The Rottweiler Doberman mix is the offspring of a Rottweiler and a Doberman Pinscher. It is a courageous and loyal dog that is easy to train. Their protective nature makes them excellent watchdogs
Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers have similar appearances and personalities. Both breeds are vigilant dogs with a black coat and a tan saddle marking.
The offspring (Rotterman) is a crossbreed that inherits its parents’ good and bad traits. Because they’re a mixed breed, you can never know what you’re going to get.
This article covers everything about the Rottweiler Doberman mix, including personality, grooming needs, diet, exercise needs, and more.
Rottweiler Doberman Mix Characteristics
Due to their remarkable characteristics, the American Kennel Council classifies Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers as one of the most popular dog breeds [1].
They are courageous, intelligent, and easily trainable.
Although similar in appearance, Rottweilers have floppy ears and a stocky physique, while Doberman Pinschers have stiff ears and a lean body frame. They also have different personalities – one is calm while the other is energetic.
When mixed, they produce a crossbreed with unique traits.
It resembles both its parents as it has the same coat and either floppy or stiff ears.
Their upbringing and their parents’ traits determine their characteristics.
Appearance
Height
25–28 Inches
Weight
80–120 lbs
Lifespan
10–12 years
Dog Breed Group
Mixed Breed
Coat Type
Double
Coat length
Short or Long
Coat color
Black, blue, red ,fawn
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 Doberman Rottweiler Mix
Doberman Rottweiler mixes are intelligent and protective dogs that are great with people if trained properly.
1. They Are Great with Kids
Although both parent breeds have a bad reputation for being aggressive, the AKC describes them as affectionate animals. They are great with people, especially children if trained to socialize correctly
The offspring, the Doberman Rottweiler Mix, get its affectionate nature from its parents. It is an energetic and playful dog, making excellent playmates.
Giving it attention helps them learn new tricks as they are eager for your praise and attention.

2. They Are Protective Dogs
Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers have a history of working as guards and rescue dogs. They are vigilant and courageous dogs who are sensitive to stimuli, making them efficient watchdogs.
Given the parent breeds’ protective nature, the Rotterman is a watchful dog. They are fearless and do not hesitate to take action. And they don’t get tired of barking if they have to.
It provides another layer of security to your family and home due to its vigilant nature.
3. Doberman Rottweiler Mixes Are Intelligent Dogs
Both parents are intelligent dogs. The AKC describes them as excellent working dogs due to their ability to quickly learn complex commands and tricks. They have the mental capacity that makes them great working dogs.
The Doberman Rottweiler mix is a smart dog, given the parents’ intelligent nature. This trait makes them great herders, protectors, and rescuers.
3 Cons of Having a Doberman Rottweiler Mix
A Doberman and Rottweiler mix is a heavy shedding territorial dog prone to numerous health issues.
1. They Are Territorial and Dominant Dogs
They have a history of working as guard dogs for farmers, tax collectors, and property owners, making them territorial dogs.
A study found that Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers showed aggressive behavior towards people on several occasions[2]. The study added that these behaviors stem from their territorial and dominant nature.
Given the parents’ unwanted traits, a Rottweiler Doberman mix shows aggressive behavior towards unfamiliar people and animals if not trained to socialize. This breed is not for new owners since it requires an experienced dog owner who can train them properly.
2. Rottweiler Doberman Mixes Shed Their Fur Frequently
Rottweiler Doberman mixes are heavy shedders. Their coat is coarse, short, and easily falls off their body. Their hair sticks to clothes and furniture if not appropriately groomed. It is difficult to remove the hair, which might frustrate future owners.
Proper grooming, diet, and exercise help lessen their heavy shedding.
3. This Rottweiler Mix Is Prone to Breed-Specific Health Issues
As most Rottweiler mixes, Doberman Rottweiler mixes carry disease-causing genes. They get these from their parents, who are prone to numerous breed-specific health complications.
A medical association listed its parents as prone to numerous inheritable diseases[3], such as:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
- Abnormal copper metabolism
- Wobbler’s syndrome
- Cervical Vertebral Instability (CVI)
Prospective owners to do a medical background check on their dog and its parents to see if they are at risk of health complications.
Rottweiler Doberman Mix Origins
The Rottweiler Doberman mix came from Germany. Although there is little information about its origins, we know where the parent breeds came from. Rottweilers came from Rottweil, Germany while Doberman Pinschers originated in Apolda, Germany.
Doberman Pinschers originated in Apolda, Germany. The breed evolved from Rottweilers and other dog breeds, such as Great Dane, Weimaraner, and Old German Sheperd dog.
They get their name after Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, who bred working dogs to produce Doberman Pinschers during the 1800s.[4]
Rottweilers evolved from an ancient dog breed called the Molosser[5]. The Roman Empire bred these dogs with other large breeds, such as the Asian and Italian Mastiff, to produce drover dogs.
When the empire fell, these dogs served villagers as workers. They started to develop traits that made them efficient workers, resulting in the Rottweilers we know today.
Doberman Rottweiler Mix Appearance
A Doberman Rottweiler mix resembles both parents. This depends on what genes are more dominant. It typically has a black coat, a tan saddle marking, a short coat, a large build, and stiff or floppy ears.
Its coat is double-coated with short and thick hair. The color of their coat is black, blue, red, or fawn, which it gets from its Doberman Pinscher parent.
Their body is either lean or stocky, depending on which parent they take after. If it’s lean, the dog takes after its Doberman Pinscher parent. Otherwise, it takes after its Rottweiler parent.

