The German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is intelligent, affectionate, loyal, protective, courageous, and confident.
Since it’s the result of crossing two ultra-popular, this hybrid has the potential to become one of the most sought-after designer dogs out there whether you’re looking for a companion or a working pooch.
But also because it’s a hybrid canine, there isn’t much information available about aspects such as its origin, personality, care requirements, and health status.
Today, we’re sharing an in-depth guide to help you find out more about the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix, from its looks and traits to its lifespan and price. After reading, you can better decide if you two make a good match.
What Is the Background of the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix?
Guessing the parent breeds of this hybrid dog is no challenge.
By looking at its name, it’s clear that this lovable and reliable pup is what you get when you cross-breed a pure German Shepherd and a pure Rottweiler. Both parents are extremely well-known and hail from Germany.
The AKC (American Kennel Club) doesn’t officially recognize the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix as a dog breed. That’s because it’s a hybrid/designer dog that’s been mixed on purpose.
As a result, the history of the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix has no real records available and can be blurry. This is why no one can determine the exact date it first came to exist.
Luckily, studying the history of its parent breeds can give us a solid idea of what to expect from this hybrid.
Meet Parent 1
The AKC officially recognized the German Shepherd as a breed in 1908. It’s a descendant of German herding canines that varied in breed from region to region until the late 1800s.
At the end of the 19th century, Captain Max von Stephanitz (a German cavalry officer) decided to breed the perfect German herder. The result was the ancestors of German Shepherds as we know them today.
The Captain spent over 3 decades refining the breed to make it as versatile and dependable as possible. By the early 20th century, German Shepherds had made it into the United States and gained massive popularity, especially after canines like Strongheart starred in movies.
Currently, the German Shepherd is one of the most famous dog breeds in the world and the canine of choice for police units. It came in 4th (out of 284) in the 2021 AKC popularity rankings.
Meet Parent 2
The AKC officially recognized the Rottweiler as a breed in 1931. However, the history of Rotties dates back hundreds of years to the Roman Empire.
Roman geniuses mastered dog breeding to make tough, robust canines that the empire’s army needed during its ventures.
The Romans’ quest to conquer Germanic armies led them to bring their drover dogs to the areas surrounding their battles.
After the downfall of the Roman Empire, people in the town of Rottweil worked the Roman drover dogs as cattle herders and guardians. Soon enough, they became known as the Rottweiler dogs.
Starting from the 19th century, Rottweilers found new work as police dogs, watchdogs, guide dogs, as well as search and rescue dogs.
Nowadays, the Rottweiler is one of the most beloved canines across the country. It landed the 8th spot (out of 284) in the 2021 AKC popularity rankings.
What Is a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Called?
The German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is also known as the Rottie Shepherd or the Rottweiler Shepherd.
Many people also refer to it as the Shepweiler or the Shottie. Some even call it the Rotten Shepherd (although there’s nothing rotten about it!).
German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Interesting Facts
- Both parents are originally from Germany.
- It can be very playful.
- It’s incredibly energetic.
- It’s an ideal watchdog.
What Does a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Look Like?
Because it’s a hybrid, predicting the appearance of the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix can be tricky.
Generally speaking, this hybrid has a broad, strong physique with powerful legs. Its snout tends to be longer and its ears will be either straight or floppy.
The coat type, length, and color of a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix are a combination of the qualities of its parents’ furs.
Common shades include black, tan, white, gray, red, cream, and sable. The pattern may be solid all over or show markings of two or three hues.
How Big and Heavy Does a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Get?
When cross-breeding a German Shepherd and a Rottweiler, expect the resulting hybrid to be on the large side as its parents.
The average weight of a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix ranges between 75 and 115 pounds. At the shoulder, it stands at an average height of 22 to 28 inches.
There isn’t much difference in measurements between males and females of the breed.
How Does the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Behave?
The temperament of the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is very pleasant, much like its parents. This hybrid is extremely energetic, determined, and dependable in a variety of tasks.
It’s also quite affectionate and friendly, to the point that it may double as a lap dog. Its protective tendencies coupled with its devotion make it a great family dog.
Is a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Good With Kids?
A German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix can do well around kids as long as it’s adequately trained and socialized.
Its large size does require extra supervision around young kids or those who haven’t been taught how to approach dogs.
Shotties can be friendly, affectionate, and protective toward their little owners. Still, you should always keep an eye on them during playtime.
Is a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Good With Other Pets?
As long as you prove proper training and socialization, the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix will easily get along with other pets.
Despite their somewhat high prey drive, slowly introducing smaller animals should curb their urge for chasing.
Does the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Bark a Lot?
A Rottie Shepherd is unlikely to bark without a reason.
Thanks to its protective nature and established role as a watchdog, a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix uses barking to alert you if they sense a threat or a suspicious person.
How Long Does a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Live on Average?
As with most large dog breeds, the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix doesn’t have a very long lifespan. But being a hybrid may help increase their life expectancy of 8 to 12 years by a couple of years.
Does the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Suffer From Health Issues?
A hybrid dog is typically healthier than its parent breeds as genetic diversity results in a lower chance of inheriting diseases.
Unfortunately, some health problems that affect both parent breeds may still pass on to their offspring. As a responsible owner, you should be aware of these issues.
Degenerative Myelopathy
This condition is a major risk factor in German Shepherds, so there’s a chance that the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix will also suffer from it.
Degenerative myelopathy is a disease that targets the spinal cord, slowly damaging it and causing the hind limbs to become weaker over time. It can even lead to paralysis.
The reason behind degenerative myelopathy is still unknown, but it’s most likely genetic.
Symptoms include difficulty walking on hind paws, swaying while standing, easily falling over, hind feet scraping, and inability to stand from a lying position.
There’s no effective treatment for degenerative myelopathy available yet.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
This degenerative growth abnormality known as dysplasia affects both German Shepherd and Rottweiler dog breeds, so there’s a chance it’ll occur in their hybrid offspring.
Dysplasia often targets the joints of the hip and elbow where it causes the ball of the bone to fit improperly or loosely into its corresponding socket.
As a result, the ligaments in the affected joint get weaker the more they’re used, and the bones are forced to endure additional stress.
Over time, the affected joints become more prone to stiffness and breakage. Dysplasia can also develop into arthritis if left unmanaged.
In addition to being rather painful, this condition doesn’t have a definitive cure yet.
If your German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is suffering from hip or elbow dysplasia, the best you can do for it is to provide medication for management.
Your vet can prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs that can help alleviate the symptoms and delay the progression of the disease.
Aortic Stenosis
Congenital heart disease is a viable health risk in German Shepherds and Rottweilers, so their hybrid offspring may also end up with cardiac defects such as aortic stenosis.
This is a condition where the aortic valve of the heart is narrowed. The aortic valve is the vessel through which blood leaves the heart to reach the rest of the body.
Due to this narrowing, the heart muscles are forced to work extra hard to pump blood and push it through the narrowed valve.
Symptoms of aortic stenosis include lethargy, shortness of breath, exercise intolerance, and fainting. In severe cases, it can even lead to heart failure.
In mild cases, your German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix typically won’t require medication as long as the disease is caught early. The vet will probably only monitor progression.
But in moderate and severe cases, the dog may require medication or initial hospitalization for stabilization.
Entropion/Ectropion
When the eyelid margin turns inward abnormally, it’s known as entropion. But when the eyelid margin turns outward abnormally, it’s referred to as ectropion.
Rottweilers are prone to developing this condition, so there’s a risk it’ll also appear in the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix.
In most cases, the treatment of choice is surgical correction.
How to Take Care of Your German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix
Now that you’re familiar with the appearance and personality of the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix, it’s time to learn about its basic care requirements.
How Much Food Does a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Need?
Due to its large size and elevated energy levels, the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix requires at least 50 calories per pound of its body weight. That’s about 1.5 to 2 cups of dry food per day, divided into two or three portions.
Be careful not to overfeed your hybrid dog as it’s prone to obesity issues. Don’t be too generous with treats and avoid leaving food out while it’s awake.
How Do You Groom a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix?
Both German Shepherds and Rottweilers are big on shedding, so expect the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix to share this aspect.
As such, daily brushing should be a standing practice. Bathe your pup once a month and don’t forget to regularly wipe its eyes/eyes and trim its nails.
How Do You Train a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix?
The parents of this hybrid pooch are intelligent, hard-working, and eager to please by nature. As such, the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is likely to be easy to train as those trains are even more expressed in their personality.
Use positive reinforcement techniques only, incorporating praises and techniques. Be consistent, firm, and patient, but never harsh or violent.
Does the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Need Exercise?
The German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is a very energetic hybrid that requires plenty of physical activity to keep it happy and fit.
Provide your pup with at least 1 to 2 hours of exercise every day. This should include a couple of long walks and a few playtime sessions.
What Is the Price of a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Puppy?
If you’re buying from a trusted breeder, the general price of a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix puppy will range from $250 to $850. The exact cost varies according to multiple factors such as the lineage of the purebred parents and the breeder’s reputation/location.
That said, adopting an older hybrid is always an option. Although designer dogs aren’t very common to come across in shelters and rescue centers, you may find a Rottie Shepherd that you can take in.