The Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix just like the name suggests is a mix between the Golden Retriever and Rottweiler. This mix is also called Golden Rottie and they are amazing dogs for many reasons! They have some of the best traits you can wish for in a dog and look adorable too! This is a unique breed you don’t see often, but they are definitely worth noting.
We will try and tell you as much as possible about this crossbreed, but as you know there is no standard with mixed breeds. So, we can give you only a vague picture as to how your Golden Rottie puppy could look or what their temperament will be like. All of their traits can vary even within the same litter! So, if you want to get this mix, stay open-minded.
What is sure is that you will get a loyal dog that is eager to please and will love you endlessly. Now, let’s learn more about the Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix.
Rottweiler Golden Retriever Mix – What to know
The Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix is a new crossbreed, so there isn’t much info on how they came to life. But, it’s safe to say that breeders wanted to create a dog that combines all the best traits of both breeds. The result? Well, an exceptional dog that is loyal, kind, loving, and protective at the same time.
Of course, we’ll take a closer look at how this crossbreed looks like, what they’re like, and so on. But, before we do that you can take a look at this chart with some of their traits.
| Weight: | 65-95 pounds |
| Height: | 24-28 inches |
| Temperament: | loyal, protective, goofball, intelligent, loving |
| Suited for: | Active families |
| Good with children: | Yes |
| Exercise: | 30 – 45 mins |
It’s also important to mention that, even though both parent breeds are accepted by the American Kennel Club, the Golden Rottie isn’t. Obviously, this is a mixed breed or crossbreed, and the AKC simply doesn’t recognize them.
Let’s first revisit the parent breeds before we talk about their crossbreed.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are enormous canines, both males and females are large, but females are a bit smaller. Male Rottweilers are usually between 24 and 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 95 to 130 pounds. Female Rottweilers are typically between 22 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 85 and 115 pounds.
The purebred Rottweiler has a huge head and is a blocky dog. The ears of Rottweilers are close to the head and droop down somewhat. Rottweilers’ muzzles are square and robust, yet they can be a little drooly due to loose flies (lips). Rottweilers should always be black with tan tips, with a coat that is short, dense, and a little harsh. A “fluffy” puppy will occasionally appear in a litter, but that coat is disqualified in the breed ring. Their tails are docked at a fairly short length, ideally one to two vertebrae.
Never bashful, the ideal Rottweiler is calm, confident, and courageous. He has a self-assured aloofness and does not make friends easily or indiscriminately. Instead, when it comes to new individuals or situations, he takes a wait-and-see approach. He’s affectionate with his family, constantly following them around the house. This is not a hyperactive dog. He has a natural urge to protect his family and property. The Rottweiler is intelligent, flexible, and has a strong work ethic.
Rottweilers demand constant, rigorous, but not brutal discipline. A strong scolding is frequently sufficient, but only if you’ve firmly established your leadership. Otherwise, he may try to bully or bluff you. This is not a dog for individuals who lack self-confidence or do not have the time to commit to training and monitoring. Setting limits and teaching consequences for incorrect conduct need time and effort to earn Rottweiler’s respect.
Golden Retriever
Male Golden Retrievers stand between 23 and 24 inches tall and weigh between 65 and 75 pounds. Females stand 21.5 to 22.5 inches tall and weigh 55 to 65 pounds on average. Golden Retrievers achieve their full height and mature weight at one year and two years of age.
The Golden Retriever has a water-repellent coat that is wavy or flat in texture and ranges in hue from gold to cream. The feathering on the neck, legs, thighs, bottom, and tail is one of the breed’s most appealing traits.
Golden Retrievers were developed in Scotland in the mid-nineteenth century as hunting dogs for retrieving ducks. They have a skill that hunters adore: they can collect game birds without harming them because to their “soft mouth.”
Goldens are one of the nicest and most loving dog breeds, and they are quickly becoming one of the most popular family pets. They are the third most popular dog breed in the United States, and they are ranked fourth in the world-renowned book “The Intelligence of Dogs.”
Golden retrievers were bred to be working dogs, so they have a lot of energy and require a lot of action. They are best suited to owners who lead an active lifestyle and thrive in a home where someone is available to spend time with them during the day. They don’t do well when left alone at home since they are too attached to their humans.
