Brottweiler

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Brottweiler is a portmanteau, or an arbitrary name derived from two words, for the result of a cross between a purebred Brussels Griffon and a Rottweiler.

The Brussels Griffon is classified as a toy dog, and there are three varieties, which are considered to be disparate breeds in some countries. Aside from the Griffon Brixellois, there is the Griffon Blege, and the Petite Brabancon. Differences are mainly in coat type and color, but otherwise, other breed standards remain the same.

The Rottweiler is a heavily muscled German breed, originating from the town of Rottweil as a farmer's working dog, driving and guarding herds of livestock. Its size and fearlessness also served to guard its master from robbers and thieves as he traded and did business in the market.

Color

The Brottweiler may take after the Brussels Griffon, which comes in a variety of colors, or the Rottweiler, which is typically in black and rust-to-mahogany markings. The Brussels Griffon's colors are commonly red, black, beige (black and red), and black and tan.

Coat

The Brottweiler's coat may be of two types, rough and smooth. The smooth coat is short and straight, shiny and soft to the touch. The rough coat may overlie an undercoat, which is not as thick as the top coat and does not show through. The top coat is coarse and hard in texture, and of medium length.

Personality

The Brottweiler is a sweet, emotionally dependent dog that needs to feel it is part of the family. It is not a good outside dog, for this reason, as it will always want to be near its owner. It is protective of its family, and can become particularly attached to one person, which means it may resent other dogs that it perceives to be receiving attention that it should get. It is a naturally bold and inquisitive dog, with no sense of its size, and can get into trouble with other, bigger dogs. It is in tune with its owner's moods, and can act accordingly to comfort, amuse, commiserate, whatever it feels is needed of it.

Care

A minimal undercoat generally means less shedding, but the Brottweiler may blow its coat once a year, when it is in season. Regular brushing and vacuuming of the shed fur will keep the dog well-groomed and its surroundings tidy. A bath every month or so will suffice to get rid of deep-seated grime and clean out coat oil mixed with everyday dirt and dust.

Training

The Brottweiler will greatly benefit from early and consistent socialization, from puppyhood until well into adolescence. It is intelligent, but may resist training just because. Early obedience training will set the ground for this dog, and firm, consistent handling will let it know it can't get its own way all the time.

Activity

The Brottweiler needs to be walked for at least half an hour daily, aside from any other activity it may enjoy or initiate. It is not a hyperactive dog, and will not require too much time and commitment from its owner to tire it out for the day. But it needs to fulfill its primal instinct to walk and explore. Otherwise, it will enjoy tricks and games, especially with treats involved.