Rott Mix?

[Dukesmommy]

My husband and I purchased a puppy from our local humane society in December. His cage was labeled "Rott mix." Now, there is NO DOUBT that he is Rott but I absolutely cannot tell what the "mix" is. When we got him he was about 5months old and he is now 8 months old. He is 61 pounds and about 23 inches at the shoulder. I guess you could say he's small for a Rott. He displays a lot of Lab-type behaviors which makes me think he's part lab. I have one friend who thinks he's part pit, but he looks nothing like the rott-pit mixes I've seen and A LOT like the rott-lab mixes I've seen. She think's he's part pit because he's a little smaller and more musclely than a normal rott should be at his age. But when I was doing research, I found that those smaller and more muscular characteristics went along with the German Rott (as opposed to the American Rott.) I guess I was just wondering if there was anyone out there who had either of these mixes that could help me determine which is more likely. I know there will never be any way to know for sure. I just want to be a responsible owner and KNOW my dog!

[BostonRott]

There is no way to definitively determine what the mix is, except for seeing the parents. You can make a good guess, but that's about it.

As to German vs. American, no such thing. The difference between a "German" rottweiler and an "American" one is that the German rottweiler was BORN in Germany and has a tail (b/c docking is forbidden by law in Germany), an American Rottweiler is born in America. Country of birth guarantees nothing about height, size, weight, type, etc.

[Judi W]

And there is no reason to believe that the "other half" is purebred at all. It could be the 10th generation of mixes. Mixes are not necessarily between two purebred individuals.

So, you don't really care. You have the best dog regardless.

[majicka]

my labX who we think is mixed w/ german shorthaired pointer is only about 65lbs and she's muscular. For all we know she can be part lab and part umpteen different breeds.

And to reiterate what BostonRott said, the best you can do w/o seeing the parents is guess.

All 3 of my dogs right now are mixes, and I'm still trying to figure out what my Rottie Mix is mixed with! I know it can be frustrating trying to figure it out, but it can also be fun checking out pictures and characteristics of all the different breeds you suspect your dog is mixed with.

[Dukesmommy]

Thanks all... it really does not matter to me, more of a curiosity thing. He is a wonderful dog and very smart and loves people very much and that's all i Care about

[SABELLESMOM]

Actually, considering his age (8 months), 23" and 61 lbs is not far off the mark, mix or not. Rottweilers tend to grow for up to 3 years. They usually attain height before they fill out.

My 10 month old female, for instance is 23.5" and 70 lbs. Consider she's a female (60 lbs at 6 mo) and they're intended to be smaller than their male counterparts. Your boy is 2 months younger.

The thing is right now...she looks "smaller and more muscular" too. You may never know what your boy is mixed with. But if he's mixed with love it won't matter anyway.

He sounds as though you are thoroughly enamored of him. And he sounds absolutely wonderful. I'm sure he'll show you he's smarter and more wonderful all the time as you train him. Are you involved in any classes yet? And did you mention his name?

[Canula2000]

I would just like to add that some animal shelter list dogs as mixes even though they may be purebred. One shelter here list everything as mix because they told me that they cannot be for certain about a dog's pedigree and don't want any hassle from adopters.