Due to their loyal nature, ability to be trained, and consistent mood and behavior, the Golden has been used for decades as a reliable service dog, hunting companion, pet actors on TV and in movies (Air Bud, The Parent Trap, Full House, Homeward Bound, etc.), emotional support animals, circus performers, and much more.
The problem with crossbreeds
The concept of hybrid breeds (hybrid dogs) or designer dogs sounds good in theory. Experts are combining two breeds, and the resulting breed will have the best characteristics of the parent breeds.
In reality that’s not at all how it works. We can’t be sure that the hybrid will have only the best characteristics of both parents. Of course, there are some things scientists can control.
Uncertain results of designer dogs
Let’s take the Labradoodle as an example. Labradoodles are a mix between the Poodle and the Labrador. The idea was to get a dog that is low-shedding like the Poodle. But also a dog that has all the amazing characteristics of the Labrador, such as their temperament and personality.
Firstly, the issue with this is that poodles come in three different sizes. So that’s the first characteristic you can’t control. You will not know how large the dog will be.
Secondly, you can’t know if your Labradoodle puppy will be more like one parent or the other. They might have more traits of the Poodle than the Labrador, and vice versa.
And lastly, a designer dog breed does not have the breed standard an already formed breed has. We want to stress one more time. Hybrid breed puppies can differ a lot based on the dominance of their parent breeds.
We are not saying that at some point all of these won’t be predictable. Breeders are working on perfecting the hybrid breeds. But in the end, it will likely take several years and decades until that happens.
Appearance of the Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix
Obviously, because this is a mixed breed there is no set standard to how the Golden Rottie will look like. But generally speaking, the mix will have the Golden Retriever parent breed’s body type. So they won’t be so muscular like their Rottweiler parent breed.
Their fur will usually be medium to long with a softer texture and very dense. When it comes to the coat color, mostly the will have the Rottweiler’s colors, so black fur with tan coloring. Other possible colors are brindle and red. This mix had Golden genes in them, so obviously they will shed. Especially when seasons are changing.
The Golden Retriever Rottweiler mix should be brushed at least three times a week, even though every day would be perfect. Their ears are loose and folded and their eyes can be brown or amber.
We’ve already mentioned in our table that this is a medium-sized dog, so both females and males are between 24 and 28 inches tall, and weigh between 65 and 95 pounds.
But, there are so many possible heights and weights or the Golden Retriever Rottweiler mix, So, the best way to predict how big your puppy will get is to learn as much as possible about the size and weight of each parent dog.
Personality and temperament
The Golden Retriever Rottweiler Mix is a sweet, but protective dog. Generally speaking, they have more positive traits than negative. For example, they are loving, loyal, intelligent, energetic, and friendly. They are also great with children and other pets.
But, because of the Rottweiler in them, they can be a bit stand-offish with strangers. This is why it’s important to train them and socialize them while they are still puppies. By training your dog and socializing them you can make sure they grow into well-rounded and well-behaved dogs.
Of course, they can inherit some negative traits from their parent breeds too. For example, aggression, mouthing, chewing, barking, and even overprotectiveness.
Because they have so much energy they also need a lot of exercises too. They need at least one to two hours of exercise every day! And that doesn’t only mean physical exercise, but mental stimulation too.
This crossbreed needs to go out and play, otherwise, they will become destructive and chew on your shoes or furniture. A great way to combine mental and physical stimulation is through training or games like fetch or Frisbee.
Are they good family dogs?
This Golden Rottie has the potential to be a wonderful family dog. They are an incredibly active breed that will flourish in a busy household where they can accompany the entire family while you exercise. This breed is great with kids and makes a great playmate, since they enjoy playing games and interacting with people. When small children play with any larger dog breed be cautious since these dogs might become a bit rowdy.
This friendly dog fits well into many different types of homes due to their friendly and affectionate attitude. They don’t enjoy being left alone and would prefer it if you were there all of the time to pay attention to them! This can be remedied by socializing, but you must provide them with toys to keep them mentally active while you are away from home. This will help in the reduction of boredom and destructive behaviors.
Rottweiler Golden mixes are large, energetic animals who require plenty of room to run around. These dogs do not perform well in apartments and would benefit from a spacious yard. They may begin to demonstrate destructive activities if they do not have enough space. It’s also worth noting that human families must be able to provide daily exercise time to this dog. Otherwise, they’ll build up a lot of energy and become quite frustrated!
