The Rottweiler Pitbull mix is, as the name suggests, a hybrid dog created by breeding a Rottweiler and a Pitbull. There are many interesting facts that can be said about the Pitweiler or Rottie Pit, for example, that they are great with kids and make amazing family pets. But, there is also one question that numerous people ask: Is it illegal to breed a Pitbull and a Rottweiler?
The answer might disappoint one or the other Pitweiler fan, and that is that ing of a Pitbull and a Rottweiler is actually illegal in many countries! This means that owning one and breeding a Rottie Pit, as well as its parent breeds, is illegal!
Despite having great traits, the history of the Rottweiler and the American Pit Bull Terrier, causes people to be afraid of these magnificent dogs.
Why is the Pitbull Rottweiler mix illegal?
The Rottweiler Pitbull Mix or also known as Pitweiler, is a strong, intimidating dog. Thanks to their large size and strong build, Pitweiler makes extraordinary guards- and watchdogs. But, their strong bodies are not all that is to them. Behind the muscly build hides a soft core, which is why the Rottweiler Pitbull Mix also makes a great family dog! We can also add that many Rottweiler mixes and Pitbull mixes make outstanding family pets.
Source: Pixabay
When it comes to the history of the Rottweiler Pit Bull Mix, we don’t have much insight into when they were first bred and why. But given the protective nature of both breeds, we can figure out that some breeders wanted to create the ultimate watchdog or fighting dog.
However, why are they illegal or banned? There are compelling reasons to support this decision, despite the fact that it may seem to be the incorrect choice to prohibit the ownership of these canines.
Owner‘s negligence
There are certain locations in which it is forbidden to own a Rottweiler-Pitbull mix because the local authorities are concerned about the level of hostility that these dogs are capable of displaying if they are not properly trained. Simply put, due to the belief that they pose a significant threat to society.
Besides that obvious reason, there is another one. Authorities are also worried that people will buy these potentially dangerous mixed-breed dogs without being ready to train them properly. They might get a Rottweiler Pitbull Mix without being aware of how much care and time needs to be invested into the dogs.
It is true that the Pitweiler has the potential to be a companion that is loving, caring, and devoted. On the other hand, if their owners do not provide the necessary care for them, they run the risk of becoming hostile, rebellious, and a threat to the safety of everyone in the vicinity.
Lack of training
The physical characteristics of these powerful dogs make it imperative that they get the proper training. They have to be aware of who the leader is in order for them to pay attention and comply. You run the risk of your dog becoming very dangerous and difficult to control if he or she does not get proper training.
When we talk about appropriate training, what we mean is training that is done carefully and includes positive reinforcement.
Rottweiler Pitbull mix exercise requirements
Lack of exercise can make any average dog aggressive as well, not only a Rottweiler or Pitbull. This is why it is important for all canines, but especially for such a strong dog, to have its exercise needs met. Dogs that don‘t get enough exercise on a daily basis usually turn out to be very aggressive dogs.
Questionable breeding
Besides the fear of Pitweilers and their personality, there is another reason why these dogs are illegal in some states and countries – questionable breeding. Just one search online and you will find a number of breeders offering Pitweilers. But, the reality is that most of them bred those puppies without any concern for their wellbeing. Basically, you are buying puppies from puppy mills and backyard breeders.
Puppies that were produced and reared in puppy mills, as well as puppies that were raised in an environment that was not suitable for them in general, often turn up to be highly violent and unwilling to let go of the fear and trauma that was generated by their upbringing. These pups were never exposed to humans or given the opportunity for socialization, thus they never learned to trust people.
In addition to this, the characteristics of the dog’s parents may be passed on to the offspring as well. Therefore, if the breeder has a history of breeding unsocialized and untrained Rottweilers and Pitbulls, there is a good risk that your puppy will be the same way.
So in short, unethical breeding in addition to the potential aggressiveness of the Pitweiler, is another reason why this designer dog is illegal.
Pitbulls are among the most feared dog breeds
The American Pitbull Terrier is not only one of the most feared dog breeds in the US, but they are also not accepted as a purebred breed by the American Kennel Club. What is interesting is that they are recognized as a purebred breed by the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom.
According to Banpitbulls.org more than 937 cities in the US have legislation in place that ban Pitbulls. Beinghuman.org reports that about 40 states in the US either banned or restricted Pit Bulls. The prohibition is due to the Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL) in such States. It limits or prohibits some breeds of dogs. And it classifies them as vicious or dangerous truly shows how unwelcomed Pitbulls actually are, doesn‘t it?
Now, since Pitbulls are outlawed in such a large number of places, it is inherently unlawful to breed them, even if you mix them with another breed that is permitted.
Health issues
The large number of health issues these dogs bring with them is not an official reason for banning them, but it is worth mentioning. The Rottweiler Pitbull mix has a number of health problems they inherited from their parent breeds. Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, aortic stenosis, and cataracts just to name a few.
Law questions answered
Are breed bans constitutional?
Laws banning specific breeds are constitutional according to Federal and State courts. One issue that often arises is over the ambiguity of such laws and whether it is acceptable for police to enforce those laws.
Pitbulls and Rottweilers are so strongly affected by those laws and strictly targeted because they are thought to be more dangerous than other dogs. This is due to the fact that they have strong jaws and a natural tendency to hold on to their victims.
