What is a Mini Rottweiler?
You must have seen a Rottweiler and how charming they look. Mini Rottweiler is a fully-grown Rottweiler, just smaller in size but double in fun and cuteness. Despite being smaller in size, mini Rottweiler is a bundle of energy. They are famous for being a good working breed that serves as police dogs, guard dogs, and even service dogs for the blind and persons with other disabilities.
Mini Rottweiler is a great choice for those who want a pet Rottweiler but do not have enough space. Since they are a tiny version of Rottweilers, they have almost similar personalities and traits in a fun size.
Origin and History
Rottweiler is one of the oldest breeds descended from the Molossus, a mastiff-type dog. Their ancestors were drover dogs that marched to Germany with the Romans, as armies needed powerful dogs to take care of the herd.
These dogs were mixed and matched with the native dogs and formed this breed in the region of Rottweil in Germany. They were called “Rottweil butcher’s dog” because the native butchers bred this type of dog purely for hauling carts full of meat from town to town. After they sold the meat, butchers would tie purses to dogs’ necks to protect the money from thieves.
Talking about Mini Rottweilers, they’re not purebred. They must have come either as a result of crossing a Rottweiler with smaller breeds, such as Chihuahua or Beagle or the offspring of two runts of the litter from different parents or simply a Rottweiler with dwarfism.
Characteristics of a Mini Rottweiler
Mini Rottweilers’ characteristics depend highly on their parents and how they are bred. However, some physical traits are common in most mini Rotties but not all. Below is a brief snapshot of their characteristics.
Key Features
Height: 12 inches when fully grown
Weight: 18 – 35 pounds if they are pure breed
Color and markings: Black hair with tan markings on the face and body, particularly on the legs and chest
Coat: Medium outer coat; the undercoat only on the thighs and neck. Their fur coats are smooth and shiny
Ears: Naturally floppy ears, just like the regular-sized Rotties
Lifespan: They live an average life of 8-11 years
Temperament: Highly social—you may find them less excited and more silent initially, but if given some time, they won’t take too long to get attached to their parents
Do Mini Rottweiler Shed?
If your mini Rottie is purebred, the shedding will not be a problem, as they have short fur that does not shed a lot. However, if you have brought a mixed breed, the shedding can become problematic depending on the type of breed.
Health Issues of a Mini Rottweiler
Bringing smaller breeds out of bigger breeds comes with several health issues. A mini Rottweiler that is purebred or bred from runts of the litter is more disposed to diseases because of its weak immune system as compared to the crossbreeds. Still, we cannot say that crossbreeds are completely safe from these risks.
Below are some common health concerns you may see in your mini Rotties as a dog parent:
1. Dwarfism
Also known as achondroplasia, dwarfism affects bone development in puppies. The dwarfism gene is not so common in Rottweiler, but some cases still exist. Mini Rotties with dwarfism have short, deformed limbs and often an overly large head.
2. Cardiovascular Disease
Also known as Aortic Stenosis, it is a condition that arises when the blood does not reach the heart properly. If not treated on time, this disease may lead to a heart attack in your mini Rottweiler.
3. Cataracts
Cataracts is an eye disorder in which the pup’s vision is affected by cloud-like elements in his eyelids. Eye problems can be treated once diagnosed.
4. Elbow Dysplasia
It is a painful condition in which one or both elbows develop abnormally while a puppy is growing.
5. Hip Dysplasia
It occurs during the process of growth when the thigh bone does not fit the hip joint. This disease is very common in dogs aged 1 – 2 years; however, it can also be seen in younger dogs.
6. Hypothyroidism
This condition can lead to unexplained weight gain, skin and coat issues, as well as behavioral changes, and reduced energy.
After knowing the health concerns that your mini Rottweiler might have, let’s see how you can take care of him!
How to Take Care of a Mini Rottweiler?
Dog parenting isn’t easy sometimes, it comes with great responsibility, but mini Rotties are easy to maintain and to be taken care of. Let’s find out how you can make your mini Rottie comfortable and happy.
Food & Diet Requirements
- You will need to provide him with high-quality dry kibble to cover his energy needs.
