The Border Collie Rottweiler Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Border Collie and the Rottweiler. This will probably be a very sweet and even tempered dog. The temperament of the Border Collie should help offset the Rottie. If you have ever been around a Border Collie, you might know that they are one of the sweetest dogs you will ever see. This guy might try to herd you around the house as it is the result of breeding two herding breeds, and the Heeler has extremely strong herding instincts. Is it more like the Border Collie or the Rottweiler? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Border Collie Rottweiler Mix.
While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Border Collie Rottweiler Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Border Collie Rottweiler Mix puppies for sale.
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All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.
Rottweiler History:
It is believed that the Rottweiler has evolved from and was bred from Roman cattle dogs. These cattle dogs had accompanied the herds through Germany following in the wake of the Roman armies right after the time of Christ. The Legion of the Roman Empire set up camp on the bank of the river Neckar in the Wurtemberg area of Germany. This little region grew into a little town with small villas that had roofs made of red tiles and the area became known as ‘das Rote Wil.’ The red roof tiles gave it the first half of its name ‘rot, while the second half came from the name for villa. These combined make the name ‘Rottweil’ and we now call the breed by that name.
This is an old, diverse dog, it has been used as a hunting, herding and protection dog. They needed to guard the herd at night and they needed to keep the cattle together and to herd them. They were also used for bear hunting and to protect the money that the people got from selling the cattle.
Border Collie History:
The Border Collie hails from the border of Ireland and Scotland. Hence the name. He was bred to herd and guard sheep. This dog has a very strong herding and prey instinct. He is known for being the best herding and sheep dog around. It is literally the smartest breed around according to the AKC.
They are extremely alert, hardworking, and clever. This is an extremely high energy dog and needs lots of exercise. They can be very stubborn and will start herding the kids, the cats, or anything else if there isn’t anything else around to be herded. Like all dogs he also needs to be socialized when he is young or he can become shy and fearful.
Border Collie
Height: 18-22 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 30 - 45 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 17 years
Rottweiler
Height: 22 - 27 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 77 - 130 lb.
Lifespan: 8 - 10 years
Like all hybrids, you have to look to the parents to get a good read on how they will likely behave. The Border Collie Rottie Mix is an alert, affectionate, and friendly dog. Overall, they should make great family pets because they are loving and happy companions. They are just friendly and kind dogs to have around. They will get along well with children and other pets and are patient and kind. They will make a fine watch dog as they will bark if someone is coming around. They might have an aggressive prey drive so this should try and be contained. Early socialization and positive reinforcement are vital for all dogs. He is intelligent so training should be moderately easy. He should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving him alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. He wants to be with the “pack.”
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
The Dalmatian mixed with the Poodle might be prone to bloat, hip dysplasia, heart disease, eye problems, among others.
Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.
What are the grooming requirements?
The Border Collie has a longer coat and sheds voraciously a few times a year. The rest of the time he sheds mildly. The Rottweiler has short hair and does not shed a lot. This guy will probably shed quite a bit. It depends on which parent gives the most genes to the offspring as to what these characteristics will be like. Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.
What are the exercise requirements?
Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a higher energy level being that they are both higher energy working dogs. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog.
Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. A tired dog is a good dog.
What are the training requirements?
This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.
A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible.
Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.