Caring for a Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix
It’s pretty easy to care for a Golden Rottie. He is an athletic and active dog who needs daily exercise. However, a few long walks or backyard workout session should be fine. He’ll happily nap for the rest of the day on the couch with you. Long walks, energetic play sessions, and interesting games such as puzzles can all assist them in getting the exercise (and mental stimulation) they need.
Before you bring a Golden Rottie puppy home, keep in mind that these dogs grow pretty large. And that means they’ll require a lot of food —expenses that might quickly mount.
Along with ensuring that you have the time to train and socialize these puppies, you need also ensure that your space can manage their size. You will have to make sure you have the money to feed them high quality food that will keep them healthy.
Because they are a bigger dog breed with high activity levels, an apartment is not the best place for them. They thrive in a house with a backyard and a high, solid fence that provides them with lots of room to run about securely.
While these dogs are not for beginners, the appropriate owners will be blessed with a devoted family member that will protect their home and family at all costs.
To ensure that he lives a long and healthy life, the Golden Rottie will require frequent exercise, high-quality food suited to his age and size, and preventative maintenance visits to your veterinarian.
But keep in mind that owning and caring for a Golden Rottie won’t be cheap, so make sure you have the means to care for this amazing canine.
Training
The parent breeds of the Golden Rottie are both intelligent, and when you combine the Golden’s eager-to-please disposition with the Rottie’s ability to remember orders without the need for constant repetition, teaching this dog is a breeze. Because he is a larger dog, it is critical that you teach him the basic commands – sit, come, down, stay, and drop – while he is still young, as they can become nuisance habits in an adult dog.
Many people now believe that a dog like a Rottie requires dominance training, in which the owner is established as the pack leader rather than the dog. This form of teaching should never be confrontational, and it can be accomplished by creating rules and boundaries and then consistently reinforcing them. Many dominant breed dogs just require a job to feel like they are contributing to the pack — this can be as simple as having him carry his ball, a stick, or a rucksack on your walk or trek. And, because this dog has the Golden Retriever’s need to please his people, be sure to lavish him with vocal praise and rewards whenever he performs admirably.
Grooming
Both Goldens and Rottweilers shed seasonally and require little upkeep. You should be aware, however, that the Golden Rottie will shed hair on your clothing and furniture. Shedding can be reduced by brushing their hair regularly.
Brushing him at least three times a week is recommended, especially for long-haired dogs. This will aid in the removal of any loose dirt, hair, or tangles that may be present on his coat. You just need to bathe him every few months or if he gets too dirty because Golden Rotties don’t have a horrible doggy odor.
Apart from bathing and combing, it’s important to clean his ears on a regular basis and fully dry them after swimming or bathing. The ears of Golden Rotties are folded over, allowing excess moisture to be retained easily. This is prone to causing irritations and infections. You can avoid these problems by carefully drying his ears.
Because their nails grow quickly, you’ll need to clip them every two to four weeks or whenever you hear them tapping on the floor. You should also examine your dog’s ears once a week to prevent wax or other debris from building up, which can lead to ear infections.
To prevent plaque and tartar buildup, veterinarians recommend brushing your dog’s teeth anywhere from three times a week to everyday. Periodontal disease can result in tooth loss as well as more significant complications such as heart disease. In addition to brushing your dog’s teeth at home, take him to the vet for expert dental cleanings once a year.
Exercise
While your Golden Rottie is an excellent indoor companion, he cannot be kept inside all day and expect a quick romp in the yard to suffice.
To keep himself mentally stimulated, this large boy requires a nice long walk, run, or jog of at least 1 to 2 hours per day, as well as some agility training like catching a ball or frisbee.
If you don’t provide him with a physical release, he will get restless and bored, and will engage in destructive activities such as barking, chewing, and urinating/defecating in your home.
Off-leash dog parks are another fantastic place for him to mingle and play with other dogs while also burning off some of his limitless energy.
If you and your dog have a competitive side, dog sports could be a fun way for you and your pup to bond. Consider activities like agility, rally, dock diving (which appeals to their natural affinity for water) or lure coursing, in which they race around a track pursuing a mechanical bait.
Bring the fun indoors with games like hide-and-seek or fetch when the weather isn’t cooperating (if your home has enough room or a long hallway). Puzzle toys are nice to have around the house since they provide brain stimulation. Bored dogs will come up with less-than-fun methods to pass the time, such as biting your shoes.