- Feed him the food exclusively made for miniature breeds to fulfill their nutritional requirements.
- They need 22 – 28% protein in their daily diet.
- They don’t know when to stop eating, so it is better to control and monitor the amount of food they gulp in. Otherwise, it will lead to bloating, weight gain, or at worst, obesity.
Exercise
Your fun-sized buddy needs playtime and exercise to burn off his energy. Take him out for a walk of 30 to 45 minutes daily. He needs enough physical activity to keep himself healthy. Moreover, your pup will be thrilled to spend some quality time with you.
Training
You should also train your mini Rottie because there are high chances that they might have inherited stubbornness and aggressiveness from regular parent Rottweiler. It is crucial that they listen to your commands.
Train your puppy with patience and firmness. Allow him to socialize with people and other dogs. The more he is exposed to other beings, the friendlier he’ll get.
Grooming and Cleaning
Mini Rotties require minimal grooming, but there are a few things you should pay attention to.
- They have thick fur that needs to be brushed regularly to remove parasites and dead hair.
- Make sure to use soft bristles to avoid hurting your pup.
- Give him a shower from time to time to get rid of dirt and keep him all clean.
- Clip his nails when they grow big.
- Check his paws once in a while and clean them properly.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Mini Rottweiler
Buying a dog is a wholesome job, especially when it is one of designer dog breeds. To find the right dog, you need to consider many things before bringing one home. Here are 4 tips that can be useful for you while buying a mini Rottweiler.
1. Research is Important
Do as much research as possible about different kinds of mini Rottweilers and their pros and cons. Any amount of research is not enough to ensure that you are choosing a dog that best suits you.
2. Price Always Matter
Usually, dogs are expensive; finding a cheaper dog may tempt you, but it is not always wise. If a dog costs you less money, this means there’s something fishy about that dog. It may have been bred in a puppy mill, where they usually do not consider the puppy’s wellbeing a paramount responsibility. Always go for well-reputed and registered breeders.
3. Don’t Buy Dwarfs or Runts
Breeders choose these dogs to create purebred mini Rottweilers. They are more prone to diseases and can lead to extensive medical expenses in the future. Also, they will stay in pain their whole lives.
4. Talk to Your Breeder
When you find a dog that best fits you, take every bit of information about the dog from the breeder to make sure it is healthy or has any health issues. It is important for both the parent and the pup.
Why You Should Get a Mini Rottweiler?
Here are some reasons why mini Rottweiler is the best choice for you:
- They are amazing guard dogs as they were essentially used for protecting butcher’s money and farmer’s cattle. They are extremely protective of their owners. They can become great personal protectors with professional training.
- They are loyal family dogs with fun-loving and enthusiastic nature. They are especially good with children spreading fresh and happy vibes around them.
- They understand humans better than any other breed due to their thousands of years old companionship with humans. They can easily learn new tricks and easily understand the owner’s commands.
- They are highly social and can keep you entertained whenever they are around you. They will do some cute and mischievous things to get your attention.
Why You Should Not Get a Mini Rottweiler?
Every breed has some disadvantages, and so does mini Rottweiler. While we will focus on the positive side, it is important to know about the cons as well.
- They are not an ideal breed for first-time dog owners because they can be very aggressive and stubborn sometimes, and once they get used to it, it will get hard to handle them. Proper dog training is required for these hot-headed dogs to keep them calm and disciplined.
- Rottweilers are high-energy dogs requiring daily exercise and walking to keep them healthy. If you are a busy person or don’t like exercising and workouts, they are not good for you.
Read: Top 10 Lazy Dogs
- They get suspicious around strangers and are known for adopting aggression towards strangers. This happens due to a lack of socializing and training. Consistent training should be given to them from an early age to compress this behavior.
- They are not made for hot weather because of their double coating fur. If you live in a hot place, do not buy a mini Rottweiler, or he will get heatstroke when exposed to a very hot environment.
Final Words
If you are looking for a jolly but alert dog and you don’t have much space to keep him, Mini Rottweiler is the best choice. Just make sure you are buying a crossbreed mini Rottweiler and not a runt or a dwarf. This breed is known for its guarding skills and playful nature.