The German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is a dog bred between the German Shepherd and the Rottweiler. Despite its horrible name of ‘Rotten Shepherd,’ this is a gorgeous hybrid that has inherited both the parents’ strength, devotion, and guarding instincts.
When you cross a devoted German Shepherd with a vigilant Rottweiler, you get a mix with a golden heart. They are affectionate dogs who are eager to serve and defend you. Their intense commitment to guarding your house is reason enough to get one.
This article will tell you all you need to know about the powerful and intimidating, yet adorable pup that is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Rottweiler.
German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix: History
Designer breeders began purposefully crossing Rottweilers with German Shepherd Dogs in the late 1990s, most likely in North America.
We don’t know much about the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix’s history, so let’s have a look at their parent breeds to discover their beginnings.
Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is one of a group of working dog breeds known as butchers’ dogs because they were once commonly used to pull meat carts to market.
These dogs are noted for their rugged exterior, which has been honed through many years of working dog training. The Rottweiler was no longer employed for moving animals when railroads and vehicles ultimately eliminated the necessity for droving, but it has preserved its muscular body and agility. They’ve been trained as security dogs, rescue dogs, and police dogs in recent years.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is substantially smaller than the Rottweiler. German Shepherds, members of the herding family of dogs, have been employed as assistance dogs for decades and are noted for their intense attachment to their handlers.
German Shepherds are known for their intelligence and trainability, which has led to many of them pursuing careers as guide dogs, military dogs, and even acting dogs in recent years. They are presently the world’s second most popular dog breed, and they have been adopted by people from all walks of life.
Appearance
Although there are no breed requirements for this combination, you may anticipate German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix to be athletic. They have powerful hindquarters that drive them forward in play and deep chests that allow them to run great distances. They may reach a height of 27 inches. They can weigh anywhere from 75 to 115 pounds.
Their coat is thick; however, the length varies depending on which parent breed coat they acquired. The German Shepherd has a medium-length coat compared to the Rottweiler’s short fur. The color is very consistent, and it comes in a variety of brown colors, including fawn and grey sable. The coat can also become black or, more infrequently, white in some cases.
Their eyes are also brown or black in color. Their noses are black, as are the noses of most dogs. Their ears, with their floppiness, are largely inherited from their Rottweiler ancestry.
Temperament
Some people believe the German Shepherd Rottweiler mix is violent and dominating because of their size. However, this isn’t always the case. Your dog’s personality will be influenced by the personalities of their parents as well as the surroundings.
German Shepherd Rottweiler mixes are smart dogs who are always on the lookout and can predict what is expected of them. They also enjoy being recognized for their accomplishments. They possess all of the characteristics of an athletic, tenacious, robust, and flexible dog, making them ideal companions for active outdoor activities.
Their German Shepherd parent has instilled in them a strong sense of loyalty. And because the Rottweiler is primarily responsible for their alertness, your dog may have a strong guarding instinct.
Despite their reserved demeanor, this breed isn’t all business. This cross possesses the fun, silly disposition that Rottweilers are renowned for, as well as being unexpectedly affectionate. When they’re with the people they care about the most, they act more like lapdogs, despite their size.
These dogs are ideal for active families and will provide youngsters with fascinating playmates. However, be mindful that if this enormous dog plays too hard, they may accidentally hurt or injure younger children. To avoid any possible complications, train your dog not to jump on kids and educate your children on how to interact with the dog.
If introduced carefully and appropriately, German Shepherd Rottweiler mixes are fairly sociable with other dogs. When it comes to cats or other small animals, though, your dog may have a natural desire to hunt, especially if he hasn’t been around them since he was a puppy.
Training and Exercise
If you want German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix to be fit, healthy, they will require regular exercise, particularly while they are outside. You may begin by walking them for at least an hour twice a day. You may also jog with your dog or play games like balls and fetch. You can also train your dog to swim to make family lake excursions even more enjoyable.
Because of their size and activity requirements, the German Shepherd Rottweiler hybrid is not suggested for owners who live in tiny homes or flats. The pet will want ample area to wander, and it will be even better if it is in a well-kept garden. When the weather is nice, they may spend a lot of time outside. If they are confined for an extended period of time, they can become destructive and chew up a lot of items.
If you are going to be gone for more than a few hours, it is best to leave your dog at a dog daycare where they can mingle and enjoy themselves.
German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes are unique in that they have a high degree of intelligence inherited from their parent breeds, making them fast to learn and simple to train. It’s critical to have them socialize as soon as possible because of their innate aloof nature and the need to defend. Make sure you take your pup to social places to make them acclimated to being around strangers and other dogs. Having a large number of guests to the house to meet and greet will assist to diminish your puppy’s instinct to guard.
When training your pet, don’t forget to use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and verbal compliments.
Grooming
Although the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is a low-maintenance dog, they do shed a lot! If a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix puppy has its German Shepherd parent’s medium and shaggier coat, it will need to be brushed many times each week. During the shedding season, this will grow to every day. If you have one of these dogs in your house, you will definitely need a decent vacuum cleaner. Brush them as often as possible to get rid of any stray hair.
If the puppy’s coat is shorter, like their Rottweiler parent’s, it may only need a good weekly brushing. Even if a dog doesn’t shed much, grooming is necessary to aid in the removal of superfluous hair and dead skin. A Furminator, for example, can assist you in staying on top of this hairy condition.
You’ll need to bathe them three to four times a year, which you may do at the groomer’s. The groomer can also assist you in trimming the nails of your German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix. Don’t forget to brush their teeth on a regular basis too.
Health
Although the German Shepherd Rottweiler mix is a powerful and athletic crossbreed, they are not immune to the diseases that affect large dogs. These are some of the health problems associated with this crossbreed:
- Hip dysplasia, a condition that affects the hip joint.
- Gastric torsion, also known as bloating.
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Panosteitis, a kind of bone inflammation
- Cardiomyopathy, a heart condition
The average lifespan of a German Shepherd Rottweiler mix is 10 to 13 years.
Cost
A German Shepherd Rottweiler mix can cost anywhere between $250 and $850. The cost is mostly determined by the parents’ pedigree and the breeder. However, locating a professional breeder for this mix may be difficult. A local shelter or animal rescue may be a better place to look for this mixed breed dog for adoption.
Conclusion
German Shepherd Rottweiler mixes are devoted and kind, as well as quite clever and trainable. They do best in homes with active family members and will gladly coexist with children of all ages, as well as other pets.
It is important to remember that not every breed of dog is suitable for every family and situation. This is why it’s important to research the breed you’re interested in before bringing one into your home.
To know more, check out other articles on the German Shepherd and the Rottweiler.
If you have a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix or know of someone with this active and loyal pup, please share your story in the comments below.