Golden Rottie Dog Breed

The Golden Retriever-Rottweiler mix, as a crossbreed, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does any info exist about these hybrids' specific origin; while a Rottweiler and Golden Retriever mix has probably existed naturally for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed its creation. The Golden Rottweiler likely gained popularity during the designer dog "explosion" in North America starting in the late 20th century. These energetic, intelligent, protective dogs make great pets for active families, but they'll need extensive training and socialization.

A few Golden Rottie facts: they're large- to giant-sized, averaging 24 inches at the shoulders in height and 90 pounds in weight; they have short to medium, thick, double-layered coats that shed seasonally; and they're highly energetic and will need a lot of exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Golden Rottie:

The Golden Rottie is the offspring of two breeds that are alike in some ways, yet completely different in others. Both the Golden Retriever and the Rottweiler parent breeds are big dogs, so this hybrid will be large-sized too: height is normally 22-25 inches at the shoulders, and weight ranges from 70 to 110 pounds. This size, combined with the dogs' instinctive loyalty and protectiveness, makes Golden Rotties terrific watchdogs.

The most unpredictable quality of a Golden Rottie will be its temperament. While the Golden Retriever is known for its inherent sweetness, the Rottie is more reserved and watchful. This means the Golden Rottie can lean one way or the other personality-wise--and the dog can display both the friendliness of the Golden and the Rottie's suspiciousness at different times. Golden Rottie owners are strongly encouraged to provide plenty of training and socialization (starting during puppyhood, if possible) to ensure the dog's temperament is properly balanced.

The Golden Rottie is also very energetic, and will be much more comfortable in homes with lots of room (preferably with a large, fenced yard). These hybrids require outdoor exercise--walks or jogs, fetch, or general playtime--on a daily basis.

Active, intelligent, loyal, affectionate, and often hard to pinpoint, the Rottweiler-Golden Retriever mix temperament is one of devotion and unpredictability. These hybrids' personalities can be super-friendly like the Golden's or reserved like the Rottie's--and often one or the other at different times. Golden Rotties will be protective of loved ones, and they're usually pretty friendly too; they'll make great playmates for kids and they socialize well with most other pets (though they may instinctively try to challenge other dogs, so your Golden Rottie might do better in a "one-dog" household). In any case, owners say, it's best if these dogs grow up alongside any children or household pets so they learn to be accustomed to one another.

In regards to training: Golden Rotties are very intelligent, and usually respond well to training--especially if they inherit the Golden's willingness to please. Regardless, these hybrids are able to lean commands, tasks, and tricks without many repetitions at all. As with any dog, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

And Golden Rotties are terrific watchdogs. They're alert, intelligent, curious, and vocal--so they're sure to bark at and investigate any unknown sights or sounds. Odds are they'll also have the physical capability to neutralize potential threats like intruders.

The Golden Rottie, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), is pretty healthy. Even so, these hybrids can suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including hip and/or elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and various allergies. These deep-chested dogs are also prone to gastric torsion (commonly called bloat), an often-fatal condition that can occur if the dogs are allowed to "wolf" their food too fast.

Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for the Golden Rottie is 9-12 years.