Nutrition
Because Golden Rottie Retrievers are strong and energetic, you should feed them a high-protein diet. Because Rottweilers are prone to bloat, you should feed them at different times throughout the day rather than allowing him to eat whatever he wants. After he’s eaten, you shouldn’t plan any strenuous activity or exercise for an hour.
These dogs are especially prone to developing joint problems as they age, so make sure you’re establishing and maintaining the proper weight for your dog by not allowing him to overeat. You should also feed him meals that is high in protein but low in carbohydrates. Otherwise, he could be overeating and feeling stuffed.
Puppies’ nutrition is extremely essential since they develop quickly and require food to sustain their growth. Make careful to pick food that encourages the growth and maintenance of giant dog breeds, regardless of age. To guarantee that your puppy’s growth demands are satisfied, look for a large breed puppy formula.
Treats should be based as rewards. Dried meat snacks and dental care treats are examples of this. Additional bites should be prepared in the same way as the main course: Sugar and cereals should be avoided. Both of these ingredients have no place in high-quality dog food.
From time to time, reward your dog with dog chewing bones or dry chews. These provide your dog a lot of chewing enjoyment. It is critical to let huge four-legged friends, such as a barbet, to relax after eating. This is how you can avoid bloat.
Don’t overfeed your dog as they are prone to obesity. They gain weight pretty easily. Weigh the dog every couple weeks if you’re not sure. This enables you to combat obesity at a young age.
Health of the Rottweiler Golden Retriever Mix
The life expectancy of the Golden Retriever Rottweiler mix is between 8 to 14 years. And generally speaking, crossbreeds are usually healthier than their purebred parent breeds.
But, despite being healthier, it doesn’t mean they are immune to hereditary illnesses. The biggest health problems these dogs are susceptible to are:
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Retinal Dysplasia
- Hip Dysplasia
- Subaortic Stenosis
Besides this, there are also other health concerns that you should keep an eye out.
Common health problems of Golden Rotties:
- Deafness
- Cataracts
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Pancreatitis
- Corneal Dystrophy
- Eye problems
This is why it’s important to regurarly take your dog to the vet for check ups and blood work. Only that way can you make sure that they are healthy. Let your vet do eye examinations, a full physical exam, ECG, thyroid tests and so on.
You can also make sure to feed your dog a healthy and well balanced diet. Let them have all the nutrients their body needs to stay healthy and strong.
Most common health problems
Hip Dysplasia
Canine hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint becomes unstable as a result of both developmental and environmental factors. Dogs are prone to this bone and joint disorder. The femur does not meet the pelvic bone appropriately, causing the bones to wear out prematurely.
Later in life, your dog may develop arthritis, which can be excruciatingly painful. This ailment shows itself as a peculiar walk, shaky posture, or limping, all of which are plainly seen in your beautiful pup. To preserve your dog’s quality of life, discuss care with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation, or the dislocation of the kneecap, is common in these dogs. The kneecap usually sits in front of the hind leg’s joint and is maintained in place by ligaments. It moves around in a groove when the dog walks, protecting the joint but allowing the dog to move freely.
This little bone can dislocate and slip out of the groove in certain dogs. So it’s causing it to “float” freely about the knee. If left untreated, this can lead to major complications. It’s possible that the bone will be forced up against another bone, causing damage. Ligaments are frequently injured when the kneecap moves around incorrectly.
Lymphosarcoma
Lymphosarcoma is the third most frequent cancer in dogs, and it can affect the spleen, gastrointestinal system, lymph nodes, liver, and bone marrow, among other organs. Chemotherapy is used to treat the cancer, and about 80% of dogs treated will go into remission.
Heart disease
Heart disease is the major cause of mortality in dogs over the age of ten. The majority of heart disease in dogs is caused by the weakening or slow distortion of heart valves, causing blood to seep back around the weakened valves, putting strain on the heart. Heart valve disease (also known as mitral valve disease) causes a heart murmur in pets. Weight control and veterinary care can help avoid heart disease, in addition to a healthy lifestyle.
Bloat
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV or Bloat) is a condition that affects dogs with deep, narrow chests. This indicates that your dog is more vulnerable than other breeds. The stomach twists on itself and fills with gas when a dog bloats. The twisting cuts off the stomach’s and sometimes the spleen’s blood flow.
