Are you done with reading vague information by self-proclaimed dog experts that never owned one of these breeds?
Well, this is the best place to inform yourself about the Rottweiler Doberman mix ’cause I’m a Rottweiler owner myself (and avid Dobi lover).
First of all, can you even mix a Rottweiler with a Doberman?
Yes, you can definitely mix these two dog breeds and the result is the so-called Rotterman.
That being said, should you actually mix them?
I have some tips and guidelines for this crossbreed and tell you where to find one without directly supporting the influx of designer breeders.
I’ll dive into the following topics:
- Trainability
- Lifespan
- Temperament
- Size & Weight
- Rotterman price
- Raw diet
- Grooming
So let’s get started!
| Lifespan | 8-12 years |
| Weight | 70-120 pounds (32-54 kg) |
| Height | 23-27 inches (58-69 cm) |
| Activity Level | High |
1. Rottweiler Doberman Mix Training
Rottweiler Doberman mixes need a trainer who is willing to learn and adapt but with the right guidance, training these dogs can be a blessing.
While the Doberman is often referred to as the smarter and leaner Rottie, both are not to be underestimated though.
Training an intelligent dog is definitely more fun than a couch potato but it also requires commitment and a level of calm that you’ll probably never need again because these dogs are sensitive.
Some dog owners and kennel clubs go so far as to ascribe the Dobi having a “will-to-please” while the Rottie at least gets the “agreeable” seal of approval.
Make no mistake, Rottermans can have a strong bond to their owners but slipping big time in your training can have consequences because they’re large and powerful dogs.
2. Rotterman Lifespan
A heathy Rotterman with a proper diet and exercise regimen can reach 8-12 years of age.
Let’s check the average lifespan of the respective parents to get an idea of the Rotterman’s possible lifespan.
Dobermans have a relatively healthy outlook for medium-large dogs with 10-13 years while it’s looking pretty bleak for Rottweilers at 8-10 years (some even cite 6-8 years as range).
Some anecdotal lifespans of Rottweilers I encountered usually reach double digits, sometimes even hitting the 14 year mark.
How can you influence the lifespan of your Rottweiler Doberman mix?
Proper exercise, a raw/barf diet, a calm environment as well as mental stimulation help with increasing your Rotterman’s lifespan.
Pre-selection in terms of genetic diseases (hard to do if you’re rescuing a pup from the shelter) is helpful for all breeds.
Here are the most common diseases among Rottweiler Doberman mixes:
- Hip/elbow dyplasia
- Heart issues
- Eye issues (PRA, cataracts, other vision issues)
- Thyroid diseases
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
For hip/elbow dysplasia, you can do x-rays to find out whether or not a dog is predisposed or already has issues on the horizon.
Cardiac exams and Ophthalmologist help with ruling out eye issues.
Thyroid diseases and Von Wilebrand’s Disease are more commonly seen in Dobermans.
Von Willebrand’s Disease can drastically influence a Rotterman’s lifespan due to its genetic heritability (your Doberman’s color can also play a role).
3. Are Rottermans Good Dogs?
Yes, the Rotterman can be a great family guardian and very loyal companion with a strong bond to you and especially children.
However, training, genetic dispositions, as well as early socialization are key to having a well-adjusted canine.
If you invest a lot of time and resources into your Rottweiler Doberman mix, then this might be a great choice for your family.
However, the Rotterman is not a beginner crossbreed.
For me personally, the first Rottweiler I’ve brought home was also my first dog and I’d say it is possible, but only if you’re ready to go on a learning journey before and after you bring your pup home.
4. How Big Does a Doberman Rottweiler Get?
A male Doberman Rottweiler mix usually reaches 25 to 27 inches (65-69cm) of height and weighs around 90-120 pounds (41-54kg).
Female Doberman Rottweiler mixes usually reach 23 to 26 inches (58-66cm) of height and weigh around 70-100 pounds (32-45kg).
Your Rotterman may be a couple of inches and/or pounds below or above that.
If your dog tends to be on the lower side of the weight scale, that’s a good thing most of the time since obesity in pets can cause major issues.
Generally speaking, Dobermans are a bit taller and yet lighter than Rottweilers, creating a really slender and sometimes goofy appearance.
Since it’s a crossbreed, there’s no exact formula to determine the height and weight as there is with my purebred Rottweiler growth chart.
5. How Much is a Doberman Rottweiler Mix?
While this mix is not as popular among backyard breeders and puppy mills like many of the Poodle crosses, you can still stumble over people who are breeding this crossbreed.
I wouldn’t advise getting a Rotterman puppy from a breeder, but search for pups to rescue or just get an adult Rotterman from an animal shelter instead.
Adoption fees for a Rotterman usually range from $200-$400.
Don’t cheap out on the adoption fee, it’s what allows your local shelter to operate and it’s an awesome investment.
With a dog of this size and all the potential joint issues or other genetically inherited diseases, you’ll probably spend much more at the vet if you go for a cheap puppy from a backyard breeder (may be true for all breeds though).
Also, the adoption fee usually ensures a vet check-up, vaccination, neutering (if deemed appropriate and necessary; optimally after they’re fully grown at 2-3 years), as well as a constant supply of food and hopefully time for human interaction.
6. What To Feed A Rotterman
I’m a big advocate for the raw diet and would always suggest this kind of diet.
A well-built and majestic dog like a Rottweiler Doberman mix can certainly make use of all the additional energy and who wouldn’t be happy if your dog has to spend less time at the vet in the future?
How much you have to feed depends on your dog’s age, activity level, and exact weight.
Get yourself familiar with the raw diet if you’re interested.
Every diet should not contain any fake meat sources (aka “meat meals”), not mainly wheat/corn, no additives, no other shenanigans that don’t belong in pet food (or any food, for that matter).
Personally, I’m feeding my 100-pound (45kg) female Rottweiler around 2.2 pounds (1kg) of raw meat per day (lean meat, organ meat, rumen, as well as veggies & fruits) and she’s thriving on it.
Ever seen a Rottweiler Doberman’s coat on a raw diet? Their black and tan colors really shine with the right diet.
7. Rotterman Grooming
Since we’re already talking about the dog, you may wonder about grooming requirements.
Luckily, neither the Rottie nor the Dobi are known to be incredible shedders.
The Rotterman has a medium-length and sleek coat that usually just requires weekly brushings. Prepare for heavier shedding twice a year.
A good (preferably sustainably sourced made of bamboo) dog brush will suffice and keep your pooch happy.
I have found the Rottweiler coat to be quite a bit thicker than the Doberman’s and my Rottie is definitely built more for the cold than the heat.
That being said, some sites score the Rotterman more on the hotter or balanced site in terms of tolerance for temperatures and every individual is different.
Other than that, there’s not much to do with their coats.
Bathe as required but try to avoid it due to the bathing process stripping all the oils from your dog’s body.
Conclusion: Should You Buy a Rotterman?
Adoption is a wonderful way to get your own Rottweiler Doberman mix.
With all of the love in the world as well as the right kind of training, this crossbreed can truly be a one-of-a-kind companion that you won’t find anywhere else.
That being said, they don’t offer much that the two parent breeds don’t already offer and if it’s the slight nuances in appearance you’re looking for, there’s no guarantee how your adult Rotterman will look like.
So what do you say – would the Rottie Dobie mix be a good fit for you?
I just know that I love my Rottweiler and Dobermans are fun too, so whatever breed you go with, keep your dog healthy, exercise him properly and he’ll live a happy life!
Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet.