Meet the miniature Rottweiler, a relatively new type of dog that is not as popular as the standard Rottweiler.
There are many speculations and divided opinions as to whether the miniature Rottweiler is a whole new dog breed or just a smaller version of the purebred Rottweiler.
Nobody is really certain how the miniature Rottweiler came to the canine scene in the first place. Many think that it is a product of unethical or accidental dog breeding.
In this article, we’re going to find out what is behind the cute miniature Rottweiler. Is this a purebred dog, or a Rottweiler mix? What are the characteristics of a miniature Rottweiler and what makes it so different from the “normal” Rottweiler?
There are so many questions to be answered!
Is There Such A Thing As A Miniature Rottweiler?
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First and foremost, yes, there certainly is such a thing as a miniature Rottweiler! But, the story behind its development is a bit confusing.
The miniature Rottweiler is in fact, a “normal” Rottweiler dog that’s simply smaller in size than its other sibling. However, the miniature Rottweiler can also be a dog that may have acquired a hereditary condition that’s called dwarfism.
And, that’s not all. The mini Rottie may originate from inbreeding runts of the litter (which is an awful breeding practice).
But, mini Rotts can also be a product of crossbreeding two different breeds.
We’re talking about Rottweiler mixes in which purebred standard Rottweilers are bred with smaller dog breeds such as Beagles, Pugs, Chihuahuas, miniature Poodles, and such.
Due to all of this, the miniature Rottweiler has its fluffs and downs.
What Are Mini Rottweilers Called?
People that are fond of miniature dog breeds get very creative with naming them. So, besides the “mini Rott” name, miniature Rottweilers are often called the smallest guard dogs, Rottiebears, and Pocket Rotties.
In Germany, a mini Rottweiler is called the “mini Rottweil Metzgerhund”, which means the mini butcher’s dog.
If a standard Rottweiler is mixed with a smaller dog of different breed, then it would be called in accordance to that breed. For example, a Rottweiler Chihuahua mix is often called the Rottchi, or Chirott and Chiweiler.
However, dog breeders often refer to mini Rottweilers as runts of the litter. Although it may sound harsh, mini Rotts are considered as runts in the dog breeding world. We will get to that later in this article.
Let’s say a few things about the miniature Rottweiler’s mini looks!
Miniature Rottweiler Appearance
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When you look at the mini Rottweiler, it looks exactly like its standard Rottweiler parent, but a few inches smaller. Miniature Rottweilers usually stand only 12 to 15 inches tall.
Miniature Rottweiler’s small size along with its muscular body and shiny coat gives it a remarkable appearance.
Due to the fact that the Rottweiler dogs were originally bred as working dogs, it is no wonder that the miniature Rottweiler inherits a powerful build.
The miniature Rottweiler usually inherits a blocky head and pendant-shaped ears. Mini Rotties ears can be cropped and their tails docked. However, Rottie ear cropping, as well as tail docking are not common procedures with this breed.
Overall, the miniature Rottie’s physical features are almost the same as that of the standard Rottweiler, just in smaller size!
Read More: Why Is My Rottweiler So Small? 8 Possible Reasons
But, if the miniature Rottweiler derives from a purebred Rottweiler and another purebred dog like the Corgi or Pug, it will resemble both the Rottie and the other dog breed parent.
For example, mixed breed dogs such as the Rottweiler Chow Chow are more likely to be smaller than the purebred standard Rottweiler.
How Much Do Miniature Rottweilers Weigh?
The weight of this mini puppy depends on many things such as genetics, parent breeds, age, physical activity, and diet.
Miniature Rottweiler puppies are born weighing less than one pound! As their development progresses, mini Rotties gain more and more weight.
An adult miniature Rottweiler should weigh between 30 and 60 pounds. As with the standard Rottweiler breed, male mini Rotts are usually a bit bigger than their female counterparts.
When it comes to their weight, miniature Rottweilers can become obese if this health problem is passed on to them. Mini Rotts may also develop canine obesity during their lifetime.
Differences Between A Miniature Rottweiler And A Full-Sized Rottweiler
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The most obvious physical difference between a miniature Rottweiler and a full-sized standard Rottweiler is in size.
Weighing up to a maximum of 60 pounds, most mini Rotts are only one third of an adult Rottweiler size. However, there are some mini Rottweilers that may reach 85 pounds of weight. That’s quite little when compared to the standard Rottweiler.
As it is described in our Rottweiler growth chart, standard Rottweilers puppies weigh up to 37 pounds, while fully grown male standard Rottweilers are big dogs that weigh up to 120 pounds, while female Rottweilers reach a maximum of 99 pounds of healthy weight.
In contrast to its big counterpart, the miniature Rottweiler adult dog stands anywhere between 12 and 27 inches. But, why is there such a big range in its height?
The weight and height of a miniature Rottweiler depends greatly on the breeding program.
If there are other dog breeds included, such as the Beagle and the Chihuahua, the miniature Rottweiler will weigh and grow tall according to its parent’s genes.
What Is The Difference Between A Miniature Rottweiler And A Toy Breed?
As we previously mentioned, miniature Rottweilers are bigger than teacup Rottweilers. But, what about toy breeds? Does a toy Rottie exist?
Well, the size differences of smaller breeds are shown in order of the smallest to the largest. And it goes something like this: teacup – toy – miniature.
The miniature Rottweiler will be bigger than any toy breed. For instance, toy breeds such as toy Rat Terriers grow up to 15 inches and weigh less than 18 pounds, while toy Poodles grow only 10 inches in height and weigh as little as 6 pounds!
When compared to the miniature Rottweiler dog, which is between 12 and 18 inches tall and weighs 60 pounds, it’s quite obvious that toy breeds are smaller.
Technically, toy Rotties exist, but they are just smaller versions of miniature Rotties. In other words, the smallest runts of the litter have been selected to produce a toy Rottie.
What Are The Smallest Rottweilers?
Photo from: @babykumastar
The whole story about the weight and height of miniature Rottweilers leads me to question “what are the smallest Rottweilers?”
You’d be surprised to know that miniature Rottweilers are not the smallest Rottweilers out there. Ever heard of teacup dog breeds? Exactly!
Miniature Rottweilers are larger than teacup Rottweilers and they are generally healthier than these small dogs. Now, a teacup Rottweiler won’t be as small as a teacup Chihuahua, but it will be smaller than the mini Rott.
The smallest Rottweilers are basically Rottweiler puppies that originate from two runts of the litter. If these runts are extra-small puppies, then the mini Rott will be a teacup Rottweiler.
But, here’s the thing. The smallest Rottweiler can be a result of crossbreeding small breeds with a purebred Rottweiler. Here are some examples:
• Rottweiler miniature Pinscher mix
• Rottweiler miniature Poodle mix
• Rottweiler Chihuahua Mix
• Rottweiler Manchester Terrier mix
Although these Rottweiler mixes are small dogs, some may not acquire the same body characteristic and signature tan markings of the Rottweiler breed.
Additionally, breeding the smallest dog breeds with a large dog such as the Rottweiler can result in various health issues. Such crossbreeding is often frowned upon and many moral questions are raised among ethical Rottie breeders.
What Is The Temperament Of A Mini Rottweiler?
Miniature Rottweiler is often described as the “smallest guard dog”. But, the mini Rott hasn’t made its way to the smallest guard dogs list yet, because it is not as popular as other miniature dog breeds.
That still doesn’t mean that the mini Rott isn’t an amazing guard dog!
While it shares some similarities, the temperament of a mini Rottweiler is a bit different than the standard Rottweiler.
Being smaller in size than the standard Rottweiler, the miniature Rottweiler inherits more energy, making it very active, outgoing, and sometimes needy!
Besides that, the miniature Rottweiler is an affectionate lap dog that enjoys all of the attention! Some might even say that these dogs are clingy!
Although purebred Rottweilers are often considered dangerous, the miniature Rottweiler is more on the cuddly and harmless side.
However, if it hasn’t undergone early socialization, the mini Rott can be just as dangerous as an unsocialized standard Rottweiler.
Miniature Rottweiler Colors
Photo from: @ulfurok
Miniature Rottweilers can inherit any of the standard Rottweiler colors. Therefore, mini Rottweilers come in black, rust, tan, and mahogany.
They inherit specific tan markings across their muzzle and those cute tan dots right above their eyes! Basically, their coat color is the same as the standard Rottweiler’s.
Due to their coat color similarities, mini Rotts shouldn’t be confused with mini Pinschers.
Miniature Rottweiler colors can vary, depending on the parent breeds in the mix.
See Also: Does A White Rottweiler Exist? Let’s Find Out
Miniature Rottweiler Coat Type
Miniature Rottweilers inherit short double coats just like standard Rottweilers. Their coats resemble those of Doberman and Miniature Pinschers.
Mini Rott’s both coat layers are straight and coarse, making it not-so-soft to touch. Additionally, the mini Rott is a shiny and smooth pooch!
Its top coat is a bit longer across the back and shoulder plates, while its head, muzzle, ears, and legs are covered with shorter hairs.
Miniature Rottweiler’s undercoat is found across its thighs and neck area, which keeps it warm during cold days. However, due to their small size, miniature Rottweilers might need an extra coat or blanket to stay warm.
If a long-haired Rottweiler is one of its parents, chances are that the mini Rott will inherit a medium to long-haired coat.
However, if we are referring to a miniature Rottweiler that results from crossbreeding, its coat can vary depending on the parent breeds.
Do Mini Rottweilers Shed?
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Mini Rottweilers shed moderately. They shed the same amounts as standard Rottweilers. When compared to other dog breeds, mini Rottweilers are not heavy shedders.
Like most double-coated dogs, mini Rottweilers change their coat seasonally, which means they shed the most during fall and summer.
However, the amount of short black hairs from mini Rotts is nothing compared to when herding and long-haired dogs shed.
For example, Border Collies shed moderately just like mini Rotts, but their coat type is different.
They have fluffy coats that may stick to your clothes and furniture, while miniature Rottweilers have short and coarse hair that simply slides off of everything!
Don’t worry about shedding amounts of the mini Rottweilers — German Shepherds shed way more than these small dogs!
Are Mini Rottweilers Hypoallergenic?
I’m sad to inform you that mini Rottweilers are not hypoallergenic. Even though Mini Rotts shed less than other double-coated dog breeds, they still produce lots of dander and saliva.
Their short and straight hairs can get anywhere, carrying dead skin cells that are packed with protein some paw lovers are allergic to.
The only case when a mini Rottweiler can inherit partially hypoallergenic traits is if it is mixed with another, hypoallergenic dog breed.
For example, most mini doodle breeds are considered hypoallergenic because they are combinations of small dogs that shed very low.
Being one of low-shedding Poodle mixes, a mini Rottiedoodle may just acquire hypoallergenic traits. But, this is less likely due to its purebred Rottweiler parent.
Do Mini Rottweilers Suffer From Health Problems?
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Unfortunately, miniature Rottweilers are prone to many health issues. Most of these health issues are hereditary which means that they are passed down from Rottweiler parents.
Another reason why a mini Rott is not a healthy dog is because it derives from runts. Rottweiler runts of the litter are born very small and they do not develop as fast and healthy as their other siblings.
While crossing two Rottweiler runts will result in a cute miniature Rottweiler that is appealing to the eye, this small dog will have to deal with lots of health issues throughout its lifetime.
Although healthier than teacup breeds, miniature Rottweilers are prone to the following health issues:
Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD)
Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) is a common health problem in miniature dogs. And, it doesn’t skip the miniature Rottweiler. But the good news is that it’s very treatable.
This disease in dogs affects the spine. In other words, Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) causes the rupture, hardening or slipping of the shock-absorbing discs that are located between dog’s spinal bones.
Due to its compact and sturdy size, the miniature Rottweiler may be prone to this health problem more than any other miniature dog breed.
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
Miniature Rottweilers are not brachycephalic dogs. But, if a purebred Rottweiler is mixed with a Pug, French Bulldog, or any other brachycephalic dog, chances are that the miniature Rottweiler offspring will inherit brachycephalic traits.
A brachycephalic skull shape in dogs is designed so it has a shorter nose and muzzle. This particular trait can result in a canine Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome which blocks the air from getting into the nose and lungs.
Not only does this cause breathing issues, but it can lead to more serious health problems.
This is why most Pug mixes, including the Rottweiler Pug mix, are prone to inheriting this health problem.
Hypoglycemia
While canine hypoglycemia is a health problem that affects all dog breeds, miniature dog breeds seem to be more prone to it.
Hypoglycemia describes the drop of blood sugar levels (glucose) in mini Rott’s body.
Hypoglycemia in the miniature Rottweiler dog can be a hereditary health issue, but it can also be acquired — especially if there is an underlying health issue.
Aortic Stenosis
Every purebred dog carries a certain health disease — so does a purebred Rottweiler. Therefore, the miniature Rottweiler can take on the Rottweiler breed-specific health issue known as Aortic Stenosis.
Aortic Stenosis is a hereditary heart condition that usually affects larger dogs like Rotties, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, and German Shepherds.
What happens here is that the heart’s aortic valve narrows, making it difficult for blood to leave the heart and travel to the rest of the body. This can lead to fainting, chest pain, rapid breathing, and in worst cases — death.
