Rottle

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Rottle is a cross of the Poodle and the Rottweiler, two breeds with very high working and obedience intelligences, despite their breed differences. Both are German breeds, although the Poodle was originally a water-hunting and retrieving dog while the Rottweiler was a herding and working dog on livestock farms.

The Poodle, an inveterate performer, was the darling of Spanish and French royalty when the breed first started to spread across Europe. Aside from its appearance, however, which has spawned several styles of clips, the Poodle is also a dog of substance. Quick to pick up and eager to please, it has been a featured performer in circuses around the world.

The Rottweiler is believed to be from Roman mastiffs and molossers bred with native German dogs, from when the Roman legion was moving through parts of Germany. Its great strength and calm made it invaluable to livestock farmers that needed an effective herder, a tireless harness animal. and a formidable guard against scoundrels.

Color

The Rottle's coat is almost always solid, with variations only in shading and occasional tan markings from the Rottweiler. Common colors are black, white, brown and silver. A parti-colored coat will be from the Poodle parent.

Coat

The Rottle can have a single coat, which could still need quite a bit of grooming if it turns out thick and curly like the Poodle's. Shed hair would not typically fall out, as it gets trapped in the curls, although the Rottle is a low-shedding type, except for when in season. A double coat is possible, where the top layer is hard and straight, with a softer second layer.

Personality

Bred of intelligent and hardworking parents, the Rottle is not an indolent type content to loll in front of (or on) the couch. While it will love an occasional hang-out with the family, its working and hunting instincts demand activity and outdoor forays. It is also standoffish with strangers, and, with proper training, will make a good watch and guard dog. It is very loyal and protective of its family as well, and so, while its calm temperament will be great with kids and adults alike, it will display territoriality and fearlessness with strangers. Other pets and animals in the house, if properly socialized with the Rottle, will be considered part of its family or "herd."

Care

A thick, curly coat will need frequent grooming if to be kept clean. However, the maintenance will also depend on the clip. Fancier clips usually require more grooming; more practical ones will demand less. Brushing once a day will help with shed hair.

Training

The Rottle thrives on mental stimulation and activity, so it will be easy to train. Formal training and early socialization are recommended, as the Rottle's strength is best harnessed for desirable behavior.

Activity

Outdoor activity is best for the Rottle, as this will satisfy its need for open space and give vent to its primal instinct to run. Games will engage its natural intelligence, while more vigorous play will help condition it physically and ward off weight gain.