Rottweiler Doberman Mix Size
A typical Rottweiler Doberman mix weighs 80–120 lbs and grows to 25–28 Inches. This Rottweiler mix is large compared to most Rottweiler mixes.
Puppies
At three months old, a Rottweiler Doberman mix puppy weighs 34–40 lbs and stands tall at 15–18 Inches. As a puppy, it is larger than common Rottweiler mix breeds.
Adults
A full-grown Rottweiler Doberman mix grows up to 28 inches tall, weighing between 80–120 lbs. This crossbreed takes after both its parents. Both are classified as large dogs as they typically weigh over 60+ lbs.
Grooming Your Doberman Rottweiler Mix
Given their heavy shedding trait, a Doberman Rottweiler mix needs regular brushing and monthly grooming to maintain their fur and avoid skin problems.
Doberman Rottweiler mixes do not require frequent grooming. They have thick hair and a short coat, allowing dog owners to remove dirt through brushing quickly. However, they are frequent shedders, so brush them regularly.
Groomers use soft-bristle brushes to penetrate and remove damaged hair from their thick-haired coats.
There are cases where the Doberman Rottweiler mix inherits the Rottweiler’s droopy jowls, making it a heavy drooler. Its saliva creates a pungent odor that needs thorough scrubbing to remove. Dog owners wipe their dog’s jowls after every meal to avoid any smell.
Its ears are prone to infection, whether floppy or stiff. Use a vet-recommended ear cleaner to remove wax build-ups.

Recommended Grooming Products
Here are items that you can use to groom your dog:
- Soft-bristle brush
- Ear cleaning solution
- Nail clippers
- Finger toothbrush for dogs
- Antifungal soap (Sulfate-free)
- Moisturizing cream for dogs
- Aloe Vera shampoo
- Antibacterial soap (Sulfate-free)
Rottweiler Doberman Mix Diet
A Rottweiler Doberman mix’s diet is made up of meats, grains, vegetables, and fruits that sum up to at least 2% of its body weight per day.
Dog owners need to monitor their Doberman and Rottweiler mix’s diet as both parents are prone to obesity.
Do not feed your Rottweiler Doberman mix any legumes. The FDA is investigating the connection of legumes to DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy) due to several DCM cases in dogs eating legumes.
It needs high protein foods for better skin health, fur maintenance, muscle mass, and a healthy immune system[6]. Include foods containing various minerals and vitamins for a better quality of life and less risk of health complications[7].
You can plan your dog’s diet by consulting your veterinarian about your dog’s food requirements.
You can give the following healthy foods to your Rottweiler Doberman mix:
- Lamb
- Pollock
- Tuna
- Cod
- Quail egg (boiled or raw)
- Blueberries
- Brussels sprout
- Turnips
- Broccoli
- Chicken
- Swiss Chard
- Shrimp
Doberman Rottweiler Mix Exercise Needs
Doberman Rottweiler mixes need at least 90 minutes of daily exercise. They need physical and mental activities to stimulate themselves, improve their immune system, and maintain their physique.
The parent breeds developed their body to become efficient herders, guard dogs, and rescuers. They can run around for hours without getting tired.
These dogs require plenty of exercise and playtime due to their energetic nature. They are prone to several health complications, and exercise help reduce their risk of health problems.