Not all miniature Rottweilers are prone to this congenital health issues, but it’s important to say that they are still at high risk.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
PRA for short, is a hereditary eye disease that affects many dog breeds, including the Rottweiler. So, considering its Rottie genes, the miniature Rottweiler may be prone to this eye problem.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy usually affects older miniature Rottweilers, but it can appear as early as 18 months of age.
As its name suggests, this health condition leads to progressive blindness in mini Rotts.
Bone Cancer
The Rottweiler breed is known to have the highest cancer rate among all other dog breeds. The most frequent bone cancer in Rottweilers is osteosarcoma and it also affects the miniature Rottweiler.
Besides bone cancer, mini Rottweilers are prone to mammary cancer and skin tumors.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Miniature Rottweiler?
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An average lifespan of a miniature Rottweiler is between 8 and 10 years.
Its life expectancy can be shorter or longer, depending on the Rottweiler parent dog. But, due to many health issues that miniature Rottweilers face, it may not be a long-living pup.
Even if a miniature Rottweiler comes from a quality breeding practice, there is still a chance that, due to its size, it develops certain health problems that affect its lifespan.
However, if a Rottweiler dog crosses with a healthier smaller breed, the miniature Rottweiler mix might live longer than the one deriving from runts of the Rottie litter.
What Is The Best Food For Mini Rottweilers?
Dog food for miniature Rottweilers can be store-bought or homemade.
Miniature Rottweilers can also be given a raw diet which is considered as the healthiest diet you can feed your dog with.
Any high-quality dog food for Rottweilers can be incorporated into the miniature Rottweiler diet. The only thing that is different is the amount of food used to feed a mini Rottie and a standard one.
When choosing the right dog food for your miniature Rottie, make sure to pay attention to the amount of quality protein, fiber, and healthy fats that are used as ingredients.
Don’t forget the fact that all dog breeds are sensitive to certain human food.
Read Also: Rottweiler Feeding Chart: How Much Do These Gentle Giants Eat?
Do Mini Rottweilers Make Good Family Pets?
Photo from: @tino.tales
Overall, miniature Rottweilers make amazing family pets. Due to the fact that standard Rottweilers are natural guardians of their human pack and household, the mini Rottweiler will be just the same — but in smaller size!
Rottweilers and kids go along with each other very well, so it is expected from a miniature Rottweiler to be good with kids. Of course, only if you get used to seeing and interacting with kids everyday.
However, purebred Rottweilers may show signs of aggressive behavior here and there. I mean, Rotties were used as fierce guard dogs, working dogs, and police dogs.
So, if you want your mini Rottweiler to be a well-behaved family dog, it’s important to introduce it to early socialization and training.
Caring For A Mini Rottweiler
Taking care of a mini Rottweiler is sometimes like taking care of a toddler! These miniature pooches can be very energetic and even stubborn.
Female mini Rotties might show their independent side, while males are usually more laid-back.
Besides regular training and spending lots of time with your mini Rottie, these dogs require a healthy diet, daily grooming, and occasional vet visits.
Healthy Diet
We already mentioned what to feed your mini Rottweiler with. While it’s important to choose the best food for your mini Rott, it’s crucial to have a planned feeding schedule.
For it to grow into a healthy and strong dog, the miniature Rottweiler requires enough food that is high in nutrients.
A healthy diet will keep the mini Rott’s bones healthy, its immune system resilient, its coat shiny, and its teeth sparkling white!
Regular Exercise
Healthy mini Rott diet goes hand in hand with regular exercise. Just like their standard Rottweiler counterparts, mini Rottweilers love engaging into quality playtime and various physical activities such as running and playing fetch.
With the miniature Rottweiler dog, regular exercise is both mental and physical. So, besides running and obsessing over balls, your miniature Rottweiler needs intense mental stimulation.
Due to its working and guarding abilities, the mini Rott will need a job to do. If its needs aren’t met, the mini Rottweiler won’t hesitate to show its annoying and destructive side.
Training
Photo from: @tino.tales
Training your miniature Rottweiler is just as important as feeding it a healthy diet and engaging into workout sessions.
Miniature Rottweilers respond very well to positive reinforcement training. It’s probably because this type of training is backed with yummy Rottweiler treats!
Even though it is a small dog, the miniature Rottweiler needs a dog owner who isn’t afraid to show dominance. There will be times when you will have to be strict towards your miniature Rottweiler dog to correct its behavior.
You can also try clicker training your miniature Rottweiler pup. There are many cute dog clickers that can be found on sites like Amazon.
If you are uncertain about how to train your miniature Rottweiler puppy, a good idea would be to hire a professional dog trainer during the first few weeks of owning this dog.
