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Springer Rottie |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Great Britain <> Germany -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Springer Rottie |
| The Springer Rottie is a cross between the English Springer Spaniel and the Rottweiler. This hybrid is a very active dog with a robust complexion. Their coat is short to medium length, and usually a mixture of black, white, tan or chocolate. These dogs are strong, protective and have a high level of stamina, and are generally excellent at guarding property. They are very loyal and affectionate family members, but can be aggressive towards strange dogs, even if early socialization has been implemented. The best living conditions for the Springer Rottie are in a house; it's important that he lives with his family and also has a place to run and play. If isolated, this dog can become destructive and aggressive. |
History of the Springer Rottie |
| The Springer Rottie is a cross between a Rottweiler and an English Springer Spaniel. |
A little of the English Springer Spaniel |
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| The English Springer Spaniel originated in Spain, hence its name. It is known to have a long history, as similar dogs are mentioned in Welsh legal documents in 300 A.D. There are also paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries depicting Spaniel dogs. This breed was developed for hunting; these dogs helped hunters before guns were invented. They were excellent at catching birds and small animals and taking them to an open field where game could be easily captured. Later, when guns were introduced, Spaniels flushed out game for hunters. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the English classified these dogs according to their hunting ability. Smaller dogs were better at woodcock hunting, and were called Cockers. Larger Spaniels were used for hunting game, and were called Springers. In 1913, a Canadian breeder brought the first English Springer Spaniel to America. There, from 1940 onwards, two types of English Springer Spaniel began to be developed, one more suited to field work, the other meeting the breed's highest standards. These two types are not crossed. The Springer developed for field work has more stamina, is faster and has a finer sense of smell. Springers bred for the show ring have less energy, and are more aesthetically pleasing. In 1910, the American Kennel Club recognized the English Springer Spaniel breed. | ||
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| Standard of the English Springer Spaniel |
A little of the Rottweiler |
| The Rottweiler comes from a Mastiff-type dog, the Molosser. This breed accompanied the Romans on their way to Germany, driving their cattle. These dogs mated with other breeds in the various regions they visited, giving rise to new breeds of dog. In southern Germany, Molosser descendants became very popular for their ability to drive cattle. In addition, their owners kept the cattle's money safe by attaching it to the dog's neck. These dogs also helped pull carts loaded with meat. Later, the breed lost popularity and almost disappeared. In 1901, the Rottweiler began to gain in popularity again, when breed standards were established. These dogs also became known for their excellent police work. It is estimated that the breed was first introduced to America in the late 1920s, when German emigrants brought them over. The Rottweiler was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1931. |
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| Standard of the Rottweiler |
Appearance of the Springer Rottie |
| The Springer Rottie is a large dog that generally weighs between 25 and 38.5 kilos. This hybrid has a double coat, usually short, and can be black, chocolate, fawn or white, but is most often black and white or brown and white. It can inherit the distinctive tan face markings of its Rottweiler parent. It has a strong, compact body, with long, sturdy legs that are not close together. Its head is broad, with a narrower, medium-length muzzle. Its eyes are dark and kind, its nose is black and its ears hang low. The average height of the Springer Rottie is between 48 and 69 centimeters. |
Temperament of the Springer Rottie |
| Like both its parents, the Springer Rottie is highly intelligent, loyal and confident. They're generally eager to please and follow orders, but when they make up their mind, they'll do as they please. Consistency and determination are needed to train your Springer Rottie, although they are generally easy to train. They're great with children if they're used to being with them from infancy. Nevertheless, the Springer Rottie has a tendency to be aggressive towards dogs, even if it has been in contact with other dogs since it was a puppy, so it's important to be cautious when foreign dogs present themselves. They are very sensitive dogs and don't adapt well when excluded from the family, and when left alone for long periods they can develop a destructive and aggressive character. Yet the Springer Rottie is very enthusiastic, affectionate and playful. They make excellent companion and guard dogs. |
Needs and activities of the Springer Rottie |
| Because its parent breeds have different energy levels, the Springer Rottie's activity requirements may vary, depending on which parent breed the dog leans towards most. Springer Spaniels are very active dogs who enjoy outdoor activities, while Rottweilers are calmer and known to be homemakers. As a result, the range of activities can be different for each Springer Rottie puppy. Calmer dogs will be content with a short 10-20 minute walk, while the more active dogs will need to go for a brisk walk or jog two or three times a day, reaching up to 6 kilometers or more a day. Both breeds are highly intelligent and are happiest when offered activities that require mental effort. Agility activities, ball or stray ball games and hiking are all exercises your Springer Rottie will enjoy. They also make excellent police dogs or property guards. This hybrid has a taste for chasing prey and attacking strangers who invade its space, so it's important to have fences in your home to avoid accidents or incidences. |
Maintenance of the Springer Rottie |
| The Springer Rottie sheds moderately, so weekly brushing with a firm bristle brush will help to remove dead hairs and distribute oils from the skin. You should also check his ears weekly for infections and odors, in which case the dog should be taken to the vet. You can clean his ears with a damp towel or absorbent cotton, using a cleaning solution. Brushing teeth at least twice a week is highly recommended to prevent tartar build-up and bad breath. Your Springer Rottie will need a bath whenever it gets dirty or smells bad. Nails should also be trimmed once or twice a month, depending on how the dog wears them down with daily activity. |
English (United Kingdom)