Rotterman

65-120 lbs
23-25"
United States
Doberman Pinscher
Rottweiler
Doberweiler, Doberott, Rottie Dobe, Rottie Dobie

The Rotterman is a large powerful dog that requires a strong owner who can handle them. They are smart affectionate and very loyal to their family, and are protective over them. If raised with other pets and children they are very tolerant and patient with them. They are a cross between a Rottweiler and a Doberman Pinscher, both who are very strong and solid dogs. They respond well to training but need a firm consistent hand. They excel in search and rescue or agility training, and are well known as guard dogs. Their stature and appearance alone makes them look imposing, but underneath is a dog who is both affectionate and loving. Praise and rewards work well with this dog, as does fair but firm handling. New inexperienced dog owners may find this dog a handful. While they are not aggressive dogs, they will do everything in their power to protect you should it be required. They become very attached to their owners and love to snuggle and cuddle - and they love being the centre of your attention.

purpose Purpose
Companion, Agility, Watchdog.
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler

Rotterman Health

Average Size
Male Rotterman size stats
Height: 24-28 inches Weight: 70-130 lbs
Female Rotterman size stats
Height: 23-25 inches Weight: 65-120 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Canine Hip Dysplasia (Chd)
  • Von Willebrand's Disease
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Mitral Valve Dysplasia
  • Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat
  • Joint Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • Skin Allergies
  • Eye Infections
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Wobbler Syndrome
Occasional Tests
  • Electrocardiogram
  • Buccal Mucosal Screening
  • Regular Full Physical Examination By Veterinarian
  • Coagulation Assay
  • Blood Glucose Tests
  • Complete Ophthalmologic Examination
  • Blood Work and Serum Chemistry Tests
  • Skin Biopsy or Intradermal Tests for specific allergies
  • Urinalysis and Urine Culture

Rotterman Breed History

The Rotterman has limited history about its beginnings, therefore we must look to the parent dogs for clues to its lineage. The Doberman originated in Germany, in the state of Thueringe, by a man called Herr Louis Dobermann who used many cross breeds of dogs such as the Rottweiler, Great Dane, Greyhounds, and Manchester Terriers. Many others were included in the mix over his 60 years of developing the breed. Herr Louis Doberman was a night watchman, dog catcher, and tax collector, so he needed a dog who was strong and protective. The first Doberman was registered in the German studbook in 1893. The breed suffered from the first World War, and were nearly wiped out. The few dogs that were left were going to be eaten or put down as no one could afford to keep them. Thankfully American servicemen had become fond of the breed, and they took several home where they began breeding from the original lines. During World War ll, the US Marines used Dobermans when they went ashore to flush out the enemy. An English couple name the Curnows who were dedicated to establishing the breed in England, started with English stock, but later decided that the American Doberman was more sophisticated, elegant and much larger, so they began their breeding program again using American stock. Loyal, strong, quiet and dignified, the Doberman Pinscher is a dog who needs a firm leader to bring out the best in him. The Rottweiler was a working dog whose ancestors marched to Germany with the Romans, and was used to drive and protect the cattle and their owners along the way. The owner would fill their purse with cash from the cattle sales, and would tie it around the Rottweiler's neck. Butchers in the area also used these strong dogs to pull carts loaded with meat. As rail transport replaced the cattle drives over the years, the Rottweiler nearly became extinct. Thankfully, that changed in 1901 as breeders strived to revive the breed. The Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub founded in 1921 survived the second World War and continued to perfect the Rottweiler breed. The first Rottweilers are thought to have arrived with German emigrants in the late 1920s. Since then, the breed has soared in popularity and are well known as police dogs. Today, the Rottweiler ranks 17th among 155 breeds registered by the American Kennel Club. 

Rotterman Breed Appearance

The Rotterman is an attractive dog, elegant yet powerful looking, and built for speed and endurance. The body appears almost square in shape, and supports long elegant legs. Their movements are effortless and relaxed, yet they have a vigorous balanced gait that can accelerate in speed rapidly. A deep chest, long thin tail and proud stance is all part of the Rotterman's appeal. They are usually shiny black in color with tan highlights on their calves, chest and face. Speaking of the face, it exudes confidence, intelligence and alertness. The muzzle is long and lean, with teeth meeting in a scissors bite. A jet black nose, dark ringed eyes with deep glowing amber or brown eyes plus  either prick or floppy ears make for an appealing inquisitive expression. Their coat is sleek and looks like a tailored suit, fitting them perfectly to produce a well groomed and handsome dog.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Rotterman eyes
Brown
amber Rotterman eyes
Amber
Nose Color Possibilities
black Rotterman nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
sable Rotterman coat
Sable
black Rotterman coat
Black
brown Rotterman coat
Brown
fawn Rotterman coat
Fawn
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Rotterman straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Rotterman Breed Maintenance

