A Rotterman is a cross between a Doberman and a Rottweiler.
If you’re familiar with these two popular German dog breeds, you won’t be surprised to learn that a Rotterman has a black, brown and tan coat color.
The Rotterman is a relatively uncommon mix when compared to some popular hybrid dogs such as Goldendoodles, Cockapoos and Bernedoodles.
While they’re usually dubbed Rottermans, they can also be referred to as Doberweiler, Doberott, Rottie Dobe and Rottie Dobie.
Thomas the Rotterman (Photo: thomastherotterman / Instagram)
As a relatively new mix, it’s unclear how the first Rotterman were intentionally bred. In fact, they’re most likely the result of unintentional breeding.
Unsurprisingly, Rotterman will incorporate some of the traits associated with the Doberman and Rottweiler breeds.
We’ll hear from a Rotterman owner who has a member of this cross breed called Thomas (@thomastherotterman).
Rotterman Pros
Loyal
Thomas the Rotterman (Photo: thomastherotterman / Instagram)
When you think of loyal dog breeds, Dobermans and Rottweilers will likely come to mind. So it’s no surprise that a Rotterman will be extremely loyal to his owner and family members. Although they’re a relatively big dog with an average size of 23 to 28 inches and 65 to 130 lbs, they can make big cuddle bugs. Rottermans will enjoy bonding and relaxing with their family at home.
Thomas’ owner (@thomastherotterman) explained his Rotterman is like a “velcro dog”.
They’re a “velcro” dog that follows you everywhere and has good recall.
Trainable
When you take a look at the famous study on dog IQ called The Intelligence Of Dogs, you’ll notice that the Doberman and Rottweilers make the top 20. Therefore, it’s a safe bed that most Rottermans will be smart dogs that are relatively quick to learn new commands.
Thomas (@thomastherotterman) was easy to train.
Thomas is highly trainable and intelligent. He is able to understand a lot of my commands.
Loving
When you think of a Doberman and a Rottweiler, you don’t necessarily think of a dog that is in tune with people’s emotions. However, Rottermans can be quite perceptive to the emotions and feelings of other members of the household.
Thomas (@thomastherotterman) is able to key into the emotions of his family members.
Thomas is loving and sympathetic. He’s able to read your mood and act according.
Guard dog
Thomas the Rotterman (Photo: thomastherotterman / Instagram)
Rottermans can make excellent guard dogs thanks to their physical build and unique personalities. Their sheer size makes them a formidable obstacle should an unwanted visitor come to your home. These impressive specimens will act as a natural deterrent. Their personalities is loyal and protective so they’ll do anything to ensure their family unit is safe.
Thomas (@thomastherotterman), like Dobermans and Rottweilers, make great guard dogs.
Thomas is a good guard dog. He’s very defensive of his territory.
Playful
While Rottermans can make great guard dogs, they’ve got a playful side. If you’re looking for a dog that can join you on your walks, hikes or runs, they’ll be more than happy to join in. Rottermans will love to romp in the garden with a game of fetch or tug.
Thomas (@thomastherotterman).
Thomas is playful and always happy. He lightens your mood, I’ve actually never seen it being down, he’s just happy to be there to participate in anything.
Rotterman Cons
Persistent
Thomas the Rotterman (Photo: thomastherotterman / Instagram)
Just like Dobermans and Rottweilers, Rottermans can be independent and strong-minded. It’s a good idea to start training your Rotterman from a young age to lay down good foundations. You could attend puppy manners classes or find one-to-one training sessions.
Thomas (@thomastherotterman) needs firm instruction to ensure good behaviour.
He’s very persistent and requires firm commands and leadership. Rottermans may misbehave in people that’s less commanding and lenient. He’s good at testing people’s boundaries and tolerance.
Highly energetic
Rottermans are the result of breeding between two active dog breeds. Rotterman owners will need to be prepared to give their mix breed sufficient daily exercise. Wag Walking recommend a Rotterman gets at least 90 minutes of exercise a day (or 14 miles per week).
Thomas (@thomastherotterman) has a lot of energy, just like Dobermans and Rottweilers.
He’s highly energetic so requires you to put in a lot of work each day, This may be a pro as well to keep you active.
Defensive
Some Rottermans may be defensive of strangers entering the home or their perceived territory. This is something to consider before you bring your Rotterman home. Working with a dog behaviorist could help.
Thomas’s owner (@thomastherotterman) shed more light on this particular con.
At times overly defensive. He needed a lot of training to make him less overly cautious when he’s in public but this breed was made for guard dog, so I don’t blame him.
Lack social skills
Thomas the Rotterman (Photo: thomastherotterman / Instagram)
While this isn’t reflective of all Rottermans, some members of the cross breed could be aloof or reserved around other dogs. It’s a good idea to socialize your Rotterman from a young age, but make sure you do so in a responsible way. You could attend puppy socialization classes.
Thomas (@thomastherotterman) can be aloof around other dogs.
Lack of social skills, he‘s playful but at times plays too hard with other dogs, doesn’t know he can‘t really play with smaller dogs just because of his sheer size may injure them if he plays with them.
Destructive chewing
Rottermans have a powerful bite and this power needs to be harnessed on the appropriate toys. If not, you could struggle with some destructive chewing.
Thomas (@thomastherotterman) is a big chewer.
Mine is very big on chewing, even now when he’s into adult phase. I’ve shifted with toys bones etc since he was young, but it does increase the cost.
Rotterman Frequently Asked Questions
Are Rotterman good dogs?
Thomas the Rotterman (Photo: thomastherotterman / Instagram)
They’re great dogs!
Is a Rottweiler Doberman a good mix?
I think unlike other Rottweiler mixes, Thomas inherited more traits of Dobermanns than Rotties, which makes sense since the Doberman derived from Rottweilers too. But yes, he has the merits of both and is a good mix.
Is a Rotterman a breed?
No – but they should be!
What do you feed Rottermans?
He started with all raw diet, but as he grew older more is needed which significantly increased cost, so we’ve shifted to kibbles and bi-daily raw.
He adapts well to diets, we can throw in cans, raw, freeze dried whenever to boost nutrition and his stomach is good with anything we throw in. Lot of snacks like liver and dried fish etc for the extra amino acids
Anything Else To Consider?
It’s important to remember that every dog is different so no two Rottermans will be exactly the same. The traits your Rotterman will have depend on their parents – too. While we’ve heard the perspective of a Rotterman owner in this feature, their insights may not be reflective of all Rottermans.
Wrapping Up – Our Final Thoughts
Thomas the Rotterman (Photo: thomastherotterman / Instagram)
We’ve reached the end of our Rotterman Pros and Cons feature.
The Rotterman is a cross between a Doberman and a Rottweiler, resulting in a large dog that is loyal, energetic and protective.
They’re a relatively uncommon mix but Rottermans can make great family pets in the right environment.
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