55-75 lbs
20-24"
The Springer Rottie is a mix of the English Springer Spaniel and the Rottweiler. This hybrid is a highly active dog with a burly complexion. Their fur is short to medium length, and their hair is generally a mix of black, white, tan, or chocolate. These dogs are strong, protective, and have a high endurance level, they are usually great at guarding property. They are very loyal and loving family members, but might be aggressive toward strange dogs, even when early socialization has been implemented. The best living condition for the Springer Rottie is house living; it is important he lives with his family and also has a place to run and play. If isolated, these dogs may become destructive and aggressive.
The Springer Rottie originated from crossing a Rottweiler with an English Springer Spaniel. The Rottweiler comes from a Mastiff kind of dog, the Molossus. This breed accompanied the Romans on their way to Germany, driving their cattle. These dogs mated with other breeds in the different areas they visited, giving origin to new dog breeds. In southern Germany, the Molossus descendants became highly popular for their great job at driving cattle. Also, their owners would keep their cattle money safe by attaching it to the dog’s neck. These dogs also assisted in pulling carts loaded with meat. Later on, this breed lost popularity and almost disappeared. In 1901 the Rottweiler started gaining some fame again, when breed standards where established. These dogs also became known for their great job at police work. It is estimated that the breed was first presented in America in the late 1920s, when German emigrants brought them. The Rottweiler was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1931. The English Springer Spaniel comes from Spain, hence the name. It is known they have a long history, as dogs similar to them were mentioned in Welsh law documents in 300 A.D. Also, there are paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries depicting Spaniel dogs. This breed was developed for hunting; these dogs would assist hunters before guns were created. They were excellent at springing birds and small animals, and taking them to open field where the game could be easily captured. Later, when guns appeared, the Spaniels would flush game for the hunters. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Englishmen would classify these dogs by their hunting abilities. Small dogs were better for woodcock hunting, these were called Cockers. Larger Spaniels were used for flushing game, these were called Springers. In 1913 a Canadian breeder took the first English Springer Spaniel to America. Where, since 1940, people started to develop two kinds of Springer Spaniels; one more suited for field work, and another to fit the highest breed standards. These two kinds are not being interbred. The Springer developed for field work has more endurance, is faster, and has a keener sense of smell. The Springers breed for shows have lower energy levels, and the aesthetic is highly looked after. In 1910, the American Kennel Club recognized the English Springer Spaniel breed.
The Springer Rottie is a big dog that generally weighs between 55 to 85 pounds. This hybrid has a double-coated fur, usually short, and it can be black, chocolate, tan or white, but mostly, it is black and white or brown and white. She can inherit the distinctive tan face marks from her Rottweiler parent. She has a strong, compact body, with long solid legs that are not set together. Their heads are broad, with a narrower, medium-length muzzle. They have dark, kind eyes, black noses, and their ears hang low. The Springer Rottie’s average height lies between 19 to 27 inches high.
The Springer Rottie sheds moderately, so weekly brushing with a firm bristle brush will be helpful to eliminate dead hair and distribute skin oils. You should also check her ears weekly, looking for possible infections and bad odors, in which case the dog should be taken to the vet. You can clean her ears with a damp towel or cotton, using a cleaning solution. Brushing her teeth at least twice a week is highly recommended to avoid tartar buildup and bad breath. The Springer Rottie will require baths whenever they are dirty or smelly. Nails should also be clipped once or twice a month, depending on how much the dog wears them out with her day to day activity.
Like both of her parent breeds, the Springer Rottie is very intelligent, loyal, and confident. They are usually eager to please and follow orders, but when they make up their minds they will do as they please. Consistency and determination are required to train your Springer Rottie, although they are generally easy to train. They are great with kids if they get used to being with children right from puppyhood. Nonetheless, the Springer Rottie has a tendency for dog aggression, even if they have been interacting with other dogs since puppies, so it is important to be careful when strange dogs come around. These are very sensitive dogs and they don’t cope well when excluded from the family, and when left alone for a long time, they may develop a destructive and aggressive trait. Still, the Springer Rottie is very enthusiastic, loving, and playful. She will make a great companion and guard dog.
Because her parent breeds have different energy levels, the Springer Rottie’s activity requirements might vary, depending on what parent breed the dog leans toward the most. Springer Spaniels are highly active dogs who love outdoor activities, and Rottweilers are more calm and known for being homebodies. Therefore, the activity range might be different for each Springer Rottie puppy. More tranquil dogs will be content with a short 10 to 20-minute walk, whilst the most active dogs will require going for a fast-walk or jog two or three times a day, reaching up to 4 miles or more daily. Both parent-breeds are highly intelligent and are happiest when given activities that require mental effort. Agility activities, ball or fetch games, and going for a hike are some exercises your Springer Rottie will enjoy. They also make great police dogs, or property guardians. This hybrid has a taste for prey hunting and attacking strangers who invade their space, so it is important to have fences in your house to avoid accidents or incidences.
Written by a Dachshund lover Natasha Betancourt
Published: 12/13/2017, edited: 02/24/2021
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