The Rottaf: An Exotic Rottweiler Afghan Hound Mix

Are you looking for a unique, eye-catching dog that will turn heads everywhere you go? Do you have plenty of space, time, and energy to devote to a large, active canine companion? If so, the Rottaf may be the perfect pooch for you! This exotic hybrid combines the strength and loyalty of a Rottweiler with the grace and speed of an Afghan Hound, resulting in a one-of-a-kind dog.

But before you start your search for Rottaf puppies, there are some important things you should know about this rare mixed breed. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything from the Rottaf‘s history and physical characteristics to its personality, training requirements, grooming needs and more. By the end, you‘ll have a clear idea of whether this majestic yet demanding dog would be a good fit for your lifestyle.

The History of the Rottaf

The Rottaf is a very new and uncommon designer dog breed, so its origins are not well-documented. Most likely, the first Rottafs were bred in the United States sometime in the last 20-30 years. As the popularity of hybrid vigor and customized canine companions grew, some breeders decided to cross two disparate pure breeds – the powerful Rottweiler and the dignified Afghan Hound.

On the surface, Rotties and Afghans may seem to have little in common. Rottweilers descend from ancient Roman drover dogs and for centuries have served as guardians, police K9s and family protectors. They are strong, confident and calmly courageous. Afghan Hounds, on the other hand, are one of the world‘s oldest and most unique sighthound breeds. Elegantly graceful with a long, silky coat, Afghans were bred to hunt swift prey over rugged terrain.

What happens when you mix these two very different dogs? As with any hybrid, the results can be quite unpredictable. Some Rottafs may inherit more Rottweiler traits while others favor their Afghan Hound parent. In general though, you can expect a Rottaf to be a large, athletic dog with strong guarding instincts, an independent spirit, and an exotic appearance that‘s sure to attract attention.

Rottaf Characteristics

Because the Rottaf is such a rare mixed breed, there is no breed standard for their appearance. From one puppy to the next, size, coloring, coat type and other physical traits can vary quite a bit based on which parent breed the dog favors.

In general, you can expect a Rottaf to be a large dog, likely in the 80-110 pound range and standing 26-29 inches tall at the shoulder. Their body will probably be strong and muscular like a Rottweiler‘s but perhaps a bit leaner and more agile due to the Afghan influence.

The head may have the broad, powerful muzzle of a Rottie or the long, refined features of an Afghan. Eyes are usually dark and alert, but can be light in color like an Afghan‘s as well. Ears may be rose-shaped or folded like an Afghan‘s or they could be small and triangular like a Rottweiler‘s.

One of the most unpredictable aspects of a Rottaf‘s appearance is the coat. Some may inherit the short, straight and dense double coat of the Rottweiler parent. Others might have the long, silky, flowing hair of the Afghan Hound. And of course, many Rottafs end up with a unique combination of both coat types! Colors will most likely include the typical Rottweiler black and tan pattern but could also feature rarer Afghan colors like red, cream or blue.

Rottaf Temperament

A Rottaf‘s temperament and personality quirks will depend a lot on which parent breed is dominant in their genetic makeup. In general though, you should be prepared for a dog with the following characteristics:

Loyal and Loving
With their Rottweiler background, Rottafs are likely to bond very deeply with their family and will show endless loyalty and affection to their humans. They can be sweet, playful and cuddly with the people they love and trust.

Aloof with Strangers
Both Rottweilers and Afghan Hounds tend to be reserved with people they don‘t know. Your Rottaf may be standoffish when meeting new humans and it will take time and positive experiences for them to warm up. Proper proactive socialization is a must to prevent aloofness from turning into aggression or fear.

Protective
The Rottweiler‘s strong guarding instincts will probably be apparent in your Rottaf from a young age. They are vigilant watchdogs and will quickly alert you to anything unusual. Without proper training and socialization, their territorial tendencies could lead to unwarranted aggression.

