Rottle

by Mary Simpson

Published: January 18th, 2018

About Rottle

Weight

75-100 lb

Height

20-27 inches

Lifespan

9-15 years

Group

Not Applicable

Best Suited For

active families with kids and other pets, those looking for a potential watchdog, owners wanting a low- or non-shedding dog

Temperament

gentle, loyal, playful, energetic, even-tempered

Comparable Breeds

Poodle, Rottweiler

Rottle Basics

The energetic Rottle is a playful, fun-loving dog that brings together the intelligence of the Standard Poodle and the calm, affectionate nature of the Rottweiler for a great family pet that loves kids and gets along well with other animals.

The playful Rottle combines the affectionate Rottweiler with the intelligent Poodle.

Origin

The Rottle is the result of a growing trend toward Designer Dogs that surfaced back in the 1980s. These pooches have pure-bred parents but have been crossed specifically to produce puppies that carry the desired traits of both parent breeds – typically a healthier, smaller, hypo-allergenic or gentler form of a popular breed.

Pedigree

The Rottle is ineligible to join the American Kennel Club (AKC) roster of pure-breds because of his mixed lineage however both parent breeds are members; the Poodle joined AKCs “non-sporting” group in 1887 while the Rottweiler has been a member of the “working” group since 1931.

Food/Diet

The Rottle is a large, highly active dog that will require a nutrient-rich kibble designed specifically for his size, age and activity level. As Poodles are known to suffer from digestive issues, plan to feed your dog a top-quality, low-fat food that is also low on the fillers that may make him want to over-eat to feel full. Because Rottles gain weight easily, plan to feed your pooch 2 to 3 smaller meals throughout the day versus free-feeding him.

The Rottle is an affectionate, intelligent dog is playful, up for anything and makes a great companion.

Training

Your Rottle comes from two intelligent and keen-to-please breeds which means he is quick to pick up commands and obedience training should come quite easily. Because of the size of this dog, you will need to take a firm, consistent approach to establishing yourself as the pack leader in order to ensure he takes and responds to commands readily. As with all dogs, a rewards-based approach that includes loads of verbal praise and treats for a job well done will net you the best results.

Weight

Your Rottle is a large dog who will weigh between 75 and 100 pounds when fully grown.

Temperament/Behavior

The Rottle is a calm, even-tempered dog who does well with kids and other animals once socialized. His loyal, protective nature makes him a great potential family watchdog and while he is spirited and energetic when outdoors he calms down nicely once indoors and loves to simply hang-out with his family. This affectionate, intelligent dog is playful, up for anything and makes a great companion – whether running, walking or relaxing on the sofa.

Common Health Problems

While Designer dogs are typically bred specifically to be healthier than their pure-bred parents it’s important that you be aware of what your new pup could inherit, With the Rottle that can include joint issues and digestive problems including bloat from the Poodle as well as bone cancer and heart issues from the Rottweiler.

Life Expectancy

The Rottle is a large dog who is relatively healthy and can be expected to live between 9 and 15 years.

Exercise Requirements

The Rottle is a highly energetic dog who will need long walks or runs to keep him physically fit and lots of active playtime to ensure he is mentally stimulated. He is prone to packing on the pounds which is deadly for a dog prone to joint issues so exercise is a must for this pooch. Tossing a ball in the yard or a visit to the dog park are a great addition to his exercise regimen.

The Rottle is an even-tempered dog that is affectionate with kids and loyal to his family.

Recognized Clubs

Also known as the Rottie-poo, Rottiepoo, Rottiedoodle, Rottweilerpoo and Rottweilerdoodle, the Rottle’s mixed breed status means he doesn’t qualify to join the American Kennel Club (AKC) however he is a member of the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) and the Dog Registry of American, Inc. (DRA).

Coat

The Rottle may have the thick, curly double-coat of the Poodle or the straight, single-coat of the Rottweiler. Either way, he will be a low-shedding dog who may require a little extra attention during shedding season if he leans towards the Rottweiler. A light, daily brushing should keep his coat mat- and tangle-free while periodic professional grooming will help keep him looking his best if he takes after the Poodle with a dense, curly coat. Because floppy eared dogs can experience infections if not properly maintained, inspect and clean his ears weekly.

