The Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix, also known as the Rottie Shepherd and Rotten Shepherd, is a dog with a heart of gold. The loyal German Shepherd and the watchful Rottweiler will be the perfect protector of your home, but at the same time give you all the love they can.
Their strong loyalty and desire to protect your home are only some of the reasons to own a mix of German Shepherd Rottweiler mix. Besides that, this is an affectionate dog ready to serve you and your family members. Their calm energy is perfect for all families because they won‘t get disturbed by an energetic household.
These dogs have so many other traits you should know about. In this article, we will try and introduce the Rottweiler and German Shepherd and their traits as best as possible and in great detail.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about the personality, need, and caring for this wild and loyal guardian dog – the Rottie Shepherd.
To be able to better understand this designer breed, we need to take a closer look at both parent breeds separately, the German Shepherd parent and the Rottweiler parent.
German Shepherd dog
The German Shepherd has a double coat that consists of a dense, somewhat wavy, or straight outer coat and a thick undercoat. It has medium-length hair that is usually tan and black or red and black and is shed all year. Other uncommon color combinations include all-black, all-white, liver, and blue.
When it comes to its size, the German Shepherd is a big dog, there is no doubt about that. Male German Shepherds are between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females stand 22 to 24 inches tall. The weight of this breed ranges from 75 to 95 pounds, females are generally lighter than males.
The purebred German shepherd is a well-balanced dog that moves quickly and is flexible. The broadhead tapers gracefully to a pointed nose. The ears are quite huge and stand upright. The back is flat and powerful, with a bushy tail that curves downward.
Personality
The German Shepherd personality is reserved yet not aggressive. They’re reticent dogs who don’t make friends easily, but once they do, they’re devoted and make a good companion. They are easygoing and give unconditional love to their family, but when attacked, they can be strong and protective, which makes them great watchdogs.
This highly intelligent and trainable breed wants to do any job and thrives when they have a purpose. It doesn’t matter if it is alerting a deaf individual to a doorbell ringing to sniffing out an avalanche victim, the German Shepherd can be trained to perform practically anything. They make great police dogs, guide dogs, therapy dogs, emotional support dogs, and so on.
One negative trait of the German shepherd is that they hate being left alone for long periods. They get bored and dissatisfied if they do not have the companionship they require, as well as exercise and the opportunity to put their brains to use. A German Shepherd who is under-exercised and disregarded by its families is more prone to exhibit pent-up energy in undesirable ways, such as barking and chewing.
The German Shepherd, like all dogs, requires early socialization (introduction to a variety of people, sights, noises, and experiences) when they are young. Socialization ensures that your German Shepherd puppy develops into a well-rounded and well-behaved dog.
Rottweiler dog
Rottweilers are enormous canines, both males and females are large, but females are a bit smaller. Male Rottweilers are usually between 24 and 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 95 to 130 pounds. Female Rottweilers are typically between 22 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 85 and 115 pounds.
The purebred Rottweiler has a huge head and is a blocky dog. The ears of Rottweilers are close to the head and droop down somewhat. Rottweilers’ muzzles are square and robust, yet they can be a little drooly due to loose flies (lips). Rottweilers should always be black with tan tips, with a coat that is short, dense, and a little harsh. A “fluffy” puppy will occasionally appear in a litter, but that coat is disqualified in the breed ring. Their tails are docked at a fairly short length, ideally one to two vertebrae.
Rottweilers, like other large breeds, can be slow to mature. Many do not attain full adult growth until they are 2 or 3 years old, even though adult height is frequently set by one year of age. These puppies will grow in size, expand their chests and become the gigantic dogs we expect as they age.
Personality
Never bashful, the ideal Rottweiler is calm, confident, and courageous. He has a self-assured aloofness and does not make friends easily or indiscriminately. Instead, when it comes to new individuals or situations, he takes a wait-and-see approach. He’s affectionate with his family, constantly following them around the house. This is not a hyperactive dog. He has a natural urge to protect his family and property, but he should never be hostile toward others without justification. The Rottweiler is intelligent, flexible, and has a strong work ethic.
Rottweilers demand constant, rigorous, but not brutal discipline. A strong scolding is frequently sufficient, but only if you’ve firmly established your leadership. Otherwise, he may try to bully or bluff you. This is not a dog for individuals who lack self-confidence or do not have the time to commit to training and monitoring. Setting limits and teaching consequences for incorrect conduct need time and effort to earn Rottweiler’s respect. A variety of factors influence temperament, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with good temperaments are interested and playful, eager to approach and be held by people.
Choose the puppy amid the pack, not the one who is tearing up his littermates or hiding in the corner. Always meet at least one of the parents — generally, the mother is present — to confirm that they have pleasant personalities with whom you are comfortable. Meeting the parents’ siblings or other relatives is also beneficial in determining what a puppy will be like when he grows up. Rotties, like all dogs, require early socialization — being exposed to a variety of people, sights, noises, and experiences — when they are young. Socialization ensures that your Rottweiler puppy develops into a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in puppy kindergarten is a terrific place to start.
Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix – All the traits
German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is a large hybrid of the German Shepherd and the Rottweiler.
Since this dog does not have breed standards, its appearance can vary. However, these dogs generally look like a combination of both parents, with floppy ears from the Rottweiler, a short thick coat from the German Shepherd, and black-and-brown markings from both parents.
Their Rottweiler roots make them best as guard dogs as their alertness and detached personality make them ideal for keeping the home safe during your absence.
But don’t be fooled. If you’re part of a Rottweiler Shepherd mix bundle, then expect to be showered with love. This goofy, playful dog loves to cuddle, but he can also handle it on his own if he’s watching over your home.
Their main needs are mental and physical stimulation. They are very active dogs and are perfect for runs and long hikes.
Shepweiler appearance
There are no breed standards for this dog, but you can expect this mix to look sporty. These dogs are tall and stocky, stand between 22 and 27 inches, and weigh between 75 and 115 pounds. But, be aware that there is no rule to mixed breed pups, they can easily be larger or smaller than that.
Because of this, they have strong hindquarters to propel them in the game and deep chests to run long distances.
While most German Shepherd Rottweiler mixes have thick coats, some have the smooth coat of a Rottweiler. While most have floppy ears, some may have pointy ears.
These dogs often have the wolf-like snout of their parents from the German Shepherd.
Expect your Shepweiler to look as unique as their personality!
Coat and colors
The most common coat color is the black and brown pattern of their Rottweiler parents.
But, there can also be a mix of German Shepherd patterns.This dog’s coat is often dense and short like a German Shepherd, but smoothly coated mixtures are not uncommon. Expect this dog to shed just as much as its parent breeds.
German Shepherd Rottweiler mix temperament
Their main personality trait is loyalty – this comes from her German Shepherd parents. While it stays loyal to its pack as well, expect your German Shepherd Rottweiler mix to be more dedicated to the main groom. They can also be very protective, like their Rottweiler parents. This mix has a strong personality and is not for first-time owners. They need an owner who has a lot of experience with large dogs, training them, and socializing them.
Both parent breeds are known to be calm and aloof but aren’t aggressive when properly socialized. But if you don‘t treat your dog right, you will end up with an aggressive dog. This is the case with all breeds, not only your German Shepherd Rottweiler mix.
Despite their reluctance, this mix isn’t all business. This hybrid has the playful, goofy personality the Rottweiler is known for and is surprisingly cozy. Despite their size, they act more like lapdogs when around the people they love most.
Energetic dogs
Since both parents are working dogs, this breed can be very energetic and destructive if not properly trained.
Fortunately, neither of the parent breeds are known to be vocal, but your German Shepherd Rottweiler mix can bark if there is a reason to.
As mentioned earlier, they can have strong protective instincts. So make sure they know what to protect and what to share. This can be supported by early training and socialization to prevent resource conservation (especially food protection).
A well socialized and trained German Shepherd Rottweiler can be a gentle and calm family companion, they can be great family dogs. Just because they are good family dogs, doesn‘t mean you should leave them with kids alone, especially not with small children. No matter how well you train your dog and socialize them, accidents can still happen.
One problem that might occur with this mix is that, if you leave them alone for too long they might develop behavioral problems
Living with a German Shepherd and Rottweiler mix
Couch potatoes are warned – this is not the dog for you! Both the German Shepherd and Rottweiler were bred to work, both breeds are very large and strong dogs, and German Shepherd Rottweiler mix is no exception. This mix needs an active family who loves to be on the move.
Their intelligence is a double-edged sword as it can be malicious if you don’t factor in mental stimulation. Nevertheless, their intelligence ensures satisfactory training sessions. This is why it is important to train them from a young age. Overall, this can be an intense dog, especially if you’re not used to being around larger breeds. You need a home with a large garden to play in and plenty of exercises.
If you put the time and effort into giving this breed the exercise it needs, this mix will make a loving companion.
Exercise
Both parent breeds of this dog are working dogs. So make sure your Rottweiler mix is getting the exercise they need. If this hybrid stays bored, they may be playing with your furniture!
Hikes are great for this dog as the rugged trail and long-distance require more energy than walking around the block. However, with this mix, you can do a lot more than just go for walks.
You will enjoy the basic dog games of fetch and tug of war. Also, try teaching your dog to swim to make family lake tours a little more fun.If you want to go a step further, agility is the best way to take advantage of this active hybrid. This dog sport is a great option for German Shepherd Rottweiler mixes as this challenging but fun activity will give them the cardiovascular exercise they need.
Grooming
How much grooming does this crossbreed need? Well, because they tend to inherit the German Shepherd’s short, thick coat, this breed tends to lose a lot. To keep shedding down, brush them weekly to get rid of dead hair. This activity can help you bond closely with your dog and keep your dog’s coat healthy.
If they spend a lot of time outdoors, you may need to bathe your dog twice a month. Also, keep your dog’s paws clean with towels and check them regularly to make sure there is no debris there.
Brushing for dental health is a must, as is cleaning your ears to prevent infection. You don’t need to worry too much about the nails, however, as activity tends to wear them out.
Feeding and nutritional needs
German Shepherd Rottweiler mixes need to eat a lot because they are an active breed. This athletic dog must be fed the correct nutrients.
Make sure to ask your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet, taking into account their activity level and ideal weight.
Every dog has unique nutritional requirements, and the cheapest tinned dog food or ‘human meals’ are simply insufficient. Dogs require a different balance of vitamins, minerals, fats, and proteins than humans, and feeding them human leftovers, as well as a high-filler diet, can result in malnutrition.
You should do some study to choose and use a well-known nutritious brand of dog food that will fulfill your Labrador’s needs. That way, you can ensure that your dog receives all of the benefits of high-quality foods! Another thing to remember is that puppies and adult dogs have varied nutritional requirements, so you’ll need to feed your puppy differently than your older dog.
It’s not just an issue of quantity; a puppy’s nutritional needs differ from those of an adult dog, and their food must reflect this. In a later article, I’ll go into greater detail about this. Finally, we assume everyone is aware of this, but it doesn’t hurt to reiterate. Please ensure that your Labrador has constant access to clean, fresh water 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Health of the Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix
The German Shepherd Rottweiler hybrid is generally considered to be of good health but is still prone to some common health conditions associated with its parent breeds. That is why it is important to buy your puppy from a reputable breeder. A breeder will do health screenings of the parents to make sure that the puppies don‘ have any health problems.
Of course, you shouldn‘t forget about regular veterinary exams, because they can help detect health problems early on, which makes treatment more successful. The life expectancy of your German Shepherd Rottweiler mix is between 10 and 15 years, just as it is with all larger breeds.
If we take a look at the most common health issues of both parent breeds we can come to a good indicator of which problems their mix will have.
Some of the most common health problems associated with the German Shepherd breed are:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat
- Epilepsy
- Hemophilia
- Diabetes
- Cataracts
- Degenerative Disc Disease
There are several health issues connected with the Rottweiler as well, some of them are:
- Aortic Stenosis
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Entropion
- Ectropion
- Cruciate Ligament Rupture
- OCD (Osteochondritis Dessicans)
- Cancer
Now we will take a look at the biggest health problems of your German Shepherd Rottweiler mix, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, and degenerative myelopathy. We will explain each of these health problems separately and in more detail.
Hip dysplasia
When a dog’s hip joint fails to develop normally, this is known as canine hip dysplasia. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that can become extremely loose and unstable if the two components do not expand at the same rate.
Hip dysplasia in dogs can cause serious problems because if a dog walks around with a loose hip joint, the joint’s anatomy may be irreversibly destroyed. If ignored, the condition can lead to osteoarthritis (also known as a degenerative joint disease). Because of the uneven movement, the cartilage wears away, causing scar tissue and bone spurs to form.
Canine hip dysplasia is a hereditary disorder, which means it is passed down through the generations. If you’re considering getting a Labrador retriever, keep in mind that large breed dogs are more susceptible to the disease than small breed dogs. However, genetics isn’t the only factor that causes this illness in dogs. Puppies with a genetic predisposition to hip dysplasia are more likely to develop the illness if they are fed more than they require, resulting in faster-than-average weight gain and growth, according to experts. Another danger factor is puppy overexertion or too much exercise.
Elbow dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is a genetic disorder caused by the interplay of two genes from each parent.