The Rotterman requires little maintenance for his well fitted tailored coat. A good brushing with a stiff bristle brush once a week is all that it requires when they are not in the shedding season, changing to daily brushing when shedding. The coat is naturally glossy and short, making easy work of grooming. It is a good time to check your dogs health, look for cuts or abrasions that may become infectious. Another area is the ears - dogs can suffer inflammation and infection within the ear, which often comes with a repulsive smell. If infection has set in, a trip to the veterinarian will be required to get medication to clear it up. But just gently cleaning the ears and drying them afterwards on a weekly basis will help prevent any other infections. Your Rotterman will need his teeth brushed two to three times a week, using a specialty dog product, and bathing is only needed when required. A slight clip of the toenails and your Rotterman will look as though he is ready for showtime!

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Brushes for Rotterman
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Rotterman requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Rotterman Temperament

The Rotterman dog is impressive in stance, almost forbidding and intimidating until you look in their gorgeous amber eyes and see the affection and gentle spirit shining back at you. Athletic, elegant, and perfectly groomed, the Rotterman is winning hearts as one of the new hybrid dog breeds on the block. Their softer side is loving and caring; they are devoted to children, tolerant and patient. Naturally, if they are socialised with other dogs and people from an early age, they are milder in nature and exude tolerance. Although a large dog who enjoys the outdoors, they are still one big cuddle bug and bond closely to their owners and family. Therefore, they feel a responsibility towards everyone in their house to ensure that their help isn't needed. They will check in on you often, even following you around the home or yard to ensure you don't need their help. The Rotterman will warn you of strangers, barking or growling low and mean to get their message across to the intruder not to come any further. But they will not attack unless forced to and then they will defend you with every ounce of energy they have. They are loyal and devoted dogs, kind in nature, and great big sweeties. Of course they may have a stubborn streak here and there, but a strong owner who has their respect will accept that and get around it with affection and treats which will have the Rotterman eating out of their hand - literally! Adaptable to most climates, tough, confident yet soft and goofy with the kids, they make ideal companions if you have the time, and the space, to share with these large elegant dogs.

Rotterman Activity Requirements

A Rotterman dog is a large dog who needs to get out and exercise on a daily basis. They are ideal companions if you are into running or cycling, and will happily lope along beside you as you do your training. The ideal situation is for two walks per day to keep this athletic dog at its best. The Rotterman is best suited for a home with a secure yard, where your dog can run and enjoy interactive play sessions with you and the family. Although they look tough, these big softies will love a few toys to play with as well. They respond well to training as long as it delivered in a fun way, you are a strong leader, and are firm but fair. They will not respond to harsh methods or tone of voice - they have a tendency to shut down and become uncooperative. Patience and kindness along with a serving or two of praise and affection will see these dogs wanting to please you and obey. This active dog will love to run and play in the dog park, just ensure they are fully socialised before turning them loose with other dogs - especially of the same sex, otherwise they can become anxious and threatening to other pets.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
14 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
90 minutes
activity minutes

Rotterman Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.90 - $2.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$39.00 - $52.00
food bag monthly cost

Rotterman Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Rotterman size stats at six months
Height: 13.0 inches Weight: 12.5 lbs
Female Rotterman size stats at six months
Height: 11.5 inches Weight: 10.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Rotterman size stats at 12 months
Height: 19.0 inches Weight: 55.0 lbs
Female Rotterman size stats at 12 months
Height: 17.5 inches Weight: 51.5 lbs
18 Months
Male Rotterman size stats at 18 months
Height: 26.0 inches Weight: 110.0 lbs
Female Rotterman size stats at 18 months
Height: 19.0 inches Weight: 102.5 lbs

