Rottweilers are among the best guard dogs you can find. They are also very easy to recognize, with their bulky bodies and recognizable tan markings on a black coat.
Chow Chows are also unique dogs, with a fluffy yet somewhat demeaning appearance and aloof temperament.
While rather different at a first glance, both of these dog breeds make amazing guard dogs, herding dogs, and any other type of working dog, and are usually bought by owners that know how to deal with large dogs who love to have some alone time.
But what would happen if we were to combine these two dog breeds? Is there such thing as a Rottweiler Chow Chow mix, or is this something that exists only in our imagination?
If you’d like to know more about mixed dog breeds, especially about a Rottweiler Chow Chow mix, you’re in the right place! I’ll do my best to let you know everything there is to know about this powerful crossbreed, while also explaining why might you want to get a mixed breed dog instead of a purebred one.
Let’s get started!
Rottweiler Chow Chow Mix
The Rottweiler Chow Chow mix is a crossbreed of a purebred Rottweiler and a purebred Chow Chow.
While this sounds like a rather unusual mix since the parent breeds don’t have many similarities (other than both being big dogs). However, it turns out the Chow Chow and the Rottie have quite a lot of similarities when it comes to the dog’s behavior.
This unique crossbreed doesn’t yet have an official name, which is why I’ll simply call it the Chow Chow Rottweiler Mix.
To understand whether this is a good mixed-breed dog, you need to understand a bit about crossbreeds and how they came to be.
Crossbreed History
Crossbreeds are dogs that have been intentionally bred to combine two different dog breeds. They are also known as designer breeds or hybrid dogs.
Some people consider them to be regular mutts, but the biggest difference is that the mutts you see in the shelter are the result of accidental breeding.
On the other hand, mixed breed dogs are the result of carefully planned breeding programs. They are designed to combine the best features of two purebred dogs, whether physical or temperamental.
In a way, all purebred dogs started as crossbreeds, as they are a result of carefully mixing bloodlines from different dog breeds to accentuate some existing features or to add new ones.
While most popular crossbreeds are Poodle mixes, such as a Labradoodle (a Poodle and a Labrador Retriever mix), you can make a designer dog by combining any two dog breeds!
As such, you can have a Corgi Siberian Husky mix, a Dachshund German Shepherd mix, a Chihuahua Great Dane mix, as well as the crossbreed I’m talking about – the Rottie Chow mix.
Are Crossbreeds Recognized by the AKC?
Major kennel clubs, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), are there to protect the breed standard and to ensure all purebred dogs of the same breed look and behave a certain way.
In crossbreeds, such as the Rottweiler Chow Chow mix, there is no breed standard. This is because there is no way of knowing what a mixed breed dog will truly look like.
When you combine two dogs of the same breed, there are lots of genes that get combined. As each gene has a 50% chance to express itself, there is a large number of possibilities for what a dog can look like.
This can give us some trouble while trying to explain Rottweiler Chow Chow mixes to you.
It would take years of breeding a single crossbreed to create a certain breed standard – a standard of how almost all dogs from the breed should look like.
Not even Goldendoodles that have been around for decades and that have a somewhat distinguished look have been around for long enough for us to be certain about how each puppy will look like.
So far, no modern mixed-breed dog has been recognized by large kennel clubs.
With that in mind, let’s continue exploring the world of a Rottweiler Chow Chow mix.
Rottweiler Chow Mix Puppy
Photo from: @guccitherottiechow
To get a Rottweiler Chow Chow mix, you need to combine a purebred Rottweiler and a purebred Chow Chow. Both dogs should possess certain qualities you’d want them to pass on to their offspring – although there is no guarantee this will actually happen.
As these two dogs are of different sizes, the Rottweiler, as the larger one, should always be the female dog.
While the size difference isn’t too large, with Rottweiler being a large dog and Chow Chow being medium-sized, it is a better choice to have Rottweiler carry the puppies.
If puppies end up being the size of a Chow Chow dog, with a large mother this won’t be a problem. If anything, she’ll have an easier birth compared to carrying Rottweiler-sized puppies.
However, if the mother was Chow Chow and the puppies end up being large, she might have problems carrying the large litter and giving birth to puppies much bigger than she was intended for.
This could cause birth defects or even endanger the mother’s life, and the birth itself would have to be carried out via C-section.
As such, it’s better not to risk it and take the easy route. The puppies should always have a Rottweiler mother and a Chow Chow father.
