Rottweilers are sure to be admired by many dog enthusiasts all over the globe. However, most people can’t wrap their heads around the fact that long haired Rottweilers exist.
Long haired Rottweilers or long haired Rotties are a non-traditional variation of the breed.
Instead of the default short and straight coat, these dogs have long, coarse, and somewhat wavy hair. Because of this hair difference, many people mistake them for mixed breeds.
To fill your curiosity about these fluffy Rottweilers, keep scrolling! We’re going on an informative journey about this breed variety.
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What Is a Long Haired Rottweiler? Can Rottweilers Have Long Hair?
A long haired Rottweiler is a sibling of the short haired variation of the breed. Their hair length is significantly longer and somehow rough to the touch. They are often thought of as crossbreeds, but they have the same traits and personality as any other Rottweiler.
In a litter of Rottweilers, only one or two puppies can be long-haired. Because of this low probability, not many people own these beautiful dogs. Thus, long haired Rottweilers are not quite popular with the public.
Are Long Haired Rottweilers Rare?
Long haired Rotties are considered very rare dogs. As mentioned, a litter can only have one or two long haired puppies. Because of the low supply of these pooches, they are rarely owned by dog lovers.
Another main reason for their rarity is the breeding restriction established by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Due to this legislation, many breeders refrain from producing long haired Rottweilers despite high demand.
Long Haired Rottweiler Appearance: What Does a Long Haired Rottweiler Look Like?
The main difference between a long haired Rottweiler and a normal Rottie is their coat. As the name suggests, these dogs have long hair which appears wired or shaggy.
Like traditional Rotties, they have an undercoat which is found mainly on the neck and thighs.
Aside from this distinction, long haired Rotties share the same features as the more common coat variation. Their coat color is always black with markings that are usually rust, mahogany, or any shade in between.
These markings appear on particular locations, including the eyes, cheeks, each side of the muzzle, chest, legs, and beneath the tail. Tan lines can also appear on the toes, which look like pencil marks.
The body is large and muscular, which suggests strength and agility. Their eyes are medium-sized and almond-shaped. Their triangular ears are also medium in size and covered in long hair.
To see their bear-like appearance, watch the video below:
LONG Hair RottWeiler and very big size ROTTWEILER
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Long Haired Rottweiler Size and Weight: How Big Do Long Haired Rottweilers Get?
Because of their big and fluffy coats, long-haired Rottweilers often appear larger than short haired ones. However, under all that hair, they have the same height and weight as regular Rotties.
Male long haired Rottweilers grow up to around 24 to 28 inches tall with a weight of 115 to 135 pounds, while females reach anywhere between 22 and 26 inches and weigh about 85 to 115 pounds.
Long Haired Rottweiler Genetics: Why Do Some Rottweilers Have Longer Hair?
Like their other traits, the long hair of some Rottweilers is a result of their inherited genes. I know genetics can be a complicated topic, but I made this section as comprehensible as possible.
A Rottweiler must carry the long-haired (Lh) mutation gene from its purebred parents to exhibit long hair.
Because it is a recessive gene, the dog must inherit two copies of the Lh gene. The dog will then be able to pass one copy of this gene to all of its puppies.
If both Rottweiler parents have long-haired genes, they can produce a litter of fluffy Rottweiler puppies.
However, if one of the parent dogs carries a short-haired (Sh) gene, half of their offspring will be short haired while the other half will be long haired.
Are Long Haired Rottweilers Recognized by Kennel Clubs?
Long haired Rottweilers are not recognized by any kennel club in the United States. The American Kennel Club (AKC), for example, considers having long and wavy hair in Rottweilers as a fault.
The AKC also limits long haired Rottweiler breeding due to reported cases of using these dogs for illegal purposes such as dogfighting.
Many underground breeders produce and train them to fight in a dog pit instead of being in a show ring.
The Rottweiler community pushes for more ethical breeding practices so long haired Rotties can be bred for companionship.
Many of these dogs become euthanized because of bad behavior due to their involvement in these deadly dog sports.
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Long Haired Rottweiler Temperament: Are Long Haired Rottweilers Good Family Pets?
The temperament of any dog depends on several factors, such as heredity, training, and socialization.
With that being said, a long haired Rottie will behave no different than their normal short haired siblings, making them a good choice as a family pet.
Their false reputation as aggressive dogs might have tainted their image, but the truth remains that long haired Rottweilers have wonderful personality traits.
Like short haired Rotties, their character is an ideal combination of a sweet, fearless, and loyal dog.
They are intelligent dogs with the capacity to learn quickly and be trained effectively by their owners.
Early obedience training and socialization should be done while they are still puppies, not to let their stubbornness develop.
A long haired Rottweiler’s appearance might come off as intimidating but don’t let it fool you. Surprisingly, they are quite clingy and affectionate.
They are the type of dogs that will follow you around all day and can’t be left alone for too long.
They are friendly with people they know but remain reserved and aloof with strangers. However, they won’t show any aggression nor bark at all.
Long Haired Rottweiler Grooming Needs: How to Groom Your Fluffy Rottweiler?
Grooming is a responsibility of every dog owner regardless if they have a short haired or long haired dog. However, you might need to exert extra effort for the coat maintenance of your long haired Rottweiler.
To keep their coats shiny and tangle-free, brush their hair daily using a slicker brush with fine, short wires close together.
This can penetrate into their undercoat to remove mats and loose hair as well as unwanted ticks and fleas hiding in their long coat.
Having long hair means your dog can easily acquire dirt and debris from outside. Bathing should be done once a month to keep your long haired Rottie clean and smelling good.
If they love jumping in mud puddles, then you need to give them more frequent baths.
Nail trimming and ear cleaning should be done weekly. Using a sharp nail clipper, cut your long haired Rottweiler’s nails carefully. For the ears, use a damp cotton pad or wet wipes to clean their ear flaps.
Daily brushing of the teeth is recommended for ideal oral health. Dental chews are also effective in removing a good amount of bacteria inside the mouth.
Long Haired Rottweiler Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Long Haired Rottweilers Healthy Dogs?
As large breeds, long haired Rottweilers have shorter lifespans. They typically live for around 9 to 10 years. Healthier dogs can live for up to 12 years.
In general, Rottweilers are prone to several health issues that may lead to their imminent death.
Long haired variations are not exempt from potentially having these conditions as listed below:
- Hip Dysplasia: These are hereditary conditions characterized by the malformation of the hip joint. Dogs that suffer from hip dysplasia experience pain or lameness in the affected area. Severe cases of dysplasia may require surgery to correct the joints and prevent the development of arthritis.
- Bone Cancer: A long haired Rottweiler can suffer from osteosarcoma or bone cancer. Malignant tumors are a result of the abnormal production of cells that create and break down bones. This causes extreme pain, lameness, and swelling.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This pertains to a set of degenerative diseases that cause the degeneration of the eye’s photoreceptor cells. This can eventually lead to permanent blindness. Affected dogs should not breed to prevent the gene for PRA from being passed on.
- Aortic Stenosis: This is a congenital heart disease marked by the narrowing of the heart’s aortic valve. Normal blood flow becomes harder for the heart to perform. This can lead to several complications including heart attacks in long haired Rottweilers.
Sometimes, it’s not enough to boost your dog’s immune system to avoid health problems.
It’s always best to avoid buying from backyard breeders and only purchase from reputable breeders that perform genetic tests and health screenings on their long haired Rottweilers.
How Much Does a Long Haired Rottweiler Cost? Are They More Expensive Than Other Rottweilers?
Due to the long haired Rottweiler breeding restrictions imposed by the American Kennel Club (AKC), these dogs are not widely available.
Since not many breeders produce them, the cost of these dogs can be quite demanding. A pet-quality long haired Rottweiler puppy usually costs around $1,500 to $2,500.
Even though this breed variation doesn’t pass kennel club standards, long haired Rotties are still expensive due to their rarity and unique appearance.
And like any other dog breed, they need some items to develop and begin their new life.