Puppies

To avoid having a large, unruly dog on your hands it’s important your Rottle puppies be socialized early on and trained in obedience as soon as they are suitably mobile. They come from two smart breeds so will learn quickly and soon become a joy to have in your home. As this pooch can experience joint issues later in life, take it easy on exercise and play that may over-stress tiny limbs.

Photo credit: mattesimages/Shutterstock; D.Bond/Shutterstock; Daz Stock/Shutterstock

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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Does your dog surf the counters in search of a tasty snack? Counter surfing is a common problematic behavior in dogs, where they jump up on kitchen counters or tables to steal food or other items that would usually be out of their reach. Naturally, that type of behavior is a big no-no, no matter how impressive it is for your pooch to manage to actually do it. Not only that losing perfectly good leftovers is no fun, but most human foods are not good for your pet to eat - some can be downright dangerous. This is why you should make sure to correct this bad habit as soon as you notice it.Your pet needs to know that counter surfing is unacceptable behavior and that it’s something they can’t do. But how exactly to get your dog to stop counter surfing without having to resort to punishments? Here are some tips and tricks.How to Get Your Dog to Stop Counter SurfingThe first and most practical tip is to simply cut access to the restricted area – e.g. kitchen counters. Use baby gates,  pet gates, or crate your dog to prevent access to the kitchen, or simply keep a close eye on your dog at all times while they’re in the kitchen and lock the door (if applicable) when you’re not around. If you don’t do anything to prevent access or to monitor your pet’s behavior when they’re in the kitchen, they might take it as a sign to do as they please. 

Humans Are Getting Their Pets Sick – Here's What You Need To Know

Zoonosis are diseases that can be transmitted from other vertebrate animals to humans, such as rabies or Lyme disease, and has been around ever since we started domesticating animals. However, recent studies reveal that a new and lesser-known form of zoonose is becoming increasingly common: the reverse zoonose. This is the latest phenomenon, where disease can be transmitted from humans to their pets. Dr. Benjamin Anderson from the University of Florida was amongst the first to warn about the increase of reverse zoonoses. He said that more attention should be paid to disease transmission “in the opposite direction”, and that both pets and their owners can be threatened by it, especially when sharing close quarters with one another.“We’re starting to see a lot of examples of reverse zoonosis. Pets are more susceptible than, maybe, we previously thought,” he said. “Typically, the viruses that I will have as a human are not going to fit into the receptors that a dog or cat has.”This means that reverse zoonoses typically appear when a pathogen in humans mutates and then adapts to a new animal host. In the past, however, it was much rarer for this to happen, because humans and animals have a totally different biology.But now, the viruses like  coronavirus or influenza have a much higher chance of cross-species transmission. This is mainly due to their RNA-based genetic material, which is more likely to mutate or have replication errors. According to Dr. Anderson, there are several diseases that have been documented to transmit from humans to their pets. These include COVID-19, tuberculosis, swine flu, dengue, human-norovirus, and other viral, fungal, parasitic, and bacterial infections.To make matters worse, the highest chances for this to happen is with pets such as dogs, cats, horses, and ferrets, as they have the most genetic similarity to humans, being mammals. “We have to first ask how the pathogen gets into those animals in the first place,” said Dr. Anderson for  Phys.org. “The pathogen doesn’t develop out of thin air in animals before suddenly spilling over into humans. While pathogens certainly can move from animals to other animals and can be picked up from the environment, exposure to humans also plays an important role. It’s this constant back and forth exchange that happens over time, increasing the probability of a mutation taking place that allows the pathogen to infect a new host.”Dr. Anderson also noted the difficulty in tracking reverse zoonoses, as it is a big challenge to link the transmission of diseases between humans and animals. Because of this, Dr. Anderson advises pet owners to be cautious around pets, particularly if they are sick with communicable diseases, like COVID-19 or the flu. Maintain good hygiene around your pets, and avoid direct contact.

