The hybrid breed of a Rottweiler and a Labrador is commonly known as “Rottador”, “Rott ’n Lab”, or simply “Rottweiler Lab Mix”.
As a combination of two of the most popular dog breeds, a lot of people are considering getting one. But is it a good breed for you?
Rottweiler Labs are muscular, energetic, and stubborn, but incredibly loyal and loving. If you want to find out more about the breed and its characteristics, this guide will have you covered with everything you need to know!
History and Where the Rottweiler Lab Mix Comes from
Rottweiler Labs inherit a lot of physical and mental characteristics from both their parents. For that reason, learning about the parent’s history and where they come from can give you an excellent background of the mix:
Rottweiler History
The Rottweiler is one of the oldest-surviving dog breeds today. Some historians even date the dog back to ancient Roman times.
Many believe that the working dog breed is a descendant of a cattle-herding dog that was left by the Romans near Rottweil, Germany, hence the name of the breed.
The dog is often known in Germany as “Rottweil Butchers’ Dogs” because they were commonly used to herd livestock and pull butchered meat carts to nearby markets.
Rottweilers are known for their firm and strong bodies and characteristic dark hair coat with light brown (mahogany) near their feet and mouth.
Despite being fearless and confident, rottweilers are steady with obedient and good-natured personalities.
The average Rottweiler ranges in height from 22 to 27 inches and weighs around 80 to 120 lbs. (the extra weight is due to their large heads)
Labrador History
The Labrador retriever is easily the most popular dog breed on the planet! Although you might think that the dog breed originated in Labrador, they actually come from Newfoundland, Canada in the late 16th to 17th century.
Labradors are the combination of breeding St. John water dogs with British hunting dogs. This cross-breeding resulted in a loving, affectionate, and highly energetic dog breed that is extremely easy to care for.
The labrador was originally meant for hunting but it quickly established itself as the perfect family dog with its friendly and outgoing nature.
Although most Labs share similar temperaments and characteristics, there’s a huge range of variety between individual dogs.
The dogs come in cream, brown, and black, and they’re usually around 22.5 inches tall, and weigh around 60 lbs.
Rottweiler Lab Mix History
The Labrador Rottweiler Lab is a relatively new dog breed that has only been around since the early 20th century in the United States.
Breeders tried to cross the two dog species to eliminate the common health issues of the two parent breeds.
Additionally, Rottweiler Labs were meant to be the perfect combination of a courageous watchdog (from Rottweilers) with loving and family-friendly features (from Labradors).
Today, the designer breed has earned recognition from various designer dog societies and registries.
This includes the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHD) and the Designer Breed Registry (DBR). However, as a designer breed, they’re not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Rottweiler Lab Mix Quick Facts
Besides the previously mentioned names, some people also call this combination “Labrottie” and Rottwador.
Rottweiler Lab mixes have a relatively short coat of hair and they’re somewhat hypoallergenic, which is another reason why the cross-breed is popular.
The hybrid breed is also relatively large compared to other mixes, so they require a lot of space to live comfortably. This means that they’re not meant for apartment and condo living, as it’ll stress them out.
Rottweiler Lab Mix Size and Weight
The size of a Rottweiler Lab Mix can vary dramatically from one dog to another. However, you should expect them to be relatively large with a sturdy body.
The average Rottweiler Lab should weigh anywhere between 70 to 115 lbs, although some rare cases can weigh even more.
The hybrid breed is usually quite tall, with an average height of around 22 to 25 inches. Males are usually slightly larger and heavier than females, but not by a huge margin.
Rottadors should reach their maximum height by the age of 18 months. However, their bone density and weight keep increasing until they’re around 2 years old.
Rottweiler Lab Mix Appearance
The appearance of the Rottweiler Lab mix is unpredictable, even by expert breeders. This is because each dog has its own genetic makeup, which can be closer to one parent than the other or a perfect mix of the two.
In many cases, however, the dog will have the build of a Rottweiler. This includes muscular loins and hind legs along with a wide chest.
However, the dog will also have some facial features of a Lab, such as floppy ears, medium-sized muzzles, wedge-shaped heads, and large round noses.
Rottweiler Labs usually have amber eyes and long, thick tails with a slight curve, but some owners may crop it like Rottweilers.
Rottadors’ fur coats come in all available colors for both parents. However, they tend to take the black and chocolate brown coloration patterns of the Rottweiler.
Rottweiler Lab Mix Behavior and Temperament
Rottweiler Lab Mixes’ temperament is fairly hard to predict, as they vary from one dog to another and the environment where they grew up.
However, it’s quite common for a Rottweiler Lab to have a highly energetic and fun-loving nature with noticeable devotion to its owners. Let’s have a closer look at the dog’s expected behaviors:
Is the Rottweiler Lab Mix Intelligent?
Both the Rottweiler and Labrador are known for their intelligence. For that reason, the hybrid breed of the two dogs is also brainy and clever.
You should expect your Rottweiler Lab puppy to learn tricks and complete obedience training as fast as an average Rottweiler or a Labrador.
However, without proper training, the dog can develop bad habits and become quite stubborn, so it’s important that you start training from an early age.
Is the Rottweiler Lab Aggressive?