Rotterman Owner Experiences

Tyrone
5 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
He is scared of other dogs
11 months ago
Leia
1 Year
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She has been around us since she was a puppy but has come to live with us since my son can no longer care for her. She is loving, fiercely protective of me and so sweet. Shedding is a nightmare!
2 years, 2 months ago
Teigar
1 Year
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
This dog can smell tweakers and attackers a mile off when your drunk will hold you up and if she is to be punished don’t smack her you’ll hurt your hand more than you will her/he
2 years, 8 months ago
Shyla
7 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fantasticly loyal and loving dog. Female brought to us via rescue.
2 years, 8 months ago
Tessa
4 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Laying in the sun
Bath time
Speak
Off-leash
High Five
Hide & Seek
Dog-friendly events
Fetch
Play
Nap
Tug-of-war
Swim
Learn a new trick
Look out the window
Explore the woods
Run
Walk
Go on Vacation
An amazing dog, brilliant with small children and nurturing with babies. Very protective and affectionate. Can be stand off-ish with strangers, confident and territorial. Very strong and agile, need to be experienced with this breed.
2 years, 10 months ago
Roxy
4 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Fun loving family friend
4 years, 4 months ago
Rowdy
6 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Its been great rowdy is calm gentle yet protective, he came into my life when i needed something to make my life happier and hes been my best friend since. And when my boyfriend met hom they became instant bff Hes great with the other anim8in the house and lpve kids when they visit
6 years, 9 months ago
Kayall
9 Months
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chasing around
Walking
Playing Ball
She's lovely and very protective. Sensitive to her family members emotion and we love her so much.
6 years, 9 months ago
Zena
9 Weeks
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
playing with my other dog
playing catch n fetch
she's very attentive n affectionate n playful
6 years, 7 months ago
Rudi
6 Months
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Playing Ball
Dog Parks
Jogging
Great with our cats. Super gentle. A little shy outdoors but full of energy and gaining in confidence every day.
6 years, 7 months ago
Lexi
10 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She is very playful and affectionate. Follows us around closely and is good with our Shiba Inu.
6 years, 6 months ago
Nero
8 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He's such a huge clumsy troublemaker even he is still 8 months old he likes lil Godzilla most awesome adorable one, when he do something bad he always looks at us with his big browny eyes no one can resist his overload cuteness and he as huge ears like lil dambo he's not my pet he's my clumsy protective lil brother
6 years, 3 months ago
Schwartz
10 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Dawn trotting
Catch treats
The best decision I've made all years. Schwartz is literally my nanny: she frequently jumps onto my window and bark out, just to make sure I'm in and safe. Often times, she'll constantly bark when it's past my time to wake up and I'm playing the lazy dude. I'm adding Max(same breed) to her next week.
6 years, 2 months ago
Bravo
3 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Jogging
Tug-of-war
Fetch
He is a really loyal and affectionate pup, and really really expressive.
6 years ago
Roo
6 Years
5 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Personally, Rottermans are very loyal, smart, stubborn at times, good listeners, protective of there owners and food orientated but never aggressive just vocal. They don’t mind being groomed, they love playing with there toys, they prefer living in a bigger space, with room to run around and act silly. They do get along with other dogs very well but I’ve noticed they will get moody and speak up if the other dog they are trying to play with is taunting and barking at them aggressively. (understandable) They are truly such a sweet dosile dog that loves to cuddle and make you happy. Great family dog!!! And absolutely great with kids. Skin allergies, flea allergin dermatitis, eye infections, and ear infections are super common in this breed. Just need to groom every week and you’ll be on top of it enough to catch this stuff before it gets worse! I LOVE MY ROTTERMAN!
5 years, 11 months ago
Nana
2 Years
1 People
Studio
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My Rotterman is an amazing pet. She's literally the sweetest, most loving and affectionate dog I've ever seen. Adorable! Nana is very patient, gentle and well-behaved, extremely outgoing and friendly (she's GREAT with kids and other animals), and tons of fun! Very low maintenance -- she does fine being alone often in my studio apartment while I'm at work -- and she loves playing when I come home everyday. A fantastic breed.
5 years, 7 months ago
Max
3 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Explore the woods
At first it was rough. He was stubborn with training but we stuck to it and he now listens better than before. He is a big lover to most other animals and children. He doesnt realize how big he is and believes he’s a lap dog. He likes to go between our legs when walking we assume its a protective thing. We absolutely love and adore him.
5 years, 2 months ago
Keeba
6 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking,
Obedience classes
Sleeping
Guard dog
He was a rescue dog, who had been badly looked after. He is a very loyal dog, and when he perceives a threat he is highly alert and checks where you are constantly. he is a very sensitive dog, so much so, that we have been unable to desensitize him to the vet clinic, due to his past experiences with being seized from his owners.