What Is Scent Enrichment for Cats?

Your cat has a powerful sense of smell that she uses to navigate her surroundings and make decisions, so it’s important to consider your kitty when using scented products around the house and maintaining a litter box that doesn’t have offensive odors.In addition to considering the fragrances that can be off-putting to your kitty, you can also enrich your cat’s environment and make her daily life more fun with scent. Below are some tips on how to use scent enrichment to keep your furbaby happy.

Can You Use Dog Flea Products on Cats?

Final Thoughts – Safe Flea Prevention for CatsWhile flea prevention is an important step to keep your cat safe and healthy, you must ensure that the products you are purchasing are made for use on cats. Many dog flea prevention products include highly toxic chemicals to cats, making them potentially life-threatening.If you suspect you have recently used the wrong flea treatment on your cat, wash the area immediately with soap and water to remove as much of the product as possible. Call your vet for an immediate emergency appointment or make your way to the nearest emergency clinic. These products can be lethal, and time is of the essence.For those concerned about the risks of fleas and flea-transmitted diseases, highly effective products are available that are safe for your kitty. When shopping, read the packaging carefully to ensure it says it is made for use on cats. If you are still unsure, ask your veterinarian for recommendations.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Why is My Rabbit Eating Poop and How Do I Stop It?

It’s a weird and uncomfortable habit, but if your rabbit is eating poop, it may not be a sign of health issues! In fact, for rabbits, eating poop may actually be a healthy decision (even if we’d prefer not to see it).In this article, we’re diving into the mystery of why rabbits eat poop, including why you may want to let your rabbit engage in this “cringey” habit. Plus, we’ll look at the warning signs that something is, indeed, off and when you should contact your veterinarian.Let’s get started…Is it Normal for a Rabbit to Eat Their Poop?Obviously, seeing your rabbit eating their own feces isn’t something any rabbit parent enjoys. If this is your first time seeing your rabbit engaging in this behavior, it may even cause serious concerns. What could possibly be so wrong with your rabbit’s system that they would feel tempted to do that? You may be surprised to learn that this is incredibly common and, in many cases, a regular part of their digestive process. By eating a specific type of poop, they ensure that they are getting (and keeping) all the nutrients that they need to support a healthy, happy life. The idea of chowing down on our own waste is disgusting to us. But for our furry friends, this is a normal part of their daily routine. Rabbit Poop vs Cecotropes To better understand the connection between poop eating and your rabbit’s health, we need to learn about the different types of rabbit waste. More specifically, we need to know about cecotropes. When we go to the bathroom, we have one type of solid waste – a material we couldn’t imagine getting near, let alone making into a meal. Rabbits, however, pass two different types of droppings. The first is fecal waste or poop. If your rabbit has a healthy, functioning digestive system, these will be small, round, dry, ball-like pellets that are light brown. This is often found in your rabbit’s litter box (if they are litter-trained) or the bottom of their cage.The second and the most important type of droppings are cecal pellets or cecotropes. These have the appearance of a small bunch of grapes with several round pellets clumped together. They are shiny, coated in mucus, and usually dark brown/mulberry color. The mucus is sticky, which could cause the cecotropes to pick up a layer of hay, wood shavings, or fur from their environment. While feces is the body’s way of discarding everything your body doesn’t need from your food, aka the ‘waste,’ cecotropes are a little different. These pellets contain partially digested foods that passed through your rabbit’s system without the nutrients being absorbed the first time. They are packed with nutrients as well as helpful bacteria and fungi that support a healthy gastrointestinal system. When you see a rabbit eating their waste, they are usually eating these cecotropes. This allows them to absorb the much-needed nutrients that would otherwise be lost.

How Acupuncture Can Help Cats and Dogs

Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and it can be used on people and pets to address a range of conditions. By balancing the flow of energy in the body, this technique can help reduce or resolve symptoms in a natural way.Many people have used acupuncture for their pets and achieved incredible results. But, like anything else, it might not be right for all pets or all conditions. And working with a qualified veterinarian who’s certified in pet acupuncture is key.Read on to learn more about acupuncture for cats and dogs.What Is Acupuncture for Dogs and Cats?In acupuncture, fine needles are placed in the skin on certain points throughout the body, referred to as acupuncture points or acupoints, in order to do things like restore energetic balance, reduce pain and inflammation, and support healthy blood flow. Based on your pet’s symptoms and condition, an acupuncturist will know where to insert the needles to get positive results.The needles shouldn’t cause any discomfort for your pet. In fact, pet parents often state that their animals become relaxed during their acupuncture sessions.Types of Pet AcupunctureThere are a few types of pet acupuncture, and an acupuncturist will determine which is best for your dog or cat.Dry needle acupuncture is the type of acupuncture that you’re likely familiar with. However, instead of using needles, acupuncturists can simply apply pressure to specific points on a pet’s body to support healing—this is known as acupressure.Other options include electroacupuncture, which combines the use of needles with an electric current, and laser acupuncture, which uses a cold laser to stimulate acupuncture points. The Benefits of Acupuncture for PetsAcupuncture can provide a host of benefits to pets when done correctly and by the right professional. As always, it’s wise to discuss this healing technique with your veterinarian to figure out if it’s appropriate for your canine or feline. And it’s important to discuss the potential risks or drawbacks before deciding if you want to try it.Some of the conditions that may be treated with the help of acupuncture include:Arthritis and joint problemsAcupuncture can be used to help relieve discomfort and pain associated with various conditions. If your pet has been diagnosed with arthritis or hip dysplasia, if they’ve been injured and are dealing with pain, or even if they’re having pain after a procedure, acupuncture might be a good treatment for reducing inflammation and improving mobility.In addition to acupuncture treatments, you can also help your pet feel more comfortable by using a heated bed like the K&H Thermo-Snuggle Cup Heated Cat Bed, which can also work well for small dogs. This product is machine washable and features soft fleece that your companion will love snuggling into. Its circular shape ensures your furry friend will feel nice and secure. Plus, you can use the removable heater to help alleviate discomfort and keep them warm while they relax or nap. 

How Do I Train My Dog to Wear a Muzzle?

Introducing a new tool to your dog can feel like uncharted territory. While some dogs will readily accept whatever is thrown their way, others will become stressed or anxious when presented with something new. Unfortunately, if you are in a position where a muzzle is necessary for the safety of your dog or others around you, forgoing a tool because your dog appears to be uninterested in it isn’t an option. So, what do you do? How do you train your dog to wear a muzzle? This guide will dig into the importance of conditioning when planning to muzzle your dog. This includes explaining what conditioning is, walking you through the process step-by-step, and sharing some helpful tips to set you up for success. What is Muzzle Conditioning? Before expecting your dog to wear their muzzle, it is recommended that you take the time to focus on muzzle training, also referred to as muzzle conditioning. This is the process of introducing the muzzle alongside positive rewards. If each time your dog sees or interacts with the muzzle, they get “good things,” it will create a positive association. Over time, they will not only tolerate the muzzle but happily accept it. Why? They recognize that wearing their muzzle means they will receive good things like verbal praise, pets, and their favorite treats. How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Get Used to a Muzzle? There is no one guaranteed timeline when working on muzzle conditioning. While some dogs will quickly take to the muzzle, adjusting in just a few days, others will take longer. Some factors that can impact this include your dog’s personality, trainability, previous experience (positive or negative) with a muzzle, and their trust/bond with you as the person introducing this tool to them. It’s important to keep in mind that the time it takes does NOT mean you are doing better or failing at your training efforts. We have three dogs, all of which have been muzzle-trained. While two of our dogs took to the muzzle relatively quickly, Lucifer’s nerves and anxiety made the process more challenging. This doesn’t mean it was impossible. With time, patience, and consistency, he is now the dog that is most comfortable in a muzzle out of the three. We just had to move at his pace.

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