German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix: Dog Breed Guide
The Rottweiler German Shepherd Mix is a crossbreed of a German Shepherd and a Rottweiler. This mixed breed has inherited the best of both types, being energetic, eager to play, loyal, and loves to snuggle.Â
They have earned several different names, such as Rottie Shepherd and Rotten Shepherd (honestly inaccurate given the fun and loving nature of these mixed breeds). They are a designer breed, so that you can find them easily in shelters and breed-specific rescues. It’s important that you adopt them instead of buying them.
They are fluffy and are highly suitable as family dogs. They are much more suitable for homes with a yard and extra space. They make the best companions for apartment dwellers too. If you are looking for a kid-friendly, goofy dog that loves to play and also watches over your family, the Rottweiler and German Shepherd Mix is your best bet.
Rottweiler German Shepherd Mix Features
This type is a mixed breed which means it’s not purebred like its parents, the German Shepherd or the Rottweiler. The most common colors found in Rottie Shepherds are gray, white, black, sable, tan, cream, and red. Their coats may be solid or may contain two or three colors at a time.
Both its parents are heavy shedders, which could make it an unsuitable choice for people with allergies.
With a really high level of energy, this dog needs at least 30 minutes to 1-hour-long walks per day, some active play sessions, and some shorter walks in between.Â
They are very good playmates to kids of all ages, but being a large-sized pup, they could accidentally hurt younger kids while they playfully romp about. You must train the dog not to jump up while it’s still learning.
This breed is amicable with other dogs, keeping in mind that they need to be introduced to each other gradually and with proper care. But with cats, the Shepherd Rottie has the instinct to chase.
Rottweiler German Shepherd Mix Breed History
The Rottie Shepherd could have existed naturally before, but breeders intentionally started to breed them in the late 1990s, most probably in North America. Their breeding intention was to bring together the loyalty, strength, and intelligence of their parent breeds. Both its parents are of German Descent. The breeding continued as the demand for it kept increasing.Â
The German Shepherd Rottweiler mix had a good start as a designer breed, but some of them ended up in shelters or got taken care of by rescue groups. If you decide to get one of these, consider adopting. Check out the local shelters, and see if they have these mixes as rescues because they do get taken in by rescue homes after being abandoned.
Size Of A Rottie Shepherd
This is a relatively new mixed breed, and there are a few standards for its sizes. But on average, the cross between a German Shepherd Dog and a Rottweiler can be expected to be on the larger side.Â
They usually weigh in at 75-115 pounds, ranging in height from 22-28 inches at their shoulder. But they can be smaller or larger than their average.Â
Personality Of A Rottie Shepherd
Most enthusiasts of this breed will vouch for the sheer energy they exude. Its parents, both the German shepherd and the rottweiler, have been bred to be working dogs, which has led them to become the hyper-excited lot both physically as well as mentally.Â
These dogs are known for their extreme energy, but a little effort in training them, being patient, and introducing positive reinforcement can help control and nip unwanted habits of these otherwise amazing creatures.
They may be large dogs, but they think of themselves as a lapdog. Snuggling with their humans is their favorite thing to do, and they tend to be close to the one who takes care of them the most.
They are also prone to being protective of the person they are close to when they feel threatened. If you train them properly in their socialization journey, their over-protectiveness can be brought under control.
They thrive in family homes, being large mixed breeds. They would appreciate a yard or open space to run around too. But they will do just fine in the living space of your apartment too. You simply have to be as active as they are and exercise them regularly and frequently. If you are looking to adopt a dog that is cuddly, playful, and protective, the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is the way to go.
Health Of A German Shepherd And Rottweiler Mix
This mix is susceptible to the same set of conditions that its parents face. They are generally healthy, but a few of them may be prone to some health conditions. It is, therefore, important to keep track of their health with regular veterinary checkups.Â
Some of the common health issues that bane German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes are:
- Eyelid Issues (Entropion and Ectropion)
- Hip Dysplasia
- Degenerative Myelopathy Congenital Heart Defect
- Osteochondritis Dissecans
- Aortic Stenosis
Caring For The Rottie Shepherd
The ideal diet for your German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is formulated keeping in mind that this dog is large in size with medium to high energy. They tend to gain weight when they get overfed.
You must maintain a regular schedule for their diet and limit their treats if it exceeds the recommended amount.
Similar to all other breeds, the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix’s dietary needs keep changing from when they are a puppy until they reach their adult age. You must consult your veterinarian about your pup’s diet, given that they have unique variations in each dog, based on weight, size, energy, health, etc, for diet recommendation.
Grooming The Rottie Shepherd
Their coats are often a mix of their parents’ coat and the colors it features. The usual colors are gray, black, white, sable, tan, red, and cream. Their coats can be solid too, and sometimes they could have a mix of 2-3 colors.
The length of their coats will also depend on lineage, as the German shepherd has medium-length fur, whereas the Rottweiler has short double-coat fur. They can stand colder climates thanks to their fur, but you still must not leave them out, whether it’s hot or cold. Their ears, nose, and sensitive areas may need dog sunscreen in the summer months.
Rottie Shepherd With Other Pets
These dogs make fun playmates for kids, but it can be important to teach your children the etiquette of interacting with a mixed breed. It is equally important to train your dog not to jump too much, as it could hurt smaller children accidentally. Â
Some of them may not be as friendly with kids or other pets, but it really just boils down to the socialization, training, and sheer luck of the draw.
To Conclude
It is always better to look for a Rottweiler German Shepherd Mix at the rescue center before buying them. The ones waiting for adoption need your care more and more immediately.
Some of the rescues you may want to check out are:
- Memphis Rottweiler Rescue
- German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County
If you have questions or you want to share your thoughts, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
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