High Prey Drive
Afghan Hounds were bred to independently course game across the desert, so Rottafs are likely to have a strong instinct to chase. They will need a safely fenced area to run and reasonable outlets for their natural hunting behaviors like lure coursing. A strong prey drive also means they may not do well in homes with small pets like cats.

Independent Thinker
Both Rottweilers and Afghans are known for having minds of their own. They aren‘t as eager to please as some breeds and prefer to do things their way. First-time dog owners should think twice about getting a Rottaf, as their independent streak can make them challenging to train. They need a confident owner who knows how to be the leader in a firm but fair way.

Energetic and Athletic
As a large dog with working and hunting ancestry, the Rottaf will be a high energy breed with impressive strength and stamina. Plan to provide them with ample daily exercise in the form of long walks, vigorous play sessions, hiking, swimming and more. A bored Rottaf will be prone to destructive behavior and barking.

Training Your Rottaf

Training is an absolute necessity for any Rottaf owner. These intelligent but independent dogs need clear rules, boundaries and expectations starting from puppyhood. Putting in the time to properly train your Rottaf will result in a well-behaved dog that is a joy to live with. Here are some tips for successfully training this challenging mixed breed:

Start Early
As soon as you bring your Rottaf puppy home at 8 weeks old, training should begin. Enroll them in a positive puppy kindergarten class right away to start teaching basic obedience and manners. This early socialization period is also critical for exposing your Rottaf to many different people, animals and environments so they learn to confidently navigate the world.

Be the Pack Leader
Rottafs need to know that you are in charge and that they can look to you for guidance. If they sense that you are wishy-washy or inconsistent, they will assume they are in control and that is a recipe for behavior issues. Be firm and confident in your leadership but always use positive reinforcement methods. Yelling, hitting or other punishments will only damage your relationship.

Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun
Rottafs can get bored with repetitive drilling so aim for 5-10 minute training sessions a few times a day. Always end on a positive note and reward your dog with high value treats, praise and playtime. Training should be an enjoyable bonding experience for you and your Rottaf.

Focus on Impulse Control
Teaching your Rottaf to control their impulses is important for managing their guarding instincts and prey drive. Work on having them sit calmly before going through doorways, getting their food, going on walks, etc. Teach them to "leave it" when they want to dart after a squirrel. Impulse control will help in so many areas of life with your Rottaf.

Master the Basics, Then Add Advanced Cues
A well-rounded obedience foundation should include sit, down, stay, come, heel, and leave it. Once your Rottaf has mastered these basics, consider moving on to advanced commands like place, off, roll over, play dead, and more. Rottafs need mental stimulation so learning complex behaviors is great for their active minds.

Commit to Lifelong Training
Rottafs aren‘t the type of dog you can train for a few months as a puppy and then be done. They are too intelligent to not be continually challenged with new skills to master. Keep up with your daily training sessions throughout your Rottaf‘s life to prevent behavior regression. Joining an obedience or activity club is ideal for keeping your training commitment.

Grooming Your Rottaf

Your Rottaf‘s grooming needs will depend a lot on the type of coat they inherit. Some may have the short, dense double coat of a Rottweiler while others could have the long, fine, silky hair of an Afghan Hound. Here is a general grooming routine you can expect for your Rottaf:

Brushing
No matter what type of coat your Rottaf ends up with, regular brushing will be necessary to prevent tangles and remove loose fur. A Rottaf with more of an Afghan coat will need brushing sessions at least 2-3 times per week with a pin brush or slicker brush. Pay extra attention to areas prone to matting like behind the ears, under the arms and along the back of the legs. A more Rottweiler-coated Rottaf will only need brushing once or twice a week with a rubber curry brush.

Bathing
With regular brushing, you should only need to bathe your Rottaf every 1-2 months unless they get into something messy. Use a gentle, moisturizing canine shampoo and be sure to rinse thoroughly. Afghan-type coats may need a conditioner to keep the long hair soft and tangle-free. Towel dry or blow dry on a low, cool setting to prevent hot spots.

