Pit Bulls and Rottweilers – two of the most feared dog breeds in the world.
Both the Pitty and the Rotty get a bad name, although mostly only from improper training on behalf of their humans.
But why are they so feared, and can these two strong-willed dogs get along and live together?
Today we will take a closer look.
Let us start by saying yes, it is absolutely possible for a Pit Bull and a Rottweiler to get along and live together in the same space.
But the fact that this is even a question is a cause for concern and shows how little people really know about the two breeds.
Would you question whether a shitzu and a French bulldog could live together?
Probably not.
But the fact that Pit Bulls and Rottweilers do have such a bad name causes us to ask questions about their level of aggression towards both people and other dogs.
Why Does The Pit Bull Get Such A Bad Name?
This is a topic we have delved into many times before, but for this post, let’s have a recap.
The history of the Pit Bull starts with what we now refer to as the American Pit Bull Terrier.
These dogs were originally bred in England and were used as butcher’s dogs, farm dogs, and stock dogs.
Another breed, the bulldog, was bred to guard the shop and watch over livestock.
But come the 1800’s, a popular new sport arose: the sport of bull-baiting.
In this sport, bulldogs were set to attack bulls for the sheer purpose of human entertainment.
Eventually, this sport became illegal, but in its place came the sport of dogfighting.
For this sport, the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Bulldog were now being bred together to create the ultimate “fighting” dog – the fast, courageous, and strong Pit Bull.
Unfortunately, this sport meant the Pit Bull breed never stood a chance – it was destined to get a bad name.
What many people don’t realize, however, is that the Pit Bull dog breed is always eager to please its owner.
So if the owner trains the Pit Bull to be aggressive, that’s exactly what it will be.
But if trained to be loving and affectionate, the Pit Bull can be one of the most gentle of all dog souls.
Unfortunately, many people remain oblivious to the fact that aggression is the fault of the owner, not the dog, and the Pit Bull still remains one of the most “lethal” dog breeds in the eyes of many.
Why Does The Rottweiler Get A Bad Name?
Rottweilers don’t have quite the same history as Pit Bulls, but they do still get a bad name. The media is mostly to blame.
In movie after movie, we see the Rottweiler as a snarling, slobbering, dangerous beast that is out for human blood.
In reality, the exact opposite is true, but with the sheer size and power of the breed, it’s understandable how they can be seen as dangerous.
Rottweilers are solid, muscular dogs with large heads and wide jaws.
And yes, the crushing force of these jaws is quite powerful when put to the test – and when placed in the hands of the wrong owner, a Rottweilers jaws can be deadly.
But again, when raised in a loving and caring home, the Rottweiler will provide nothing but love and affection.
Do Pit Bulls And Rottweilers Play Well With Other Dogs?
Okay, we’ve delved into a bit about the history of the breeds, and have realized that they are not the ferocious killing machines that they are made out to be.
But if we want to know if Pit Bulls and Rottweilers can live together, we need not only look at their temperament towards humans but also other dogs.
So Pit Bulls and Rottweilers – can they play nice with other dogs?
Pit Bulls Survey
According to a survey of Pit Bull owners, 55% said that their Pit Bulls play nice with other dogs. Of the remaining 45%, 32% said they get along okay, and 13% said they don’t get along with other dogs at all.
And according to Pamela Reid, vice president of the ASPCA’s animal behavior center, Pit Bulls aren’t aggressive with people but are “less tolerant” of other dogs.
So really, the consensus remains up in the air.
Some Pit Bulls get along great with other breeds of dog, and some don’t.
It really comes down to personality and training.
Pit Bulls that are well-trained and socialized as puppies will have a much easier time getting along with other dogs as adults.
On the opposing side, Pit Bulls that have not been introduced to other dogs as puppies may have a more difficult time tolerating other dogs in their space.
Rottweilers Survey
A survey conducted on actual dog owners about common breed questions, 88% of Rottweiler owners said yes, their dog plays nice with other dogs.
That means only 12% of Rottweiler owners said their dog had a difficult time with others.
While Rottweilers are often portrayed as vicious attack dogs, they are actually very even-tempered, and aggression is not a natural Rottweiler tendency.
With that said, like any breed of dog, aggression towards other animals can result when not properly trained and socialized.
But as long as your Rottweiler has been introduced to plenty of other doggy companions when young, they should be just fine as adults too.
Are you thinking about getting a Pit Bull and a Rottweiler?
Let’s take a look at some tips to help make the transition of living together, a smooth one.
What Can You Do To Make Co-Habitation Between Dog Easier?
- Start Young
As we mentioned previously, limiting aggression between two dogs really comes down to training and socialization. The earlier you can work on this, the better.
If you have the chance, start socializing your dog as soon as you get them. The younger they are, the easier they will be to train.
And the more socialization they have, the more accepting of other dogs they will be.
Take your dog for lots of walks and let them play with other dogs that are passing by, spend lots of time at the dog park, host puppy play dates, or take your puppy to daycare for the day.
The more interaction your dog has with other dogs as a puppy; the more sociable they will be.
Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to start young. Sometimes your dog is well matured before you decide to get another one.
In such a case, socialization may be a little bit more complicated, but it is still possible.
- Choose A Dog Of The Opposite Sex
Dogs are more likely to be aggressive with other dogs of the same sex. This is a fact, and it is true regardless of whether they are spayed or neutered.
This rule doesn’t just apply to Pit Bulls either; it applies to all dog breeds.
If you are worried that your Pit Bull makes not take to a new Rottweiler around the house, it’s best to choose another dog of the opposite sex.
Dogs of the same sex can often see each other as competition, leading to undesired aggression. But when of the opposite sex, they tend to get along better.
- Introduce Them Slowly
When introducing a new dog into your home, do so slowly.
Remember, your current dog considers this their territory, so if you force another dog on them, they may become aggressive.
How To Safely Introduce Your Pit Bull And Rottweiler To Each Other
- Leave home.
As we just mentioned, your current dog thinks of your home as their territory.
And any other dog entering into their territory can be seen as an intruder. When introducing two dogs, do so outside of your home in a neutral place like the park.
- Give Your Dogs Some Love – Equally.
When you’re the owner of two dogs, you need to make sure you give them both plenty of love and attention.
Give your dog reason to believe that the new addition to your home is a friend or playmate, not competition.
- Let The Dogs Introduce Themselves.
Never force the situation upon them. Let them sniff, play, or do whatever they have to do to get to know each other.
Don’t step in unless you sense that one of the dogs is at risk. The introduction should be on their time – not yours.
- Stray Away From Treats.
All dogs love treats. And though it can be tempting to give them treats when they are getting along so well, dogs can become very territorial over food.
Providing your dogs with treats can create unnecessary aggression, so avoid handing them out until your dogs are both more comfortable with the new situation.
If at all possible, keep your new dog at family members or friend’s house until both dogs seem to interact positively with one another.
As we said previously, the introduction of two dogs (regardless of breed) should never be forced and should be on their own time.
Conclusion:
So the conclusion here would be:
a Pit Bull and a Rottweiler can live together in unison If they are properly trained and socialized when they are young.
It shouldn’t take long to start seeing positive interactions with two such loving breeds as the Pit Bull and the Rottweiler.
But again, it’s all based on individual personality.
You know your dog best so use your judgment as to whether you think they would take well to a new companion.