Rottweiler Chow Chow Mix Appearance
Photo from: @blue_eyed_camouflage
As we’ve mentioned before, there is no precise way of knowing what a Rottweiler Chow Chow mix should look like. This is because there is a large combination of genes that can result in different outcomes.
Still, if we take a look at all the existing Chow Chow Rottweiler mix puppies, we can get an overall estimation of how your pooch should turn out looking.
First off, a Rottweiler Chow Chow can inherit the coat color of any of his two parents. Rottweilers come in black with recognizable tan markings, while Chow Chows are colorful dogs but are mostly found in red coat color.
However, most puppies seem to have the coat of their Rottie parent, and they come in the typical black and tan combination. This is because the black coat color is usually more dominant than the red one.
The Rott Chow Mix might even inherit its Chow Chow parent blue-black tongue! This feature is very desirable, and these pups usually sell very quickly.
The shape of the dog’s face and body constitution are a bit more challenging to predict. Some pups seem to keep a rounder face and ears of a Chow Chow, others will have a squared jaw of a Rottweiler.
Their bodies might be strong and muscular like Rottweiler’s, or a bit more compact, like Chow Chows.
As for the size, you can expect them to be large dogs. Chow Chows can reach a height of 20 inches, while Rottweilers usually have a height of 24-27 inches in shoulders.
As such, the Rottweiler Chow Chow mix can stand anywhere between 20 and 27 inches, with the average being somewhere around 23.5 inches.
As for the weight, this will also vary on the dog’s height and build. Chow Chows usually weigh up to 70 pounds, while Rotties can weigh much more. Some weigh more than 130 pounds!
With this in mind, the Rottweiler Chow Chow mix can weigh 70 to 130 lbs. The more he is similar to Rottie’s build, the more pounds he’ll have.
Rottweiler Chow Chow Mix Coat Type
The biggest difference when it comes to the Chow Chow’s and the Rottweiler’s appearance is in their coat type.
Both dogs have a double coat. A Rottweiler’s coat is a straight and coarse outercoat that has a medium length. It also has a thick, short undercoat.
On the other hand, Chow Chows come in two varieties: rough-coated and smooth-coated. Both types have long hair that gives the dogs a fluffy appearance.
A Rottweiler Chow Chow mix can inherit the coat type from both parent breeds. This means he can have a medium to long coat that will be more or less fluffy.
In general, most Rottweiler Chow mixes will be something in between. They’ll have a coat that is longer than the Rottweiler’s, but shorter than most Chow Chows would have.
This can give these pups a cute, almost toy-like appearance – if we were to ignore their size.
Rottweiler Chow Chow Mix Temperament
While the Chow Chow and the Rottweiler look very much different, they actually have many similarities when it comes to their temperament and behavior. This means there won’t be many surprises in the Rottweiler Chow Chow mixes.
Both dog breeds are extremely loyal and affectionate toward their owners. They’ll love their humans with all their hearts. This also makes them rather protective and somewhat territorial.
However, they are very shy toward new people and pets. They aren’t known for being too friendly, and they will let everyone know when they are crossing the boundaries they’ve set.
At the same time, they are very intelligent and eager to please.
These are the traits they’ll carry on to their offspring, so expect all Rottweiler Chow Chow mixes to behave in such a way.
Compared to Chow Chows, Rottweilers are a bit more playful and sometimes a bit silly, although never too much.
On the other hand, Chow Chows are dignified dogs. You’ll never find them to behave in any way that could be considered goofy.
As such, your Rottweiler Chow Chow mix might have a sense of humor and a goofy side, or he might be entirely serious and without the desire to play around.
Is Rottweiler Chow Chow Mix Aggressive?
Photo from: @itsloue_
Even the slightest sign of aggression isn’t allowed in the breed standard in both Rottweilers and Chow Chows. If a dog is aggressive without being provoked, he is to be removed from a breeding program and is deemed faulty.
As such, no, the Rottweiler Chow Chow mix shouldn’t be an aggressive dog.
However, both parent dogs are not too fond of strangers. They have a huge dislike of anyone who isn’t their family member, whether they have two or four legs.
Also, they have a strong prey drive, and without proper training, their instincts might take over.
As such, they might express behavior that can be considered as mildly aggressive toward people and dogs they don’t know. However, no Rottweiler nor Chow Chow will attack or nip at someone.
