Rotterman Dog Breed Guide: Info, Pictures, Care & More

The Rotterman is a large and powerful dog. They require experienced owners to handle and train them properly. They are a hybrid cross between the Doberman Pinscher and the Rottweiler. They are solid dogs that respond well to training but aren’t the kinds of dogs everyone should own.

Rotterman dogs are best for owners who are confident handling large dogs. They're not suitable for first-time owners since they require extensive training. As long as they are bred, trained, and loved well, they make excellent watchdogs that look fierce but are all love and affection underneath.

Rotterman Characteristics

Rotterman Puppies

Rotterman puppies are friendly, loyal, and protective. They are highly intelligent and trainable and can excel in obedience training and other types of dog sports. However, they can also be strong-willed and require a confident, experienced owner who can provide consistent training and boundaries. A high-quality breeder often charges more for their puppies because they invest more in them.

Finding a “cheap” dog doesn’t necessarily mean you have found a good deal. Breeders who sell dogs for less might be doing so because they don’t invest as much in the food or facilities that their dogs use. Before you adopt a puppy from a breeder, you should ensure they take good care of the parents and the puppies. Then, ask for a tour around their facility to see where the dogs live.

The breeder should be willing to show you around so you can evaluate the facility's sanitation and breeding practices. It's also vital to examine the health of the parent dogs. Ask to see their vet records so you can be aware of any potential health issues your puppy might develop. You can also check local animal rescues and shelters to see if they have any Rotterman dogs.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Rotterman 🧠

The Rotterman dog is impressive, with an intimidating and forbidding stance that intimidates some people. The intense color of their amber eyes can also be somewhat off-putting. However, they have a gentle and affectionate spirit. In addition, they are incredibly athletic animals with the elegant Doberman heritage.

The Rotterman is a winning dog with a soft side. However, they are also likely to have a stubborn streak, so keep that in mind and be patient and kind during their training. These intelligent dogs are also adaptable to various climates.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Rotterman dogs are surprisingly good with children. They are devoted protectors down to their core and will feel responsible for protecting everyone in the house. If you have one of these dogs, you will probably notice them making the rounds in the home to check on you.

You don’t have to worry about them attacking someone they feel a responsibility to protect unless they feel provoked or forced to do so.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Rotterman dogs can get along with other pets and animals. However, it is best to socialize them early to ensure their appropriate behavior when they meet another dog. Since they have a relatively high prey drive, it is good to keep them away from smaller animals or carefully and slowly introduce them.

Things to Know When Owning a Rotterman

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The Rotterman is an active and heavily muscled dog. They need food with plenty of protein and quite a bit of it, especially if they get enough exercise. You should feed them a high-protein food for active dogs, giving them about 3 cups daily.

Exercise 🐕

These high-energy dogs need plenty of exercise to stay happy and in good shape. If they don’t exercise enough, they may become destructive and not cooperate during training sessions. Because Rotterdams are strong and have excellent endurance, you can exercise them in several ways. You can take them hiking, jogging, or swimming or go with them on a walk. If you decide to walk them, it is best to average about 14 miles each week. They should get about 90 minutes of exercise each day to keep themselves healthy and satisfied.

Training 🎾

Training a Rotterman takes time, even though they are receptive to it. Therefore, you need to keep a positive attitude during training. Regard it as a bonding time, and don’t let them get the wrong idea about why you are working with them. Give them plenty of positive affirmation during your training sessions to help them understand precisely what they do right.

Grooming ✂️

Because they have such short coats, grooming them is relatively easy. You should brush your Rotterman with a pin or slicker brush at least once a week. You can also use a de-shedder when they start to lose more fur during seasonal changes.

Beyond keeping their coat in good condition, you or a groomer should clip their nails once a month. If they engage in high-intensity activities on rough ground, you might not have to worry so much about trimming their nails.

Health and Conditions 🏥

These two purebred breeds have several health problems due to prolonged interbreeding. When they are crossed, they typically benefit from hybrid vigor. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t watch out for species-related conditions they can develop. That is why you need to get their parent’s health records and notify your vet. It will help them know what they should watch out for during their checkups.

Male vs Female

The Rotterman is a relatively new hybrid, and there isn't much anecdotal evidence on the difference in the sexes. However, males and females seem to have similar temperaments.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Rotterman

1. Doberman Dogs Initially Came From Germany and Were Made to Be Protectors.

Dobermans were initially from Germany and developed by Herr Louis Dobermann. Louis Dobermann needed a dog to protect him because he was a night watchman, a tax collector, and a dog catcher. He used multiple breeds to develop his protective, loyal, and obedient dog. These breeds include the Great Dane, Manchester Terrier, Rottweiler, and Greyhound.

The Doberman was initially registered in the German studbook in 1893. After that, their populations were almost decimated during the First World War. The original plan was to put down or eat the rest of the breed. However, some American servicemen liked the breed and took them back to America.

This American stock established the breed in England and later supplemented the European stock.

2. The Rottweiler Is an Ancient Dog Breed That the Romans Used.

The Rottweiler is the other half of this hybrid breed. They are much older than many people would suspect. They accompanied the Romans on their march throughout Europe. Many of them stopped in Germany, which is why the Rottweiler is so heavily associated with Romans.

Rottweilers were used to protect cattle and their owners and drive the cattle. The owners trusted them so much that once they sold their cattle, they would put the money in a purse and tie it around the Rottweiler’s neck.

3. The Rotterman Breed Often Becomes Close to Their Owners.

The Rotterman might look like a fierce dog, and they can be. However, they are big softies underneath. Since they are incredibly loyal dogs, as you build up a relationship with them and bond, they often get close to you. Once bonded with you, they will be a loyal and affectionate protector to the end.

Final Thoughts

The Rotterman is not the perfect dog for everyone, but they can make an excellent addition to your family and your home if you can give them plenty of time and love. Although they need plenty of daily exercise, they're relatively easy to groom and train. If they are well-trained and cared for, they will give you affection and protection in return.

We have lots of Doberman Pinscher Mixes and Rottweiler Mixes for you to explore!

Featured Image Credit to: Gemma Fletcher, Shutterstock