Ear Care
Both Rottweilers and Afghans can be prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears that trap moisture. Check your Rottaf‘s ears weekly for any signs of wax buildup, irritation or odor. Clean gently with a cotton ball and an ear cleaner recommended by your vet.

Dental Care
Brushing your Rottaf‘s teeth a few times a week (daily is ideal) will help prevent painful periodontal disease. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and canine toothpaste. Dental chews, water additives and professional cleanings with your vet will round out your dog‘s dental care routine.

Nail Trims
Your Rottaf‘s nails should be trimmed every 3-4 weeks to keep them short and tidy. If you hear clicking on the floor, the nails are too long. You can use a clipper or grinder, just be sure to avoid the quick which is the vein that runs through the nail. If you accidentally nick the quick, keep some styptic powder on hand to stop the bleeding.

Rottaf Health Issues

Mixed breed dogs like the Rottaf are often healthier than their purebred parents thanks to hybrid vigor. However, they can still be prone to genetic health issues common in Rottweilers and Afghan Hounds. Here are some potential health concerns to be aware of:

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Like many large breeds, Rottafs may develop hip or elbow joint abnormalities that lead to pain, lameness and arthritis. Responsible breeders will screen their stock for dysplasia to avoid passing it on. Keeping your Rottaf lean and providing joint supplements can help prevent problems.

Bloat
Both Rottweilers and Afghan Hounds are deep-chested breeds that are more prone to bloat, which is when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. This is an emergency situation that requires immediate vet care. Feeding smaller meals, avoiding exercise after eating and using a slow feeder can reduce the risk of bloat.

Eye Issues
Rottafs may be prone to eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts and entropion. Annual exams with a canine ophthalmologist can catch issues early.

Bone Cancer
Like other large breeds, Rottafs have a higher risk of developing osteosarcoma which is a malignant tumor in the bones. Early detection and treatment can improve the prognosis.

With proper care, a healthy Rottaf can live 9-13 years. Be sure to feed a high quality diet, keep your dog at a healthy weight, provide plenty of exercise, and stay up to date on preventive vet care to give your Rottaf the best chance at a long life.

Finding a Rottaf

The biggest challenge when it comes to Rottafs is actually finding one. Because they are such an uncommon designer hybrid, you will likely have a very difficult time locating a breeder that specializes in this unique mix. Afghan Hounds are quite rare so even unintentional breedings with Rottweilers would be few and far between.

Your best bet for finding a Rottaf may be to keep an eye on shelters and rescues, especially those that focus on Rottweilers or large breeds. Sometimes mixed breed puppies will end up in rescue if the mother dog got out and mated with another breed. Adopting an older Rottaf from a rescue is also a possibility if one ends up in the system.

If you do find a breeder producing Rottaf puppies, be prepared for a high price tag. Rare designer dogs often come with hefty costs, sometimes upwards of $3000-5000. Always do your research to ensure you are working with a responsible breeder who health tests their breeding stock, raises the puppies in an enriching environment and offers a health guarantee.

Is a Rottaf Right For You?

After learning all about the Rottaf‘s characteristics and needs, it‘s time to decide if this is the right breed for you. A Rottaf would do best with an owner that:

• Has plenty of space and a securely fenced yard for a large, high energy dog to run and play
• Is home often to provide companionship and plenty of exercise and interaction
• Has experience training challenging breeds and being a confident leader
• Will commit to ongoing socialization and training to manage guarding behaviors
• Doesn‘t mind a decent amount of grooming and shedding
• Has the time and budget for a high maintenance mixed breed
• Appreciates the loyal, affectionate and noble qualities of a Rottweiler and the elegance and athleticism of an Afghan Hound

Does this sound like you? Then perhaps one of these unique and majestic mixed breeds could be your new best friend! While challenging, sharing your life with a Rottaf would certainly be a rewarding adventure filled with love, laughter and endless entertainment.