If left untreated, the sickness can kill your dog in as little as 30 minutes. Your dog may retch or heave (but nothing comes out), be agitated, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position (front feet down, rear end up). Preventive surgery, which involves tacking or suturing the stomach in place so that it does not twist, is possible.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive retinal atrophy is an eye ailment that might have a negative impact on the quality of life of your dog. This usually happens later in life as a result of retinal degeneration. Retinal dysplasia is the name for the early-onset type, which is observed in puppies. This is when the retinal cells do not mature properly.
The dog becomes partially or completely blind in both cases. While the disease isn’t unpleasant, it can have a significant influence on your dog’s quality of life. Consult your veterinarian about your dog’s alternatives, as well as what to do if he becomes blind.
Allergies
Allergies to pollen, mold, and dust cause people to sneeze. Instead of sneezing, allergies in dogs produce itching. Atopy is a name used to describe a common skin allergy in these puppies. The feet, tummy, skin wrinkles, and ears are the most commonly affected locations. Symptoms normally emerge between the ages of one and three, and they can get worse as time goes on. Licking the paws, stroking the face, and recurring ear infections are the most prevalent allergy symptoms. The good news is that these diseases can be treated in a number of different ways.
Epilepsy
Unfortunately, dogs too can develop epilepsy and seizures. Recurrent seizures with no known cause or abnormal brain damage characterize epilepsy. To put it another way, the brain appears normal on the outside but functions strangely on the inside. Twitching, shaking, tremors, convulsions, and/or spasms are all symptoms of a seizure.
Cataracts
In older canines, cataracts are a common cause of blindness. The lenses of his eyes become more opaque—in other words, hazy rather than clear. Many dogs adapt well to losing their vision and live happily ever after. Surgical removal of cataracts and restoration of vision may also be a possibility.
How much are Golden Rottie puppies?
While it may be simple to buy pups online, make sure to do your homework to avoid puppy mills and backyard breeders.
Puppy vendors that refuse to enable potential customers to come and see their canines, as well as those who promise to offer more affordable or cheaper puppies, should be avoided. However, this does not imply that high cost equates to high quality.
It’s best to have a list of questions ready to ask a puppy seller, as well as be prepared for an interview, as this is what reputable breeders do.
They would also be able to show you not only their breeding stock’s medical records, but any other paperwork that would help you discover more about the litter’s bloodline.
Apart from providing you with a health guarantee, most respectable breeders have a take-back, open-door policy if things don’t work out for whatever reason.
The cost of a Golden Retriever Rottweiler hybrid puppy ranges from $200 to $2,000.
The litter size for this hybrid is predicted to be 6 to 10 puppies. The popularity of the kennel, the quality of the purebred parents, the breeder’s location, and the available pups will all influence the price range.
Final thoughts on the Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix
While Golden Retriever Rottweiler hybrids are good companions, they can be challenging to train. You should be able to keep up with their active lifestyle. They’ll thrive in a home with a spacious backyard where the dog may run around freely because to their high energy level.
Early socialization and continuous training will assist your dog overcome any undesirable characteristics he or she may possess. Because of the Rottweiler parent’s DNA, your Golden Retriever may be afraid of strangers, but the extroverted and loving disposition of the Golden Retriever helps to overcome this difficulty.
If you spend the majority of your time away from home, a more independent breed which is not that prone to separation anxiety will definitely be a better choice.
You should also keep in mind that they require a little extra brushing and shedding attention. Because of their long coats, it’s also ideal if you live in a mild climate.
The Golden Rottie may be the dog for you if you are prepared to deal with potential health difficulties. This is a sweet dog who wants to please and defend his family. Simply keep him active and socialize him early enough, and you’ll have a sociable dog who gets along with both children and animals.
Do your homework and select a trustworthy breeder to get your puppy from. This way, you’ll know whether the parents have any troubles and if there are any potential health issues in the family.
While you’re already here check out other Golden mixes:
- All Golden retriever mixes: What do you need to know
- Golden retriever Chow mix: Golden Chow
- Golden Retriever Corgi Mix: Unique Breed That Will Steal Your Heart
- Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix: The Uncommon Designer Dog
- Golden Retriever Husky Mix: The great Goberian
- Chocolate Lab Golden Retriever Mix
While you’re here, check out our articles on other Rottweiler mixes: