The Chihuahua Rottweiler mix is the offspring of a Chihuahua and a Rottweiler. It’s an intelligent and loyal dog with a small physique. This Rottweiler mix requires monthly grooming but needs regular exercise due to its playful and energetic nature. It is an excellent mix for owners living in apartments.
Chihuahuas and Rottweilers have opposing appearances and personalities. One is small but energetic, while the other is large and calm. Both breeds require proper exercise and diet to lessen their risk of breed-specific health issues.
The offspring (a Rottweiler Chihuahua mix) is a dog that inherits both of its parents’ good and bad characteristics.
But what does it look like? Is it small or big? What health problems is this breed prone to? And how much do they cost?
In this article, we will talk about the Rottweiler and Chihuahua mix’s personality, origins, food requirements, exercise needs, grooming needs, and more.
Rottweiler Chihuahua Mix Characteristics
Like most Rottweiler mixes, Chihuahua Rottweiler mixes have remarkable characteristics due to their parents’ traits. AKC describes Chihuahuas as loving and intelligent dogs who make great apartment pets[1], while Rottweilers are loyal and playful dogs known for their protective nature.
When mixed, they produce offspring with the best traits from both parents.
The Rottweiler Chihuahua mix has a unique set of qualities. It can resemble a Chihuahua, a Rottweiler, or a mix of both breeds. This crossbreed’s personality depends on their upbringing and which parent breed they take after.
Appearance
Height
7–13 Inches
Weight
8–20 lbs
Lifespan
10–12 years
Dog Breed Group
Mixed Breed
Coat Type
Double
Coat length
Short or Long
Coat color
Black, brown, cream, and white
Eyes
Dark Brown
Nose
Black
Ears
Stiff or Floppy*
Hypoallergenic
No
Shedding
Grooming Difficulty
Adaptability
Apartment living
Good for beginners
Can be alone
Cold weather tolerance
Hot weather tolerance
Friendliness & Temper
Temperament
Affectionate
Kid-Friendly
Dog-Friendly
Friendly to Strangers
Playfulness
Trainability & Needs
Easy to train
Intelligence
Hunting Instinct
Barking
Energy Level
3 Pros of Having a Chihuahua Rottweiler Mix
This Rottweiler mix is a loyal, low-maintenance dog who makes excellent apartment pets.
1. They Are Low-Maintenance Dogs
Rottweiler Chihuahua mixes are small dogs. Their size makes it easy for owners to provide for their needs. Unlike large dogs, this crossbreed doesn’t have to eat large amounts of food. They thrive in small spaces and are small enough to defecate and urinate on a litter box.
Given their parents’ low-shedding trait, Chihuahua Rottweiler mixes seldom shed their fur. Its small physique allows groomers and owners to groom it faster than a large dog.
They have fewer exercise needs compared to larger breeds. Rottweiler Chihuahua mixes only need at least 20–30 minutes of exercise.
Their small build makes them great travel companions. They easily fit in a small bag or a pouch when traveling, unlike a large dog where you have to worry about their transportation.
2. Rottweiler Chihuahua Mixes Are Great Apartment Pets
This crossbreed inherits the Chihuahua’s small frame. It doesn’t shed frequently, so future owners do not have to worry about dog hair sticking to their clothes and pieces of furniture.
Unlike a Rottweiler Saint Bernard mix that needs a big playing space, a Rottweiler Chihuahua mix only needs a small area.
Although Rottweiler Chihuahua mixes are vocal dogs, they are easily trainable. Training them helps stop their frequent barking.
3. Chihuahua Rottweiler Mixes Are Affectionate Dogs
The Chihuahua Rottweiler mix gets its affectionate nature from its parents, who are well-known loving dogs.
This crossbreed is quick to devote itself to its owner. It prefers to be with its owner and often follows you wherever you go. A Rottweiler and Chihuahua mix is eager for its owners’ attention and praise, which pushes it to learn new commands quickly.
This hybrid is also tolerant towards other people and animals, taking after the Rottweiler’s easy-going personality. The crossbreed’s loving trait makes them great with kids.
3 Cons of Having a Chihuahua Rottweiler Mix
Chihuahua Rottweiler mixes are vocal and territorial dogs prone to numerous breed-specific health issues.
1. They are territorial dogs
Both parent breeds, Rottweilers and Chihuahuas, are protective dogs. Veterinarians classify both breeds as aggressive dogs[2] due to their dominant and territorial nature.
Given their parents’ unwanted traits, Rottweiler Chihuahua mixes are territorial dogs that react towards other animals and people, mainly through biting. Although it takes patience and time, you can train and familiarize them with other people and animals.
2. Rottweiler Chihuahua mixes bark frequently
Rottweiler Chihuahuas get their excessive barking behavior from their Chihuahua parents. They bark to express their feelings and to get their owner’s attention. Crossbreeds of this kind also like to bark at small critters and moving objects.
Subjecting Rottweiler Chihuahua mixes to proper training helps lessen/prevent their excessive barking.
3. This Rottweiler mix is prone to breed-specific health issues
Both parents are prone to breed-specific health issues, so Rottweiler Chihuahua mixes are at risk of these problems as well.
The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association listed Chihuahuas and Rottweilers as prone to several inheritable disorders[3], such as:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cleft Palate
- Collapsed Trachea
- Addisons’ Disease
- Behavior Abnormalities
Rottweiler Chihuahua mixes can inherit any of their parent’s disease-causing genes. Future owners need to check their dog and their parent’s medical background to see if they carry any of these health complications.
Rottweiler Chihuahua Mix Origins
No one knows the origins of the first Rottweiler Chihuahua mix. We get an idea about their origins based on their parents. Rottweilers came from Germany, while Chihuahuas came from Mexico.
Chihuahuas originated in Chihuahua, Mexico. Their breed evolved from ancient dogs called Techichi. These ancient dogs were the Toltecs’ breed of choice. When the Aztecs took over Toltecs, they treated Techichis as companion dogs, which they believed would accompany them to the afterlife. Aztecs used these dogs as sacrificial dogs and selectively bred those with smaller and tighter bodies for their rituals[4].
When the Spaniards toppled the Aztec civilization, many believed Techichis were extinct. By the mid-1800s, Americans found small-sized dogs in Chihuahua, Mexico. Hence, their name.
Rottweilers originated in Germany. Their breed evolved from an ancient dog breed called the Molosser[5], which the Romans mated with large dogs, such as the Italian Mastiff and Asian Mastiff. They used the offspring as drover dogs.
When the Roman Empire crumbled during the Middle ages, villagers used these dogs as workers. In Rottweiler, Germany, Roman drover dogs developed qualities that made them efficient workers. Soon, these dogs developed into the Rottweilers we know today.
Chihuahua Rottweiler Mix Appearance
The Chihuahua Rottweiler mix’s appearance depends on which parent’s genes are more dominant. It has stiff ears, a small build, and a dark coat with white, brown, or cream patches on its head, belly, and legs. As for their coat, they have two variations: Short-haired Rottweiler Chihuahua mixes and Long-haired Rottweiler Chihuahua mixes.
Short-haired Rottweiler Chihuahua Mix Appearance
Short-haired Rottweiler Chihuahua mixes inherit their coats from both parents. Rottweilers are short-haired double-coated dogs, while Chihuahuas’ short-haired traits are either recessive or dominant in their genes.
They look like Chihuahuas with the colors of a Rottweiler. Their coat may feel smooth or rough, depending on which parent’s genes are more dominant.
Long-haired Chihuahua Rottweiler Mix Appearance
The long-haired variant of the Chihuahua Rottweiler mix is more popular than the short-haired variant. It also looks like a Chihuahua with the colors of a Rottweiler.
The main difference between them and short-haired Rottweiler Chihuahua mixes is their coats. Long-haired Chihuahua Rottweiler mixes have long and smooth coats, while short-haired Rottweiler Chihuahua mixes have short coats with a velvety or rough texture.
Rottweiler Chihuahua Size
The American Kennel Club (AKC) categorizes Chihuahuas as a Toy breed. The size of dogs in this category is small[6]. Although Rottweilers are large dogs, most Rottweiler Chihuahua mixes do not exceed 14 inches and 20 lbs. They have unique sizes, both as adults and as puppies.
Puppies
This crossbreed typically takes after its Chihuahua parent. Rottweiler Chihuahua puppies only weigh 0.8–3 pounds and grow up to 7 inches. Unlike most Rottweiler mixes, where they inherit most of the Rottweiler’s traits, Rottweiler Chihuahua mix puppies take after their Chihuahua parents.
Adults
Rottweiler Chihuahua mix adults only grow up to 13 inches and 20 lbs. There are a few cases where the Rottweiler Chihuahua mix takes after their Rottweiler parent. When they do, Rottweiler Chihuahua mix adults grow up to 17 inches and weigh 20–23 lbs
Grooming Your Chihuahua Rottweiler Mix
The typical Rottweiler Chihuahua mix needs monthly grooming and weekly brushing to maintain its coat. A Rottweiler Chihuahua mix is low-maintenance because it has low grooming needs and doesn’t shed frequently. Their grooming requirements depend on the coat variant.
Long-Haired Coat
A Rottweiler Chihuahua with a long-haired coat needs monthly grooming and regular brushing to avoid skin issues. Although it doesn’t shed heavily, brushing its coat every three days helps maintain its smooth and shiny coat. Groomers use a pin or slicker brush to remove old and damaged hair from its coat.
Short-Haired Coat
This kind of Rottweiler mix only needs monthly grooming and weekly brushing to maintain its fur. Groomers use a rubber curry brush to remove shed hair on their fur.
Products You Can Use in Grooming Your Rottweiler Chihuahua Mix
Here are some products you can use to groom your dog:
- Antifungal soap (Sulfate-free)
- Antibacterial soap (Sulfate-free)
- Aloe vera shampoo
- Tea Tree oil shampoo
- Nail clippers
- Rubber curry brush
- Toothbrush for dogs
- Ear cleaning solution
Rottweiler Chihuahua Mix Diet
Rottweiler Chihuahua mixes are small dogs that only need to eat 2%–3% of their body weight per day, depending on their daily activities.
Prospective owners need to watch their dog’s food intake because both parent breeds are prone to obesity.
Avoid feeding Rottweiler Chihuahua mixes sugary[7] and salty[8] food because it leads to health complications, such as:
- Cavities
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Salt poisoning
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
They need a balanced meal of high-protein foods, vitamins, and minerals[9]. Giving your dog high-protein food helps maintain its coat, strengthen its immune system, and improve muscle mass[9]. Meeting their vitamin and mineral requirements improve their quality of life and avoid common health problems in dogs.
Check with your veterinarian to know which supplement and type of diet is best for your Rottweiler Chihuahua mix.
Here are some healthy foods you can feed your Chihuahua Rottweiler mix:
- Lamb
- Turkey
- Chicken
- Salmon
- Cod
- Carrots
- Sweet Potato
- Blueberries
- Boiled Egg
- Pollock
- Shrimp
Chihuahua Rottweiler Mix Exercise Needs
A Chihuahua Rottweiler mix needs 20–30 minutes of daily exercise. They need physical and mental exercise to maintain and improve their overall health.
It is important that Chihuahua Rottweiler mixes get proper exercise as a lack of this leads to poorer quality of life[10] and increases their risk of obesity and back-related problems. They are prone to breed-specific health problems, and meeting their exercise needs helps avoid their risks of health issues.
Here are some exercises and activities you can do with your dog:
- Short walks (15- minute walk)
- Long walks (30+ minute walk)
- Play Fetch
- Tug of War
- Hide and Seek
- Puzzle-solving
- Treasure hunting
Exercising also improves your bond with your dog and lessens anxiety and hyperactivity in dogs. Rottweiler Chihuahua mixes show misdemeanor when they lack exercise and stimulation.
Some of these bad behaviors include:
- Aggressive tendencies
- Peeing or defecating on wrong areas
- Chewing on pieces of furniture
Are Rottweiler Chihuahua Mixes Easily Trainable?
Yes, Rottweiler Chihuahua mixes are easy to train because they are intelligent and eager dogs. Rottweiler mixes of this kind quickly learn commands due to their parents’ intelligence and determination.
Rottweilers served farmers as herders, protectors, hunters, and rescue workers, while AKC describes Chihuahuas as intelligent and quick learners[11].
They are also eager to please their owner, pushing them to learn new tricks quickly.
Common Rottweiler Chihuahua Mix Health Issues
Rottweiler and Chihuahua mixes are prone to hip, back, knee, heart, and ear-related health issues. They are at risk of several breed-specific health problems that show up as soon as they are born.
Knowing their medical background and family tree helps veterinarians identify health issues that put your dog at risk. Without proper care, diet, and exercise, Rottweiler Chihuahua mixes experience health issues common in their parents’ breeds.
Based on the health complications most Rottweilers and Chihuahuas encounter, Rottweiler Chihuahua mixes are prone to the following health problems:
- Hip dysplasia
- Mitral Valve Disease
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Intervertebral Disc Disease
- Cancer
- Cleft palate
- Collapsed trachea
- Addisons’s disease
- Behavior abnormalities
Chihuahua Rottweiler Mix Life Expectancy
Given that Rottweilers are short-lived while Chihuahuas are long-lived, a Chihuahua Rottweiler mix lives for 10–12 years.
Future owners extend their dog’s lifespan through proper care, diet, and exercise. Consulting your veterinarian every month helps avoid common health problems and remediate illnesses before they get worse.
Where to Get Rottweiler Chihuahua Mix Puppies?
You can get Rottweiler Saint Bernard mix puppies from breeders and animal shelters by contacting them through social media.
People also put adoption/sale notices on Facebook and Reddit. Visiting a nearby animal shelter may help you get a Rottweiler and Chihuahua mix puppy if it’s available there. You can also visit the AKC website to see if anyone’s selling Rottweiler Chihuahua mix puppies[12].
Remember, a trustworthy breeder or shelter owner does the following:
- Provide documentation of your dog’s pedigree
- Show parent’s medical history
- Show their facilities
- Show the pup’s parents
How Much Do Rottweiler Chihuahua Mix Puppies Cost?
Chihuahua Rottweiler mix puppies typically cost $350 – $1,200, depending on their health, lineage, and body. The more prestigious the heritage of the dog, the higher the price.
Rottweiler Chihuahua mix puppies whose parents are award-winning dogs cost more than the regular Rottweiler Chihuahua mix puppies.
Conclusion
Rottweiler Chihuahua mixes are the offspring of a Rottweiler and a Chihuahua. They are affectionate, intelligent, and loyal dogs prone to numerous health complications. Rottweiler mixes of this kind make great apartment dogs due to their low-maintenance nature.
They need regular check-ups with their veterinarian and proper exercise to improve their quality of life. Rottweiler Chihuahua mixes need appropriate training to stop their excessive barking. Due to their small physique, light shedding, and low-maintenance characteristics, Rottweiler Chihuahuas make great apartment pets.