With proper socialization that should begin in puppyhood, this type of behavior can be prevented. In fact, it isn’t rare for a Rottweiler Chow Chow mix to not just tolerate but be friendly towards everyone.
As long as you teach your dog how to behave in new situations and around new people, he can be a really good family companion.
Another thing I’d like to mention: There are no bad dogs, only bad owners. No dog breed will be aggressive if you socialize your dog and know how to deal with their temperament.
Yes, this includes even allegedly dangerous dog breeds, such as Pitbulls, Boxers, and Bulldogs.
A properly trained Pitbull will be just as friendly as a Golden Retriever or a Border Collie!
However, some breeds have a temperament that is more likely to express aggression than other, milder breeds. Both Chow Chows and Rottweilers were bred and trained to be protective, territorial dogs. As such, they can be unfriendly, which, in improperly trained dogs, can result in aggressive behavior.
Also, a Rottweiler Chow Chow mix is a rather large and strong dog. This will make them more dangerous than smaller dog breeds, even if these toy dogs might be more aggressive than them.
Is A Rottweiler Chow Chow Mix A Good Guard Dog?
Photo from: @mocha__1
A Rottweiler Chow Chow mix makes an amazing guard dog! In fact, many dog owners have stated that this might be the best guard dog they’ve ever had.
This is because both parent breeds were originally created to be watchdogs, so it’s in their genes to complete this job successfully.
This dog is wary of strangers and he won’t allow anyone to enter your home unnoticed. These are alert pups that know precisely when to let you know that someone is close by.
Also, they are known to bark, but never without a good reason. They won’t be loud just for the sake of it, but they’ll loudly let you know if they suspect something is wrong.
As their bark is really loud, there is no way of you not being warned of any danger.
Is A Rottweiler Chow Chow Mix A Good Family Dog?
Despite them being somewhat unfriendly, Rottweiler Chow Chow mix dogs can make great family pets. These are loyal dogs that love humans, and they’ll love spending time with their favorite person.
They can also handle kids really well – however, for this you’d want them to be a bit more similar to Rotties in their behavior.
Chow Chows, just like many other eastern dogs, such as Shar Peis or Akitas, love their privacy and alone time. They might not have the patience to deal with a loud, playful child that would want to scream and run around all day long.
Rottweilers, on the other hand, are a bit more laid-back. They are very protective of kids, and they can make great nanny dogs.
Rottweiler Chow Chow Mix Maintenance
Photo from: @guccitherottiechow
When choosing the right dog for you, one of the things you need to know is whether or not the said dog breed is challenging to keep.
This includes things such as grooming, dog training, and any other features that might make it a challenge to keep your dog.
If taking care of a dog will take up too much of your time or change your routine too much, then it might be better to pick a dog breed that is more fit for your lifestyle.
When it comes to Rottweiler Chow Chow mix dogs, the first thing I need to mention is the dog’s size and fairly high energy levels. This isn’t a dog fit for apartment living.
While it is possible to keep your Rottweiler Chow inside a shared building, this would require many daily walks and several heavy exercise routines throughout the day.
As such, these dogs do the best in houses with large backyards. They should have lots of places to run around, and this can help deplete their high energy levels.
If your Rottweiler Chow Chow mix doesn’t get the exercise he needs, he might become destructive. This is why you must help him get the proper amount of exercise and mental stimulation daily.
Rottweiler Chow Chow Training
Photo from: @blue_eyed_camouflage
Due to its unfriendliness and strength, a Rottweiler Chow Chow mix has to get proper dog training from an early age. Otherwise, you’re risking having a powerful dog you won’t be able to control.
Not only will you have to socialize your dog, but you’ll also have to housebreak them and work on separation issues. While they are not prone to separation anxiety, they can get upset when their owner is not around, and this is something you should deal with.
Fortunately, a Rottweiler Chow Chow mix is fairly easy to train. These are obedient and loyal dogs that will love to please their owners.
At the same time, they are very intelligent, so they can learn new tricks quickly. You’re likely to teach them everything they need to know without too much hassle.
They might have an independent streak, but they are not too stubborn. Also, they don’t have too much trouble focusing on the task, as long as they know you’ll be happy when they do what you tell them.
There’s one thing to keep in mind, though: Despite their tough appearance, Rottweiler Chow Chow mix dogs are somewhat sensitive pups. This means that you shouldn’t yell at them. Not to mention how it is terrible if you were physical with them!