The exact mechanism that causes the elbow to develop incorrectly is unknown. It’s thought that there’s an uneven fit (or incongruency) in the joint, causing inappropriate weight distribution. Points of high pressure injure the cartilage that covers the bones, and cartilage and underlying bone fragmentation may result (osteochondrosis).
Elbow dysplasia is a common condition in dogs, especially those of large breeds. Forelimb lameness and stiffness are the most common symptoms. After a time of rest following activity, the latter is usually most visible. The leg’s weight-bearing can be lessened, and the paw can rotate outward. Osteoarthritis symptoms commonly emerge when the dog is a puppy (five to eight months old) or when the dog is an adult (a few years of age).
Some dogs with elbow dysplasia can be successfully treated without surgery by their veterinarians. In many cases, exercise must be moderated to some level. Each dog will have a different threshold for the amount of time and type of activities required to worsen elbow pain. Hydrotherapy has a lot of benefits. You’ll have to put your dog on a diet if he’s overweight.
Bloat
Bloat, also known as Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is a potentially lethal condition that affects dogs. The disease is known as “dilatation” occurs when the stomach fills with air and mucous, ballooning to many times its normal size. The disorder is known as “volvulus” which occurs when the stomach flips or twists over itself, preventing air and mucus from moving into the rest of the gastrointestinal tract.
GDV is a life-threatening condition.
The bloated stomach puts a lot of pressure on the major arteries in the abdomen and inhibits blood supply to the heart, causing cardiovascular problems and shock.
GDV can strike at any time, and owners must be aware of the symptoms and signs that accompany it. GDV is most common in German Shepherds, Great Danes, Irish Setters, Basset Hounds, and other large breed dogs with deep chests, but it can affect any dog. Dogs frequently display uneasy behavior. To signal that they are stressed or nervous, they may pace or whimper. Excessive salivation and drooling, as well as non-productive retching (trying to vomit but not getting anything), are common complaints among owners.
You may notice that a dog’s stomach appears to be larger or swollen. These are warning indications that your dog needs to see a veterinarian right now. Dogs who have it require surgery to recover. It is critical to act soon, or else the dog may not survive.
Degenerative myelopathy
Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a spinal cord illness that causes weakening and paralysis in the hind limbs. Degeneration of the white matter of the spinal cord causes the symptoms. Some kinds of human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, are comparable to DM.
The specific cause of diabetes mellitus is uncertain. Early on, the symptoms of DM match those of osteoarthritis (arthritis), which is common in large breed dogs as a result of hip dysplasia, making diagnosis difficult.
The growing weakness and ataxia (wobbling, stumbling) in later stages of the disease separate it from osteoarthritis of the hip joints. Spinal traumas, tumors, lumbosacral stenosis, fibrocartilaginous embolism, myasthenia gravis, and discospondylitis are all possible causes of this illness.
The illness is more common in dogs that are middle-aged to elderly, ranging in age from 4 to 14 years. On rare occasions, it has been documented in young dogs.
How to train a Rottweiler German Shepherd mix
Because of the German Shepherd’s intelligence training, this mix should be a breeze. As with any dog, positive reinforcement works best, but the best reward isn’t eating, it’s playing. A reward with play can help you control your dog’s caloric intake and burn energy.
Attending obedience classes is also a great way for your dog to socialize and develop good dog manners. While German Shepherd mixes are inherently aloof (especially towards strangers), your dog’s sociability can prevent aggressive or fearful behavior.
This dog needs a lot of mental stimulation. A great way to use their busy mind is in the rally. If your dog is working to improve in a sport, this is the best way to give him the stimulation he needs so that the rally is perfect for German Shepherd Rottweiler mixes.
Remember, since this is a large dog, make sure proper introductions are made with smaller animals.
Final thoughts on the Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix
The German Shepherd Rottweiler mix goes under different names such as Rottie Shepherd and Rotten Shepherd. But, despite having many names one thing is for sure, there is a high demand for this mixed breed dog because they are great guards and protectors.
These devoted pups are best suited for those with active lifestyles and enough space for a large, athletic dog. They also need an owner with previous experience with large dogs. This mix needs an owner who knows how to train them and make them into a friendly dog but at the same time a protective dog. First-time owners might have a hard time with them.
With the German Shepherd Rottweiler, you can expect a loyal companion and a watchful guardian for all families. You are getting an intelligent dog, so training shouldn‘t be an issue at all if you know how to train them.
While away from strangers, you are a cuddly dog without being too clingy and can handle it on your own. Exercise and mental stimulation are the main needs of this designer breed.
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