Is a pet owner liable for injuries caused by their pets?
Yes, a pet owner is liable for injuries caused by their pets. According to Legalmatch.com this is because pets are the personal property of the owner:
“This means that their owners can be personally liable for any injuries they inflict on others or anyone’s property.“
In addition to that, the liability of a pet owner, particularly a dog owner, is established by statute.
Legalmatch.com also states that states such as California, Florida, and Massachusetts expose any dog owner to liability for the dog’s conduct.
These are known as strict liability states, where the dog owner is strictly liable for their dog’s conduct. There are exceptions when you aren’t liable for your dog’s conduct.
How can pet owners protect themselves?
First and foremost get homeowner‘s or renter‘s insurance, and check that dog bites on your property are covered in the insurance. Be aware that some insurance companies sadly don’t cover animals or certain dog breeds, like Pit Bulls, because they are seen as more dangerous and aggressive.
The second tip we have for you is to be educated on your state‘s laws, especially state, county, and city ordinances regarding dog ownership.
What can pet owners do to avoid lawsuits?
The best way to protect yourself is to take all appropriate steps to defend against such attacks. Some of the steps you can take are:
- Muzzle your dog when you take it out in public.
- Neuter or spay your dog.
- Don’t bring your dog to places where you know babies or young children will be.
- Don’t put your dog in situations it hasn’t been in before, like taking it for a walk down a street it hasn’t been down before or having a guest over that your dog has never met.
- If your dog ever attacks someone, you should always carry a “big stick” to unlock its jaw.
- Do not take your dog for a walk unless you are sure you can handle it;
- Do not let young people, even teenagers, walk strong dogs.
- Follow any rules and regulations that your city may have about your dog.
Is it illegal to breed a Pitbull and a Rottweiler? – Answers in short
Are Pitbulls illegal in America?
Yes, Pitbulls are illegal in about 40 states in the United States of America.
What types of Pitbulls are illegal?
There are multiple types of Pitbulls: American Pitbull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and American Bully, and all of them are illegal in about 40 states in the United States of America.
Are Rottweilers banned in America?
No, the Rottweiler dog is not banned nor illegal in the United States. But, some city laws are specific to Rottweilers, and not all housing communities allow residents to own these dogs.
Source: Unsplash
What states do not allow Rottweilers?
As mentioned, no state has fully banned Rottweilers. Many states, however, do have strict rules for owners of specific breeds, including Rottweilers. Some rules are making the dog wear a muzzle in public, requiring it to be spayed or neutered, keeping it in a certain kennel, putting it on a leash, wearing certain tags, and putting it on a leash up warning signs, or buying liability insurance.
States that pose restrictions on these dogs and where it is illegal to breed a Pitbull and a Rottweiler:
- Washington
- Oregon
- Idaho
- Montana
- North Dakota
- Wyoming
- Nebraska
- Kansas
- Iowa
- Missouri
- Arkansas
- New Mexico
- Louisiana
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- Indiana
- Ohio
- West Virginia
- Kentucky
- Tennessee
- Mississippi
- Alabama
- Georgia
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Maryland
- Delaware
- Vermont
Do Rottweilers like Pit Bulls?
There is no reason for Rottweilers not to like Pitbulls, or for Pitbulls not to like Rottweilers. If these two breeds show aggression towards each other it is usually caused by a lack of training and socialization from the owners‘ side.
Which dog breed would win in a fight?
It is not only illegal to breed a Pitbull and Rottweiler. Dog fights are also illegal in numerous countries all over the world and according to The Humane Society of the US dogfighting is a felony offense in all 50 states and it is a felony offense under federal law as well. Besides that, it is also a felony to knowingly bring a minor to an animal fight. So, asking questions like the above mentioned doesn‘t make much sense.
What dog has a stronger bite? What dog has the strongest bite?
The dog with the world‘s strongest bite aren‘t the Pit Bull nor Rottweiler dog. It is actually the Kangal Shepherd. It is a Turkish breed of dog that is known for its impressive strength and a bite force of 743 PSI!
The Rottweiler has a bit force of 328 PSI, while American Pitbull Terrier has a bite force of 240-330 PSI.
Can my dog fly with me?
There are numerous airlines that allow passengers to bring their dogs on board; however, many of these airlines do not allow certain dog breeds, such as Pit Bulls and Rottweilers. As an example, Continental Airlines does not allow passengers to bring Pit Bulls on board, whilst American Airlines does not allow passengers to bring Dobermans, Rottweilers, Bull Terriers, and other types of dogs.
Conclusion – Is it illegal to breed a Pitbull and a Rottweiler
To answer the question of whether it is illegal to breed a Pitbull and a Rottweiler. The answer is it is against the law in around forty states in the United States to breed or possess a Pitbull Rottweiler mix. This is due to the fact that both of the breeds that are used in the breeding process to create the Pitweiler are regarded as being hostile and dangerous.
Some locations prohibit Rottweiler Pitbull mixes because they may be violent if not trained. Because they’re socially harmful.
There’s also another explanation. Authorities fear individuals would acquire hazardous mixed-breed dogs without properly training them. They may buy a Rottweiler Pitbull Mix without realizing how much care they require.