Dangers and Precautions Before Owning a Rottweiler Pitbull Mix

In the dog world, the term”hybrid” or “designer breed,” refers to dogs of mixed origin or composition. The term that most of us are familiar with when describing these “hybrid” dogs used to be referred to as “mutts,” but using that expression seems old-fashioned and passé. With that being said, hybrid, or designer dogs as some call them, are becoming quite popular choices for pet owners. It is important to remember that since hybrids are not purebred animals, temperament of both breeds should be considered before choosing one as a pet. The best way to determine the disposition of a mixed breed is to look up both breeds of the parentage and realize that it is possible to get any blend of any of the characteristics found in either breed, both good and bad. While there are plenty of family-friendly hybrids to choose from, there are also some dangerous mixes as well. Thanks to extensive media hype over dog mauling and attacks, public attention has been brought to the forefront regarding breeds of dangerous dogs. So what kind of hybrid do you get when you crossbreed two of the most dangerous dog breeds on the planet? Ladies and gentleman, you get what we call a Pitweiler. As you may be able to figure out from the name, Pitweilers are a Rottweiler Pitbull mix, and some caution must be taken before considering one of these animals for a pet.

The biggest concern in adopting a Pitweiler is the reputation that both breeds have regarding human attacks. In a 9-year study from 2005-2013, research found that Pitbulls and Rottweilers accounted for 74% of total recorded fatal attacks. However, it should be noted that fatal dog attacks committed by Pitbulls and Pitbull mixes more than doubled the attacks of the attacks brought on by Rottweilers. Originally bred to bite and hold large animals, Pitbulls have a genetic predisposition to be aggressive if not trained and socialized properly. Subsequently, Rottweilers were bred to be cattle dogs, guard dogs, and boar hunters. While they are known for their obedience, they require a lot of training as well. If left untrained, Rottweilers can become an unfriendly, unruly, and discontented animal. So what if you decide that you are interested in adopting a Pitweiler, regardless of the risk that aggression and unruliness may occur? If you decide to adopt a Rottweiler/Pitbull mix, responsible pet ownership is a must! These dogs will require added commitment and accountability including obedience training, extra socialization with people and other animals, and constant supervision if your dog begins to show aggressive traits.

Image via Designermixes.org