The hybrid dog’s aggression level is highly dependent on where it got its temperament from. If the dog inherits the traits of a Labrador and is raised to be friendly, the dog will become somewhat loving and gentle.
On the other hand, a Labrottie with Rottweiler traits will be somewhat aloof and distrustful, especially if you raise it to be a guard dog. In that case, it can become quite aggressive towards strangers.
Does the Rottweiler Lab Make a Good Family Dog?
Rottweiler Labrador Mixes are very adaptable. In other words, if you socialize your puppy from a young age and train them to be friendly, they can play nice around strangers and family members.
However, in the best cases, the Rottweiler genes still remain dormant, so the dog can stay distrustful of strangers and other pets.
In other words, they may not be the best dog for families with children, but they can behave normally with proper training and socializing.
What Are the Unwanted Behaviors of the Rottweiler Lab Mix?
Besides their rare tendencies to become aggressive, Rottadors can have a few issues that you should know about.
For example, Rottweiler Labs thrive on attention and would express their unhappiness when you don’t show them that. This includes destructive behavior, such as chewing and digging.
They’re not always vocal, but they can bark loud when they’re not satisfied or bored. This also develops separation anxiety quickly when they’re left alone for some time.
Rottweiler Lab Mix Price and Expenses
Both Rottweilers and Labradors are not particularly rare. For that reason, getting a Rottweiler Labrador Mix shouldn’t be difficult.
If you’re buying the puppy from a reputable breeder, it may end up costing you around $600 to $1000. On the other hand, adopting a Rottador from a shelter should cost you an adoption fee of $300.
Some factors like the breeder’s reputation, quality of parents, and location may impact the price but not by much, as the dog doesn’t have exotic or rare features.
Rottweiler Lab Mix Annual Expenses
Ideally, a Rottweiler Lab Mix is a medium-maintenance dog. It also doesn’t have a long hair coat and doesn’t shed heavily, so you won’t have to groom them as often.
All the necessary checkups and vaccinations needed for a new puppy should cost you around $450 to $500.
These dogs get bored easily, so you’ll need to buy them various toys and treats in addition to a large, comfortable bedding for around $80 to $120.
As the dog grows up, it should cost you around $300 to $400 in annual expenses, excluding emergencies and vet checkups.
Rottweiler Lab Mix Lifespan
The Rottweiler Labrador Mix is a relatively healthy dog. However, the genetic and health conditions of the parents play a huge role in estimating how long your dog should live.
For instance, Rottadors typically live anywhere between 8 to 12 years, with most dogs exceeding the 10-year mark comfortably. With proper care, some dogs may live up to 14 or 15 years.
Rottweiler Lab Mix Common Health Issues
Although the Rottweiler Lab Mix was bred to overcome some health problems associated with Labradors and Rottweilers Hypothyroidism.
However, the hybrid breed still has some common health issues that it may inherit from its parents.
These include Cataracts, Bloating, Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Aortic Stenosis, and Osteoarthritis, which are common among both parent species too.
Rottweiler Lab Mix Care Tips
Now that you know more about the dog’s characteristics, you might be curious whether it’s easy to take care of. Here are some essential care tips for your Rottweiler Lab Mix:
How Much Exercise Does Rottweiler Lab Mix Need?
The Rottweiler and the Labrador are working dogs with very active and enthusiastic personalities. For that reason, it’s no surprise that their offspring will also be highly energetic.
Taking your Rottweiler Lab Mix on a daily walk is necessary for their mental and physical well-being.
A trip of around 30 to 45 minutes is good enough but longer trips would also be perfect!
To mix things up, you can also incorporate active games like Catch or Tug of War.
How Much Does Rottweiler Lab Mix Shed?
One of the best things about Rottweiler Lab Mixes is that they moderate shedders. In other words, you don’t need to groom them on a daily basis like other long-haired breeds.
The dog typically sheds at a higher rate during summer. Yet, you can get away with brushing your dog once every 5 to 7 days.
How Often Do You Need to Groom a Rottweiler Lab Mix?
The answer depends on the length of the dog’s coat. For medium-haired Rottadors, you may need to take them to the groomer once every 2 to 3 weeks.
While brushing your dog, remember to use a brush with firm bristles to redistribute skin oils evenly and remove loose hairs from their coat.
You’ll also need to give your dog a bath once every month or two and clip its nails every 3 to 4 weeks.
Rottweiler Lab Mix Training
Like their parents, Rottweiler Lab Mixes are fairly intelligent and eager to learn, although the level of eagerness varies from one dog to another.
In general, these dogs respond quickly to training, which is why you need to start at a young age. This way, the dog will be on their best behavior growing up.
Socializing and exercising are also very important so that the Rottadors don’t develop bad habits or unnecessary aggression.
Rottweiler Lab Mix Diet
Rottweiler Lab Mixes require a consistent diet to stay healthy. The ideal diet should consist of 40% protein, 20% fats, 35%, and 5% healthy treats.
The fat and carb contents are slightly low because Rottadors can gain a lot of weight in a short time supplementing their macronutrients with minerals and vitamins is also essential for their health.
A puppy should eat around 1/2 lb of food per day over 3 to 4 meals while an adult needs around 1 lb per day over 2 large meals.