Both Rottweilers and Pitbulls are two of the most formidable dog breeds. They are intelligent, muscular, and are known to be loyal. With such characteristics, it’s no surprise that people want to have them as companions. Some may even want to have both a Rottweiler and a Pitbull in their life.
But can these two different canines coexist harmoniously in the same household? Do Rottweilers and Pitbulls get along with each other? Well, in this article, we shall delve deeper into these questions.
Do Rottweilers And Pitbulls Get Along?
Yes, Rottweilers and Pitbulls can get along, thanks to their similarity in playstyle, self-control, and loyalty.
However, as we know, Rottweilers and Pitbulls are strong dogs with solid and bold characters, which may make them end up being at each other’s throats. The situation may also get worse because of Pitbull’s aggressive tendency towards other dogs.
Even so, if you yearn to get a Pitbulll and a Rottweiler, there is no reason for you not to have them. Just remember that it may not always work, a situation that also happens between the same breeds.
All in all, here’s what you need to know about what makes Rottweilers and Pitbulls coexist and tips for introducing these lovely canines.
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Reasons Why Rottweilers And Pitbulls Able To Get Along
Having A Similar Play Style
Rottweilers and Pitbulls share a similar style of playing. Both breeds enjoy play-wrestling and play-fighting. For outsiders, seeing a Rottweiler and a Pibtull engaging so roughly can come off as they’re in a dog fight. In reality, they’re just playing with each other.
The thing is, every breed will have different play styles. Some are crazy runners, some love jumping and bouncing all over the place, and some breeds, like the Rottweilers and Pitbulls, prefer playing wrestling with each other.
Hence, if you’re getting a Rottweiler and Pitbull, don’t be surprised to see them jumping on top of one another, rolling each other over, and biting each other when they play.
Loyalty
Anyone with a Rottweiler or a Pitbull knows how loyal these breeds are. Their unwavering loyalty and devotion towards family means once they view each other as part of the family, they will get along well and be very loyal to one another.
So, it’s not unusual to witness a Rottweiler and a Pitbulls protect each other from threats, showing affection to each other, just like family.
Eager-to-Please And Trainable
Eager-to-please is a trait that both Rottweilers and Pitbulls possess. Both breeds demonstrate a high level of motivation to satisfy their family. Training them can be easy, although Rottweilers may require less effort than Pitbulls.
Therefore, even if your Rottweiler and Pitbull disagree or hesitantly get along, they can still be taught to coexist together through training. Besides, they will be happy to do so to please you.
Good Self-Control
Despite their almighty and unfriendly look, Rottweilers and Pitbulls have exceptionally stable temperaments. As a matter of fact, among hundreds of dogs tested, these two breeds scored in the high 80s.
Contrary to the unfair judgments that Pitbulls are aggressive dogs, out of 870 pitbulls tested, pitbulls had an 86% pass rate. On the other hand, American most beloved breed – Golden Retrievers, of all 785 Golden Retrievers tested, only 669 passed the temperament test, with 116 failing, making a passing rate of 85.2%.
Remember that having a stable temperament doesn’t imply that the dog won’t show aggression. It just means they’re unlikely to turn aggressive unexpectedly. So, although Rottweilers and Pitbulls rarely back off from a fight, the high score shows they rarely decide to bite.
The reason why Rottweilers and Pitbulls exhibit such high self-control is because of their history and purpose. Looking into Pitbull’s history, this breed was initially bred for dog fighting. Thus, they need to have the resisting power to bite their handlers.
Later, when they are used as guarding dogs, hunting hogs, and livestock herding, it’s essential for Pitbull to exhibit self-control to not simply attack any individuals, even in provoking situations.
As for Rottweilers, being home guardians and personal protection dogs, they must possess exceptional self-control to maintain a threshold of aggression without fighting until commanded.
Reasons Rottweilers And Pitbulls May Not Coexist
The similarities both Rottweilers and Pitbulls possess are the great push to make these two canine besties. Even so, it’s not entirely bulletproof. In fact, both breeds have other similar characteristics that may cause them to be unable to coexist.
Tendency Towards Dog Aggression
Regrettably, both Rottweilers and Pitbulls have the potential for dog aggression. In Rottweilers, aggression is more common among dogs of the same gender but can occur with any dog.
Historically bred for dog fighting, Pitbulls may still exhibit aggression towards other dogs due to their lineage. Rottweilers, bred to protect property and livestock, have a natural inclination to defend their territory rather than seek friendship with other dogs.
While both breeds can be well-socialized, the likelihood of dog aggression is higher in Pitbulls, and if a fight were initiated, a Rottweiler is unlikely to back down.
High Prey Drive
Both Rottweilers and Pitbulls can possess a strong prey drive. Rottweilers’ herding instincts are rooted in prey drive, while Pitbulls naturally tend to attack other dogs. Although prey drive typically manifests in chasing smaller creatures, exceptions can occur.
If prey drive is triggered in a Rottweiler or Pitbull that usually gets along well, it may lead to an attack when running and chasing each other. Once again, neither breed is likely to yield if a fight ensues.
Bold And Brave Nature
Rottweilers and Pitbulls share a common trait of being bold and brave. Bred to face challenges head-on, they are unlikely to back down from any threat, be it a wild animal, intruder, or another dog attempting to provoke a fight.
While not all dogs seek dominance over others, some Rottweilers or Pitbulls may attempt to assert their dominance over the other, leading to a higher likelihood of a fight occurring rather than exhibiting submissive behavior or retreating.
Safe Methods To Properly Introduce Your Pitbull And Rottweiler
1. Step Out Of The home
Your current dog perceives your home as their territory, and the presence of another dog can be seen as an intrusion. To introduce two dogs, choose a neutral location like a park, where neither has a sense of ownership.
2. Equal Love And Attention
As an owner of two dogs, ensuring both receive ample love and attention is essential. Convey to your existing dog that the new addition is a friend or playmate rather than a competitor for your affection.
3. Allow natural introductions
Avoid imposing the situation on the dogs. Let them sniff, play, or engage in any behavior they need to become acquainted with each other. Only intervene if you sense a potential risk. The introduction should unfold at their own pace, not yours.
4. Avoid treats
While dogs generally enjoy treats, using them during the initial introduction can trigger territorial behavior and unnecessary aggression.
Refrain from offering treats until both dogs have become more comfortable with each other. If possible, consider keeping the new dog at a friend’s or family member’s house until positive interactions between the dogs are observed.
Introducing two dogs, irrespective of their breeds, should never be forced. It should occur naturally and on their terms.
Wrap Up
Rottweilers and Pitbulls have the potential to form strong bonds and become the best of friends. Proactively selecting compatible dogs and implementing appropriate training and acclimation techniques increase the likelihood of fostering a harmonious relationship between a Pitbull and a Rottweiler.