Aspiring long haired Rottie owners can refer to the table below for the initial cost of expenses of this breed:
| Type of Expense | Average Cost |
| Dog Food | $60 |
| Leash and Collar | $20 |
| Food and Water Bowl | $15 |
| Training Treats | $25 |
| Chew Toys | $15 |
| Dog Bed and Crate | $80 |
| Dog Brush | $12 |
| Deshedding Tool | $20 |
| Dog Shampoo | $10 |
| Nail Trimmers | $11 |
| Cleaning Tools (Urine Cleaner and Poop Scooper) | $45 |
| Total Initial Cost | $313 |
Since this is just the estimated initial cost, you also need to prepare a budget for unexpected problems like health emergencies or potential expenses like pet boarding and professional grooming.
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Places to Find Long Haired Rottweiler Puppies for Sale or Adoption
If you already fell in love with this long haired breed, it’s time to know where you can purchase fluffy Rottweiler puppies.
Since you might find it difficult to find a breeder that specifically offers long haired Rotties, I came with a list of places where you can purchase one.
Check out the website of these Rottweiler breeders that may offer the long haired variation:
- Princehaus Rottweilers – This breeder has been producing Rottweilers with excellent bloodlines that are perfect as companions or service dogs. The owner has been breeding for over 30 years and served some time as a veterinary technologist. From time to time, they may have a long haired puppy in their litter so you can send them an email to reserve one right away.
- Von Evman Rottweilers – If you’re looking for a breeder with outstanding credentials, you won’t go wrong with Von Evman Rottweilers. All of their dogs are certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) so you won’t have to worry about the puppies inheriting hip or elbow dysplasia or developing bone cancer.
- Carrabba Haus – This breeder follows a selective breeding practice to produce Rottweilers with remarkable traits, including the long haired breed. All of their dogs are socialized at a young age but are never spoiled. Their puppies grow up well-trained and disciplined.
Buying a puppy from a breeder is really expensive, especially for Rottweilers with long hair.
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If you prefer a money-saving alternative, you can visit the website of the following rescue organizations:
- Rotten Rottie Rescue – This is a foster-based rescue that works hard to save Rottweilers, both long haired and short haired, that suffer from serious health problems and are close to being euthanized. Their website offers information about their adoption process as well as other announcements.
- Rottweiler Hearts Rescue – This is another Rottie rescue based in North Carolina. Like other rescues, they have a multi-step adoption process that requires an affordable fee amounting to $25. You can submit the application form directly to the email address found on their website.
- R.E.A.L. Rott Rescue – Even though they are a small, private group, R.E.A.L Rott Rescue has rehomed over 2,000 Rottweilers since the start of their operation. After accomplishing their procedure, you will need to pay an adoption fee ranging from $250 to $500.
Long haired Rottweilers are most likely to end up in shelters and rescues because they do not fit the breed standard. Many owners also find the responsibility too overwhelming when they suddenly get sick.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do Long Haired Rottweilers Shed a Lot?
Yes, long haired Rottweilers shed more than their short counterparts. Because of their long hair, they are expected to have a new coat every summer and winter. The shedding period is expected to be excessive during spring and fall.
Should Long Haired Rottweilers Be Shaved?
Owners shouldn’t shave long haired Rottweilers because this can damage their undercoat. Contrary to popular belief, this will not reduce shedding.
Regular brushing and trimming by a professional groomer is your best option to maintain their coat.
How Many Types of Rottweilers Are There?
There are actually three types of Rottweilers known in the canine world. This includes the American, German, and Roman Rottweilers.
Each type adheres to different breed standards so you can expect a slight difference in size and weight.
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Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Long Haired Rottweiler?
If you are a fan of Rottweilers from the start, getting one with a longer coat length shouldn’t be a problem. Even if you aren’t a Rottie enthusiast, there are a couple of reasons why people should own this dog.
You may not have a dog popular in various show rings but you’ll be sure to have a great family dog. Others might be skeptical about this dog breed but there are no records of them having sudden temperament changes at all.
If anything, the only behavior owners can expect is clinginess, confidence, and courageousness. Even if long haired Rottweilers don’t adhere to breed standards, they can make the best companions.