Instead of punishing your pup, use positive reinforcement to let them know when they’ve done a good job. This can be their favorite treat or even a healthy snack from your kitchen, like bell peppers.
Remember to stay patient and to be happy with every bit of progress they make. These dogs love to make their owners happy, and you have to let them know they’ve achieved this successfully.
Also, a Rottweiler Chow Chow mix should go to at least a few professional dog training classes.
No matter how experienced you are with large dog breeds, these dogs require a professional trainer who will help them be the best dogs possible.
If you take them to group sessions, this can further help with socialization, so it’s always a good choice.
Of course, this will cost you money, but if you want your Rott Chow mix to be the best dog possible, it’s worth investing some funds.
Rottweiler Chow Chow Mix Grooming
Photo from: @guccitherottiechow
The amount of grooming required will highly depend on your Rottweiler Chow Chow mix’s coat.
If your pup has the same coat type as Rotties, you’ll need to brush them at least once a week to pick any loose hairs. However, these dogs aren’t prone to tangles or matting, so there isn’t a specific regime you should follow.
On the other hand, if they are more like their Chow Chow parents, they’ll have a longer coat that will require that you brush it more often. Giving your dog a good brush every day or two is the best way to ensure his coat is in perfect health.
However, one thing will stay the same: No matter the coat type, these dogs will shed. A lot.
The amount of shedding will be greater if the dog has a Chow Chow’s coat, but be prepared to do a lot of vacuum cleaning either way.
This also means that these dogs are not a good choice for allergy sufferers.
As for the grooming requirements, this also depends on the coat length.
In general, Rottweiler Chow Chow mixes with a shorter coat don’t require visits to the professional groomer. With a good dog brush, you’ll be able to maintain their coat properly on your own.
However, a Rottweiler Chow Chow mix with longer hair might require some hair cutting from time to time, and this should be left to the professional.
Don’t forget to bathe your dog! Most Rottweiler Chow Chow mixes will require baths every two months. Of course, if they get dirty in the meantime, you can bathe them more often, but don’t go overboard.
Bathing your pup too often isn’t good for him. Quite the opposite, it can lead to some significant skin problems. Water and shampoos can damage his skin and cause irritations.
Not just that, but this can lead to the increased shedding amount and dander production, which will only make things worse not just for your clothes and furniture but for allergy sufferers, as well.
Rottweiler Chow Chow Mix Health Problems
A mixed-breed dog can suffer from any health problems his parents are prone to. This is why it’s important to buy from a reputable breeder who will only sell healthy dogs.
Fortunately, mixed breed dogs have something that is called hybrid vigor.
Hybrid vigor occurs when there is an influx of new genes into the bloodline. Or rather, hybrid vigor is a feature mixed dogs have as there is a lower chance of two faulty genes combining.
Dogs with strong hybrid vigor, such as first-generation hybrids, have less chance of getting sick from hereditary health problems. This means that a Rottweiler Chow Chow mix is a fairly healthy dog.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that they are entirely free of health conditions. They might still get some conditions that commonly plague their parents, such as:
• Elbow dysplasia.
• Gastric torsion (bloat).
• Cancer.
Still, if you make sure your dog eats healthy dog food and maintains a healthy weight, you are likely to highly decrease the chances of any problems.
A Rottweiler Chow Chow mix is prone to weight gain and obesity, which can increase the chance of many cardiac and orthopedic problems. As long as you keep this from happening, you are preventing many health conditions.
Also, it’s important not to miss regular vet checkups and to consult with your vet if you suspect anything is wrong with your doggie.
Some conditions, such as bloat, are deadly unless you react fast. Others, such as cancer, can be treated only if found on time. Don’t risk your pup’s wellbeing.
How Long Does Rottweiler Chow Chow Mix Live?
Sadly, large dogs don’t live as long as smaller ones. While animal experts are still trying to figure out the real reason behind this, there have been some indications that their rapid growth is the main culprit.
When you look at newborn puppies, you’ll notice that there isn’t a significant size difference between the dog breeds. Sure, you’ll be able to tell a Chihuahua from a Mastiff, but this will be far from the size difference they’ll have when they are adult dogs.
As they are growing, large dogs will have a better growth rate than smaller ones. This means that their cells will divide faster.
Unfortunately, this rapid cell growth is usually connected with several types of disorders – most notably, cancer.
Due to this, big dogs are more prone to almost all types of cancer. Such diseases will shorten their lifespan by a significant number of years.