Grooming
I always picture dog grooming sessions as a way for both owners and dogs to relax. But, the miniature Rottweiler may have so much energy that it won’t stand still when you attempt to brush or bathe it. Also, most mini Rotts are not fans of bath time!
But, grooming your mini Rottweiler is still an important task. So, when your mini Rottie comes home all tired, now is your chance to take your trusty Rottweiler brush and start brushing its smooth coat.
Before bathing your mini Rottie, thorough brushing is a must. This way you will notice if there are any cuts, lumps, or ectoparasites on the mini Rottie’s coat.
Brushing will also remove dead skin cells and dirt that your mini Rottie got itself in!
Bathing your mini Rottie should be done once in a month or two. As most dogs, mini Rotties don’t require frequent baths unless they rub their faces in something nasty!
Make sure to choose a quality shampoo for your mini Rottweiler that won’t cause any skin allergies and hair loss. You can check out some of the best Rottweiler shampoos in the market, that will do just fine in making the mini Rott’s coat clean and shiny!
Vet Visits
Occasional and frequent vet visits are every dog owner’s part of life. Due to the fact that miniature Rottweilers are prone to certain congenital health problems, having a vet check on them every now and then is mandatory.
Regular vet visits will help keep track of the mini Rotts’ health, which will help recognize early signs of a health problem.
Where Are Mini Rottweilers Most Commonly Found?
Photo from: @simba_antics
A small Rottweiler puppy can be difficult to find as they are not considered to be purebred dogs by the AKC or any other kennel club.
Mini Rottweilers are not often bred purposely. Most Rottweiler breeders are focused on breeding high quality Rotties that are registered with the AKC. While there is a chance to find a mini Rott at Rottweiler breeders, most are found on online dog markets.
As a result, you will need to sift through frequently dubious offers from dishonest breeders who want to profit from the rising demand for mini Rottweiler puppies.
Mini Rottweilers can also be a result of accidental breeding which is why irresponsible dog owners and breeders drop them off at shelters. Some mini Rotts are even found at Rottweiler rescue centers.
What’s worse than this is finding a miniature Rottweiler in a puppy mill. Chances are that these puppies will be in very bad health. The cost of such a mini Rottweiler puppy will be nothing compared to expensive vet bills.
Miniature Rottweiler Puppies For Sale In The U.S.
There are always the good and bad sides of mini Rottweiler breeders. Besides finding these small dogs in shelters and rescues, some Rottweiler breeders may have mini Rottie puppies to offer.
However, there are not as many miniature Rottweiler breeders as there are those who breed standard Rottweilers.
You can test your luck to find a mini Rottweiler at some of the most reputable Rottweiler breeders in the U.S.
While I can’t be 100% certain that they will have miniature Rottweiler puppies, ethical Rottweiler breeders can let you in on more information about mini Rott dogs and where to find them (if they don’t breed any).
I strongly advise you not to waste your time and money on a shady miniature Rottweiler breeder who won’t let you visit and see where the puppies are raised.
Also, always request to see the mini Rottweiler’s parent info and ask about the breeding program.
What Is The Cost Of A Mini Rottweiler?
Photo from: @simba_antics
The cost of a miniature Rottweiler varies greatly. Miniature Rottweiler puppies cost as low as $250 and as high as $2500.
The price range is so wide because the mini Rottweiler can have a small breed parent whose price is either low or high.
This is why the primary determining factor in the mini Rottweiler’s price is the breed with which it was crossed.
Are Mini Rottweilers Recognized By Kennel Clubs?
Due to the fact that these mini dogs probably have other breeds in their lineage, the miniature Rottweilers are not recognized by any major kennel clubs.
The AKC Rottweiler breed standard states that the Rottweiler dog should be a robust dog of medium size, which the miniature Rottweiler is not.
Another thing to note about the Rottweiler breed is that American and German Rottweilers are registered by different kennel clubs.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) registers only purebred American Rottweilers, while German Rottweilers are registered by the Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub (ADRK).
Final Thoughts
The miniature Rottweiler is such a cutie! While its looks and personality are one of the most adorable things in this world, the miniature Rottweiler may not be the healthiest pup around.
If you are thinking about purchasing the miniature Rottweiler dog, it is important to do your research on reputable and ethical mini Rottie breeders across the U.S.
It is very difficult to predict whether or not the miniature Rottweiler will suffer from congenital and developmental health problems, so it is crucial to keep track of veterinary visits and to always ask your vet for advice.
Keeping your miniature Rottweiler healthy and happy will result in a loyal family dog with lots of love and affection to give!
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