5 years ago
Agira
3 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Very lovable and loves to get rubed on her belly and yeah warm cuddles are her favorite.
4 years, 10 months ago
Bheema
3 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Hide & Seek
Playing with ball,hide and seek,playing in water
He's lovable and good mannered,can understand little bit easily
4 years, 5 months ago
Brownie
6 Years
7 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
From the day we brought her home she was a lot of fun. She did goofy things and at the same time could just cruise with us. Awesome family dog and shows her loyalty & protectiveness.... we just love her ❤️
4 years, 5 months ago
Boomer
7 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Hitting all the dog friendly resturants in town
going on long walks
Our rotterman has been an amazing protector for our household! As soon as Boomer gets up, he heads straight to the window and watches out for any "threats", (joggers, other dogs, squirrels, ext.)He also scales the brickwall and hovers over the fence and has a post that looks down at our street's backyards. Boomer is exceptionally smart and knows when it is his walk time. He can literally recognize yoga pants and claws at the door until he is let out. He loves to be outside and be on his leash so much, my family built a custom-made hook for him to roam the front yard and possibly catch a squirrel.
4 years, 4 months ago
Zara
1 Year
7 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Road trip
cuddle
Run
Zara is very obedient, has been since the day I got her as a puppy. She loves to play and go for rides. She’s a little weirdo, she thinks she’s a lap dog and still sits on my lap and shoulder. She also is always sitting like her humans.
4 years, 3 months ago
Zues
7 Years
4 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Dog Parks
Car rides
Walk
He is super fun and loving and affectionate. He thinks he is the size of a chihuahua but weighs 120 pounds. He is good with other dogs and cats. Not very vocal, but will alert if there is someone at the door.
4 years ago
Chooch
7 Years
2 People
Studio
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Beach
Run
Chooch run & fetch her dog every day (she loves the ball so much). Sometimes we take her to the beach too. With her short hair, the maintenance is very low as we don't have to brush her hair or dry them with hairdryer.
4 years ago
Ella
10 Weeks
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fishing
Camping
Walks
She cuddles like crazy and always wants to be near us. She loves to play with our other dog. Get gets an attitude every now and then and groans at us. But she’s the most loving dog I’ve ever had. I wouldn’t give her up for anything.
3 years, 11 months ago
Rock
1 Year
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tug of war
Walks
Ball
I rescued Rock from a terrible abuse case. He is a lover but stubborn to commands he doesn't want to do and barks a high pitch back talk before obeying. He did ok in obedience training but the instructor insisted on a slip leash which is something I cannot control him with (I'm only 5'and pulling up to correct is not possible.) I use a Halti with pretty good results, however, he is very reactive to other dogs and cats.
3 years, 11 months ago
Kiwi
3 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
lots of pats
Walking
training
swimming
My Rotterman is a wonderful Girl. Very affectionate. Good with other dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, and pigs. Loves being around me.
3 years, 8 months ago
Penny
8 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Hike
Frisbee
Penny is such a sweetheart. Penny is 8 months and 85 pounds of pure goof and muscle. I have a 9 pound cat and a 14 pound min pin/dachshund mix and Penny is so playful and loves them both. She’s very protective of me in public and over the house already! She plays hard and sleeps well. Although she’s very attached to me she does have times where she needs to take time for herself in her kennel. Rottermens do need constant activity and space to stretch and run. Patience is essential for the owner to have before considering a rotterman. You must prepare yourself for occasional stubbornness. Overall they are amazing companions.
3 years, 8 months ago
Snoop
15 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Snoop passed away peacefully at home when he was 15 1/2 yrs old. We got him at 5 wks old and he was the smartest dog we ever had. My sons taught him so many tricks. He loved water, playing frisbee, walking, running, but he was a house dog and didn’t have much interaction with other dogs til we got pit bulls when he was about 9. We have a mother and daughter pit and he was such a gentleman to them both. He was easy going, never had to be crated. Could be in the house all day and never get into anything and never had an accident in the house till a couple of months before he passed.He was sweet and loyal and we miss him still.
3 years, 7 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - My pet
Question

I have a 3 year old male rotterman 28 inches in height, I'm looking for a second opinion on an ideal weight. Thanks!

Answer
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - My pet
Question

Well how shall I start this. So, basically a dog came into my area and we decided to keep him for life since I'm very much animal lover, this dog looks like a mixed breed and most probably trained dog. He looks like a mixture of both doberman pinscher and rottweiler breed. So, the main thing I am concern about is the way my dog, Tony tolerates with my cat. I have tried my very best to train Tony to get along with my cat too but I'm still worried about leaving them alone since Tony looks like he is jealous of my cat. May I know any tips that you can help me to sort out? I would love to keepboth

Answer
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd