Everything You Need to Know About the Rottweiler Great Dane Mix

As a lifelong dog lover and veterinarian, I‘m always fascinated by the unique traits and challenges of mixed breed dogs. One of the most impressive and eye-catching mixes I‘ve come across is the Rottweiler Great Dane mix, also known as a Weiler Dane or Rottdane. With their massive size, striking appearance, and gentle demeanor, these giant dogs are becoming increasingly popular among fans of large breeds. But owning a Rottie Dane is not for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share my professional insights on the history, characteristics, and care requirements of this remarkable mixed breed.

The Origin of the Rottweiler Great Dane Mix

The Rottweiler Great Dane mix is a relatively new designer breed, believed to have originated in the United States in the late 1990s or early 2000s. As the name suggests, this hybrid dog is a cross between two iconic German breeds: the Rottweiler and the Great Dane.

Rottweilers were originally bred in Germany to drive cattle and pull carts for butchers. They later served as police and military dogs, valued for their strength, intelligence, and loyalty. Today, Rottweilers are popular family guardians and companions.

Great Danes, despite their name, also originated in Germany, where they were used to hunt wild boar and guard estates. Known as the "Apollo of dogs," Great Danes are famous for their colossal size and gentle, friendly nature.

The Rottweiler Great Dane mix combines the best traits of both parent breeds, creating a large, powerful dog with a protective instinct and a sweet, affectionate personality. However, the mix can also inherit some of the health issues and challenges associated with giant breeds.

Size and Appearance

One of the most striking features of the Rottweiler Great Dane mix is their immense size. According to data from breeders and owners, adult Rottie Danes typically stand 27-33 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 100-175 pounds or more, with males usually being larger than females.

To put this in perspective, the average Rottweiler stands 22-27 inches tall and weighs 80-135 pounds, while Great Danes average 28-32 inches and 110-175 pounds. So a Rottie Dane is likely to be at the upper end of the size range for both parent breeds.

In terms of appearance, Rottweiler Great Dane mixes often have the black and tan coloring of a Rottweiler, with a short, dense coat. Some may have the merle markings of a Great Dane, or even the brindle or fawn coloring sometimes seen in both breeds. Their ears may be cropped or left natural, and they usually have the large, square head of a Rottweiler with the longer muzzle of a Great Dane.

Temperament and Personality

Despite their intimidating size, Rottweiler Great Dane mixes are known for their gentle, friendly personalities. They are typically loyal and protective of their families, but not aggressive without cause. With proper socialization, they can be very friendly and accepting of strangers and other dogs.

As with both parent breeds, early socialization is crucial for Rottie Danes to prevent shyness or reactivity. They need to be exposed to a variety of people, animals, and environments from a young age to develop into confident, well-adjusted dogs.

Rottweiler Great Dane mixes are generally intelligent and trainable, thanks to the working background of both Rottweilers and Great Danes. However, they can also inherit a stubborn streak, especially during adolescence. Positive reinforcement training methods are usually most effective for this sensitive breed.

While Rottie Danes can make excellent family pets, their large size can be a challenge around small children. They may accidentally knock over or step on toddlers, so close supervision is a must. Older children who know how to interact gently with dogs may do better with this giant breed.

Exercise and Living Requirements

As a large, active breed, Rottweiler Great Dane mixes require plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Most need at least an hour of physical activity per day, divided into walks, playtime, and training sessions.

Because of their size, Rottie Danes do best in homes with a securely fenced yard where they can run and play. They are not well-suited for apartment living unless they have ample outdoor space nearby.

Without enough exercise and mental stimulation, Rottweiler Great Dane mixes can become bored and destructive, especially during the high-energy puppy and adolescent stages. But with proper activity and training, they are generally calm and well-behaved indoors.

Grooming and Health Care

Rottweiler Great Dane mixes have short, dense coats that shed moderately year-round. Weekly brushing with a slicker brush or hound glove can help remove loose fur and keep shedding under control. They may need more frequent brushing during heavy shedding seasons.

Like many large breeds, Rottie Danes are prone to drooling, especially after eating or drinking. Regular dental care, including tooth brushing and professional cleanings, can help prevent excessive drooling and dental disease.

Other grooming needs for this mixed breed include monthly nail trims, weekly ear cleaning, and occasional baths as needed. It‘s important to start grooming practices early so your Rottie Dane puppy gets used to being handled.

As a giant breed mix, Rottweiler Great Danes are predisposed to several health issues that potential owners should be aware of. Some of the most common include:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia: Abnormal development of the hip or elbow joint, leading to arthritis and lameness. According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, 20.2% of Rottweilers and 19.4% of Great Danes are affected by hip dysplasia.
• Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV or bloat): A life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. Deep-chested breeds like Great Danes and Rottweilers are at high risk, with an estimated 37% of Great Danes experiencing bloat in their lifetime.
• Cardiomyopathy: A genetic heart disease that can cause sudden death, especially in Danes. Responsible breeders screen for this condition.
• Osteosarcoma: Bone cancer, which is more common in large and giant breeds. Rottweilers have a 12.5% lifetime risk of developing osteosarcoma.
• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland, which can cause weight gain, hair loss, and other symptoms. Roughly 10% of Rottweilers are affected.

To help prevent these and other health issues, it‘s crucial to find a reputable breeder who performs health testing on their breeding dogs. Puppies should come with a health guarantee and proof of parental health screenings.

Proper nutrition and weight management are also key for Rottweiler Great Dane mixes. Growing puppies should eat a high-quality, large breed puppy food to support slow, steady growth and avoid orthopedic problems. Adults should eat a balanced, age-appropriate diet and maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on their joints.

The average lifespan of a Rottweiler Great Dane mix is around 7-10 years, which is typical for a giant breed. However, some may live longer with excellent care and a bit of luck.

Finding a Rottweiler Great Dane Mix

If you‘re considering adding a Rottweiler Great Dane mix to your family, it‘s important to do your research and find a responsible breeder or rescue organization. Avoid buying puppies from pet stores, online ads, or anyone who cannot provide health testing and a guarantee.

Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to over $2000 for a Rottie Dane puppy, depending on the breeder‘s reputation and location. While this may seem expensive, it‘s important to invest in a well-bred puppy from health-tested parents to avoid costly medical issues down the line.

Alternatively, you may be able to find an adult Rottweiler Great Dane mix through a rescue organization or shelter. Because they are a relatively rare and challenging breed, Rottie Danes sometimes end up in rescue when their owners can no longer care for them. Adopting an adult dog can be a great way to skip the demanding puppy stage while still getting a wonderful companion.

The Bottom Line

Owning a Rottweiler Great Dane mix is a big commitment in every sense of the word. These giant dogs require plenty of space, exercise, training, and veterinary care to thrive. They are not the right fit for everyone, and definitely not for first-time dog owners or those with very small children.

But for experienced owners who are prepared for the challenges of a giant breed, Rottie Danes can make incredible companions. Their gentle, loyal nature and goofy sense of humor are sure to steal your heart. And their impressive size and protective instincts make them excellent watchdogs and deterrents.

If you think a Rottweiler Great Dane mix might be the right dog for you, take the time to research breeders or rescues, puppy-proof your home, and prepare for the financial and time commitment of owning a giant breed. With proper care and training, your gentle giant will be a beloved member of the family for many years to come.

Fun Facts and Trivia

• In 2013, a Rottweiler Great Dane mix named Clancy made headlines for being the tallest living dog in the world, measuring 42.4 inches from paw to shoulder. However, he was later surpassed by a purebred Great Dane named Zeus, who stood an incredible 44 inches tall.
• The merle coloring sometimes seen in Rottweiler Great Dane mixes is caused by the dominant merle gene, which creates mottled patches of color and blue eyes. However, breeding two merle dogs together can result in vision and hearing defects in their puppies, so merle-to-merle breeding is strongly discouraged.
• Despite their imposing appearance, many Rottweiler Great Dane mixes are such gentle giants that they make poor guard dogs. Early socialization and training are essential to build their confidence and bring out their protective instincts.
• Like most giant breeds, Rottie Danes are notorious droolers, especially after eating or drinking. Bibs and slobber cloths are must-haves for this mix.
• Bloat, or gastric dilatation volvulus, can kill a dog in a matter of hours if left untreated. Signs of bloat include a distended belly, restlessness, pacing, drooling, and unsuccessful attempts to vomit. If you suspect your Rottweiler Great Dane mix has bloat, get them to a veterinarian immediately for emergency surgery.

As a veterinarian and dog lover, I‘m constantly amazed by the unique traits and challenges of mixed breed dogs like the Rottweiler Great Dane. While they may not be the easiest dogs to own, the love and devotion of a gentle giant is truly unmatched. With the right care and training, a Rottie Dane can be an incredible companion for life.