The Unique Blue Rottweiler Dog Breed

PETSIDI – The Blue Rottweiler is a relatively new designer dog breed that has been gaining popularity in recent years. This mixed breed dog is a cross between a purebred Rottweiler and a purebred Australian Cattle Dog, also known as a Blue Heeler.

Introduction to the Blue Rottweiler

The Blue Rottweiler mix combines the best traits from both its parent breeds to create a loyal, intelligent, and active companion. These designer dogs inherit the Rottweiler’s strong watchdog instincts and the Blue Heeler’s agility and endurance.

While the origins of this crossbreed are uncertain, breeders likely began intentionally crossing Rottweilers and Blue Heelers in the 1990s or early 2000s. The objective was to develop a dog with the Rottweiler’s size and protectiveness and the Blue Heeler’s energetic herding abilities.

Appearance of Blue Rottweiler Mixes

In terms of appearance, the Blue Rottweiler is a medium to large dog, weighing 45 to 90 pounds and standing 20 to 27 inches tall. These Rottweiler mixes can vary significantly in looks since they are not purebreds.

Most Blue Rottweilers have a strong, muscular build similar to a Rottweiler’s. They often have the Rottweiler’s broad head, dark brown eyes, floppy triangular ears, and powerful jaws. The black and tan Rottweiler coat pattern may be passed down as well.

From the Blue Heeler side, these designer dogs might inherit a blue-gray ticked coat and brown or amber eyes. Blue Heelers’ erect triangle ears and leaner build could also be seen. Since the Blue Heeler is a merle dog, Blue Rottweiler puppies can occasionally be born with merle coloring and markings.

The Active, Loyal Temperament

The Blue Rottweiler has a temperament that combines the best traits of its parent breeds. From Rottweilers, these mixes get loyalty, confidence, alertness, and bravery. Blue Heelers contribute high energy levels, intelligence, agility, and herding instincts.

Proper socialization and obedience training is essential for Blue Rottweilers from a young age. With the right upbringing, these crossbreeds make devoted companions who bond strongly with their families. They have the alertness to make excellent watchdogs who will bark to deter intruders.

Blue Rottweilers need extensive daily exercise and mental stimulation. They excel at canine sports like agility, flyball, and herding trials. These energetic mixes enjoy hiking, jogging, swimming, and playing fetch. They are not suited for home environments unless given adequate outdoor time and activities.

The Blue Rottweiler’s Ideal Home

Prospective Blue Rottweiler owners need to understand this breed’s needs to provide a good home. Blue Rottweilers thrive in active households with owners who can give them at least 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise. They will become bored and destructive without enough stimulation.

A home with a spacious, securely fenced backyard is ideal for this energetic crossbreed. Safe off-leash playtime ensures these dogs can run around and stay fit. For times when activity is limited, food puzzle toys, and chew toys help prevent restlessness.

Blue Rottweilers should be housetrained and crate-trained from the time they are puppies. Their curious herding nature and separation anxiety tendencies can lead to undesirable behaviors unless they have guidance.

This breed excels at many dog sports like obedience, agility, and flyball. Participating in these activities is a great way to mentally and physically challenge a Blue Rottweiler. Owners who enjoy exercising and playing with their dogs are better suited for this mix.

Health and Care of Blue Rottweilers

Since the Blue Rottweiler is a relatively new hybrid dog breed, little research exists about their long-term health. However, looking at the health issues of their parent breeds gives some insight.

• Hip Dysplasia – This painful hip joint disorder often affects larger dogs like Rottweilers. Keeping Blue Rottweilers lean and fit helps reduce risk.
• Eye Problems – Progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts are potential concerns from the Rottweiler lineage. Eye exams detect issues early.
• Allergies – Both parent breeds can suffer from food and environmental allergies that cause skin irritation and discomfort.

Reputable breeders screen their breeding dogs for congenital diseases and only breed healthy dogs. Always request health clearances for both parent dogs before getting a Blue Rottweiler puppy.

In terms of grooming, these dogs have moderate shed levels and only need weekly brushing. Bathing is only necessary every few months. Additionally, regular nail trims, teeth brushing, and ear cleanings help keep a Blue Rottweiler looking and feeling their best.

Nutrition and Feeding a Blue Rottweiler

Proper nutrition from high-quality dog food is vital for Blue Rottweilers. These energetic mixes need nutrient-dense diets with adequate protein and fat.

Dry kibble diets made with minimal fillers and all-natural ingredients are ideal. Some excellent options include Solid Gold, Blue Buffalo Wilderness, and Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost. Rotating between two or three high-quality brands provides variety.

Owners can mix in some wet food, raw food, or beef bone broth for extra flavor and moisture. Natural Balance and ZiwiPeak make nutritious wet foods and raw blends. Outward Hound‘s Bone Broth provides a flavorful addition with natural collagen and vitamins.

For a daily treat, 10-for-1 Multivitamin snacks from Mars Veterinary supply essential vitamins and minerals in tasty multivitamin bites. Always feed treats in moderation to avoid overeating.

Puppies need more calories for growth, so choose a high-quality puppy formula. Feed 3-4 meals per day and adjust amounts based on weight and activity. Adult Blue Rottweilers can eat 2 meals daily, but very active dogs may need more food.

Where to Get a Blue Rottweiler Puppy

It is crucial to get a Blue Rottweiler puppy from a responsible breeder, not a retail pet store or an online ad. High-quality breeders focus on health, temperament, and genetics when selecting breeding dogs and raising litters.

Avoid any breeder who produces many mixed breed litters or sells puppies online. Only consider small-scale breeders who do all OFA health tests and allow visits to see the puppies interacting in a clean, enriching environment.

Expect to pay $800 to $2000 for a Blue Rottweiler from a reputable breeder. There may be long waitlists since well-bred puppies are in high demand. Being patient is worthwhile to get a healthy, even-tempered pup.

Adopting an adult Blue Rottweiler is also an option. Check local shelters and breed-specific rescues for available dogs. Adopted dogs often come housetrained and with basic obedience skills.

Is the Blue Rottweiler the Right Dog for You?

Before deciding if the Blue Rottweiler is the ideal breed choice, reflect on your lifestyle and needs. These high-drive dogs demand extensive daily exercise and training. First-time or sedentary owners will struggle to meet their needs.

Blue Rottweilers can develop behavioral issues like aggression, anxiety, chewing, and escape attempts without proper leadership and activity. They require steady training and socialization from puppyhood into adulthood.

Families with small children or multi-pet households should carefully consider if a Blue Rottweiler is suitable. Their size, herding tendencies, and high energy may be overwhelming in some situations.

Additionally, these intense dogs are not suited for small homes or apartments. They thrive with access to a securely fenced yard where they can run and play freely. Owners who frequently travel may also have difficulty managing this breed.

For an active individual or family able to provide adequate exercise, training, and attention, the loyal Blue Rottweiler can make a wonderful companion. These striking hybrids are both great jogging and hiking partners as well as focused watchdogs. With their family, they are sweet, playful, and affectionate.

The Blue Rottweiler’s mix of Rottweiler and Blue Heeler traits produces an intensely devoted dog for the properly prepared owner. Do thorough research to decide if this breed’s qualities and extensive needs fit your lifestyle.