Not just that, but as they are larger, their hearts and most other organs will have to work much harder to ensure blood reaches all parts of their bodies. This means they get worn out faster.
Luckily, mixed breed dogs have a better outcome of living a fairly long life thanks to the hybrid vigor. Most Rottweiler Chow Chow mixes can live to be 10 years old, but many will have an even longer lifespan.
It all depends on your dog’s quality of life and regular vet visits.
Rottweiler Chow Chow Mix Breeders
When you buy purebred dogs, it’s somewhat easy to find a good breeder who will sell you a puppy. With mixed breed dogs, however, things can get a bit tricky.
There aren’t many breeders that specialize in crossbreeds, especially if they’re not popular dogs such as Goldendoodles.
Breeding mixed breed dogs is not the same as producing purebred litters. There are some breeding practices that are very different.
For example, a good breeder will have to possess dogs of great bloodlines that are of two different breeds. These dogs might have different needs and require different health tests, which is why the entire process can end up being rather costly.
Then, the breeder will need to have enough experience to be able to predict to a certain extent what each puppy will look like.
With mixed dogs, nothing is easy to predict. No reputable breeder will allow themselves to make empty promises and tell you how a Rottweiler Chow Chow mix puppy will look once fully grown, just for the dog to end up having an entirely different appearance or behavior.
Because of all of this, reputable breeders will keep their puppy prices high. Still, this is the only way you can be certain you’ll get a high-quality, healthy dog.
Rottweiler Chow Chow Mix Price
Not only is it hard to estimate what a Rottweiler Chow Chow mix will look like, but it’s nearly impossible to precisely predict this dog’s price, as it depends on many factors.
Many crossbreeds are more affordable than purebred dogs. This is because these dogs don’t come with pedigree papers or proof of registration, as none is possible with a Rottweiler Chow Chow mix.
However, some crossbreeds can end up being very expensive, especially if the dog has many desirable traits.
For example, many Doodles will end up being much more expensive than their purebred parents.
This might be the case with a Rottweiler Chow Chow mix, but it will depend on the breeder and the dog in question.
In general, a reputable breeder will charge a nice sum of money for their services – and rightfully so. They’ll send the best dogs possible.
A puppy from parents that are of champion bloodlines will cost more than standard dogs. The same goes for adult dogs that have undergone extensive guard dog training.
However, you might be able to find some Rott Chow mixes at a rather affordable price, as well.
You might also be able to adopt your Rottweiler Chow Chow mix from a shelter. This way, you’ll not only end up with much lower initial costs, but you’ll also do a good deed and provide an abandoned dog with a forever home.
Despite this, finding a Rottweiler Chow Chow mix in a shelter might be challenging. Not to mention how you’ll have no way of knowing whether there has been some other dog in the mix, as well, or the parent’s health status and bloodline.
Other than possible health problems these dogs might carry, many abandoned dogs have been neglected or abused. This can lead to severe behavioral issues.
This isn’t to say you shouldn’t adopt a dog – quite the opposite. Adopting a pet is the best feeling in the world!
However, I feel responsible to let you know what you can expect with these dogs. No one would want for someone to have to return a dog just because they weren’t prepared for their temperament or bad health.
Should You Get A Rottweiler Chow Chow Mix?
After you’ve read everything I’ve found out about a Rottweiler Chow Chow mix, you should know enough to make an opinion on whether this is the right dog for you.
These doggies are calm yet somewhat frightening pups that will keep all intruders away. They are some of the best guard dogs possible, and they also make good family pets.
While there are some risk factors due to the dog’s history, dogs that come from a reliable breeder shouldn’t have any aggressive tendencies. As such, these are some of the sweetest dogs you can find.
While they require a lot of exercise and extensive dog training and socialization, they are fairly easy to maintain – as long as you can deal with some shedding and get used to their unique temperament.
In general, all dogs are good dogs. No matter what dog breed you decide on, as long as you can give it what it needs, you won’t make a mistake.
Whether that be a purebred Rottweiler, a Chow Chow, or a Rottweiler Chow Chow mix, these dogs will be protective of their owners while also being lovey-dovey when they feel like it.
Just remember to feed them the proper diet and take them to the vet regularly. This will ensure your four-legged best friend stays with you as long as possible.
Read Next: Chow Chow Puppy Feeding Chart: How Much Should He Be Fed?