You can do the following exercise and activities with your dog:
- Long walk ( 30+ minute walk)
- Short walk (15 – minute walk)
- Jogging
- Tug of war
- Hiking
- Brisk walk
- Obstacle course
Meeting your dog’s exercise needs improves its health and your relationship with your dog. Lack of exercise can lead to unwanted behavior and frustrated dog owners.
Some of these bad behaviors include:
- Barking persistently
- Digging holes everywhere
- Chewing on pieces of furniture
- Frequent bursts of energy
- Aggressive behaviors (e.g., biting and barking)
- Peeing or defecating on wrong areas
Are Rottweiler Doberman Mixes Easily Trainable?
Yes, Rottweiler Doberman mixes are easy to train due to their intelligence and enthusiastic personality.
It has the mental capacity to learn new commands and tricks quickly. Rottweiler Doberman mix takes after both parents who are intelligent and efficient working dogs. The parent breeds are also frequently seen competing in AKC’s National Dog shows – a contest that tests your dog’s ability to perform a series of commands.
Given their parents’ intelligent nature, the Doberman and Rottweiler mix is an intelligent dog that makes a great working dog and dog sports contestant.
They love getting their owner’s attention, which helps push them to learn new tricks and commands.

Common Rottweiler Doberman Mix Health Issues
Rottweiler Doberman mixes are prone to bone-, eye-, and heart-related issues. They are prone to numerous inheritable diseases, including congenital disorders – complications that appear before or during birth.
Knowing your dog and its parents’ medical background helps identify health issues it can face during its lifetime. Lack of proper care, exercise, and diet increases the dog’s risk of numerous health problems.
Both parents carry health problem-causing genes. The Rotterman is prone to the same complications.
They are prone to the following health problems based on common Rottweiler and Doberman Pinscher health problems:
- Hip dysplasia
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Intervertebral Disc Disease
- Abnormal copper metabolism
- Wobbler’s syndrome
- Cervical Vertebral Instability (CVI)
- von Willebrand’s disease
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Albinism
- Hypothyroidism
Doberman Rottweiler Mix Life Expectancy
Rottweilers live for 9–10 years, while Doberman Pinschers live for 10–12 years. A Doberman Rottweiler mix lives 10–12 years, given the parents’ life expectancy.
Providing your dog with appropriate care, exercise, and diet help extend its life span. Consulting your veterinarian every month helps improve your dog’s health and diagnose early signs of diseases.
Where to Get Rottweiler Doberman Mix Puppies?
You can get Rottweiler Doberman mix puppies at breeding farms, pet stores, and animal shelters.
You can find sales and adoption notices on social media, mainly on Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, and Reddit. Visit nearby pet adoption centers to see if Rotterman puppies are available there.
Remember to do the following when buying a Rottweiler Doberman mix puppies:
- Ask for your dog’s pedigree
- Request for the parent’s medical history
- Visit their facilities or ask for pictures
- Ask for a picture showing the dog’s parents
How Much Do Rottweiler Doberman Mix Puppies Cost?
Rottweiler Doberman mix puppies sell for $925–$1350, depending on the parents’ pedigree, physique, and medical background.
Hybrids from award-winning parents cost more than regular Rottweiler Doberman mix puppies.
Conclusion
The Doberman Rottweiler mix is the offspring of a Rottweiler and a Doberman. They are intelligent, loyal, and protective dogs prone to numerous health issues. Rottweiler Doberman mixes make excellent watchdogs and playmates with vigilant and playful personalities.
They need proper grooming, exercise, and diet to remain healthy and live longer. Rottweiler Doberman mixes need extensive training to control their aggressive behavior towards unfamiliar people and animals. Due to their large body, heavy shedding trait, and energetic personality, they do not make great apartment pets.