have a strong stature like that of the Rottweiler parent. On the other hand, they have a long muzzle, floppy ears, and head shape like that of their Lab parent.
In terms of size, you can expect your Rottwador to be a large-size doggie that is 24 to 27 inches tall weighing anywhere between 70 and 110 lbs. While your pooch might inherit the coat type from any parent, they tend to look more like their Rottweiler parent. Gray, black, chocolate, brown, and black & tan are the most common colors.
Both parents of the Rottador have short to medium-long coats which means your crossbreed will inherit that as well. If they take after the Lab parent more, they might have a waterproof coat. Although some Rottweiler Labrador mixes may possess medium-long wavy coats, most of them have an extremely dense short and straight coat.
Check out the image below of a chocolate lab mixed with rottweiler. It comes in a striking coat color that most hybrid dog lovers adore.
Temperament and Characteristics
Rotties and Labs have temperaments that differ slightly which makes it somewhat difficult to predict what your Rottador will be like when they mature. But you can be sure that they will enjoy your company and follow you around the house. While this affection is a good thing, it makes these hybrids susceptible to separation anxiety. Make sure you do not leave them alone for very long.
Rottadors are playful and will enjoy when you two play a game of fetch together which is a good thing as it helps you strengthen the bond. The mix is not aggressive but can be very protective of its family. But you should be careful as your Lab Rottie mix interacts with strangers.
Ease of Training
Rottadors are smart and receive commands fast which can make training them easy even for first-time dog owners. In addition, it has a disposition of wanting to please you so learning new tricks can be quick. Make sure that you stick to positive reinforcement during your training sessions. This will make the training interesting, but we would recommend that you seek help from a professional dog trainer.
It is good that you begin training and socializing your Labrador x Rottweiler puppies from a young age. This will help them get along with other pets and people. Remember that your mix can be a little stubborn depending on how much it takes after the Rottie parent.
Exercise
Your Labrador x Rottweiler mix will be athletic and highly energetic just like both parents. They are not the type of dogs that will sit still when there are a lot of fun activities to explore. Rottadors are the happiest when they play and move around, and their mood will tune low if they do not get adequate exercise. You know the drill when this happens, right?
Just like their Labrador parent, a Labrottie gets mouthy when bored which means that they can chew every chewable thing in your house. To counter boredom when you are away from home, buy the sturdy toys that they can interact with for mental stimulation. Makes sure they have a long walk for at least 1 hour each day.
Nutritional Requirements
A Rottador’s ideal nutrition should be high protein, the one made for large dog breeds with high energy. They need at least 1,700 calories a day. The food should be well-balanced and formulated with high-quality ingredients. These hybrids tend to gain weight so do not overfeed them. If you are unsure about the amount of protein to give your Rottweiler Lab mix, consult your vet.
In addition, do not allow your Labweiller to free-feed since they are susceptible to bloat which is a high health risk. And while the mix like treats during training sessions for work well done, limit how many treats you throw at them.
Health Issues
Rottadors are generally healthy but predisposed to health problems that their Rottweiler and Labrador Retriever parents face. Some common health issues in this mix include gastric torsion and canine hip dysplasia. Bloat and obesity are also a health risk to consider.
You should also look out for conditions such as the cold tail, myopathy, hypothyroidism, OCD, and acute moist dermatitis.
Life Expectancy
A Rottador has a lifespan of between 10 and 12 years on average but they could live longer if you feed them a healthy diet, care for them, and maintain vet schedules.
How to care for them
Caring for a Labrador and Rottweiler mix begins with going for regular vet checkups as advised by your vet. As mentioned in the dietary needs section, do not leave food outside for them to feed freely or overfeed them. It is the first step to having a healthy Rottador.
Good grooming is vital to your Labweiller, and it begins with checking their droopy ears for pests and debris. Clean the ears as per your vet’s instructions and clip their nails at least once or twice a month. If you are hesitant about how to trim your dog’s nails, a pro groomer will help out.
A Labrador mixed with Rottweiler’s short hair is fairly easy to take care of with a weekly brushing. While they are moderate shedders, this increases in summer since the cross has a double coat. During the shedding season, groom your Labweiller often. Buy a powerful vacuum too. Bathing should be done once a month and their teeth brushed twice or thrice a week for optimal oral health.
Cost
If you are looking for a Labrador Rottweiler mix puppies for sale, expect to spend between $450 and $1000 on average. The price depends on the breeder’s reputation and location, and if the two parents of the Rottador are purebreds.
Where to Adopt
If you consider adoption, check with the workers in your local shelter or try looking at the parent breed’s rescue centers. You have a chance to get a healthier pooch especially if you do not know any reputable breeder.
FAQs
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