Affectionately known as Rottskies, Rottweiler Husky Mixes take on the best aspects of both breeds: the protectiveness of Rottweilers and the outgoing energetic nature of Huskies. They’re the best of both worlds!
If you’re planning to get this lovable breed into your home, consider this article as your one-stop guide to everything Rottweiler Husky-related. Here, we’ll discuss this designer breed’s temperament, personality, training and exercise requirements, grooming needs, and everything in between.
Let’s get right into it!
Brief Overview of the Rottweiler Husky Mix
As the name implies, the Rottweiler Husky Mix is a mix between two of the smartest and most athletic dogs in the world: Rottweilers and Siberian Huskies.
Rottskies can take on the appearance of either Rottweiler or Husky parent. However, most of them inherit the large but slim build of the Husky and the colorations of a Rottweiler.
Unfortunately, not much is known about the Rottweiler Husky Mix’s history. They were popularized with the advent of designer breeds, but we’ve yet to discover who and when these breeds were crossed together.
To understand Rottskies a bit more, we’ll need to go back to their parents’ history.
History of the Rottweiler
Rottweilers are among the most recognizable breeds out there. With its unique build, shape, and appearance, even those with minimal knowledge about dog breeds can identify Rotties without a second glance.
Rottweilers have a long and complicated history. They were “formally” introduced in 1901, but they’ve been around since the Roman Empire reigned over Europe in 625 BC.
At the time, Rottweilers were kept as herders or driving dogs. They marched alongside the Romans over the Alps, protecting humans and driving cattle.
When the Romans left Europe in the 2nd century, thousands of Rottweilers were abandoned in their wake. Most of them were left in Rottweil, Germany, which Rottweilers were later named after.
Due to their intelligent and hardworking nature, Rottweilers easily found purpose in Rottweil.
From the Middle Ages to about 1900, they accompanied local butchers on buying expeditions, protecting their masters from thieves and helping them carry money in a neck pouch. This earned them the title “Rottweil butcher’s dog.”
When conflicts of war started brewing, the military saw a great need for police dogs—and Rottweilers were great candidates. During the entirety of World War I and World War II, Rottweilers acted as guard dogs, messengers, draughts, and ambulances.
Modern Rottweilers
Today, Rottweilers excel in a number of fields: guarding, search and rescue, hunting, farm work, therapy, and various other jobs.
Despite their bulky stature and aloof personality, Rottweilers are incredibly obedient and easy to train. For this reason, most people call them “Gentle Giants.”
History of Siberian Huskies
Siberian Huskies are one of the most popular sled dogs in the world.
Recognized by their thickly furred double coat, distinctive markings, and erect triangular ears, these dogs came from an ancient lineage that dates back over four millennia.
For centuries, Siberian Huskies were raised by the Churchi tribe of northern Siberia. They’d work and play with tribesmen, who valued them as loyal companions.
When they were brought to Nome, Alaska in 1908, Siberian Huskies were used for sled dog racing and soon became established in the community.
In 1925, Nome faced a quick-spreading diphtheria epidemic. The spread could be stopped with an anti-toxin, but there was one problem: the facility that distributed this life-saving serum was over 600 miles away.
To reach the facility in the shortest time possible, a team of 20 Siberian Huskies battled blizzard conditions of over 675 miles to the icebound city. With the serum acquired, the team made the perilous run back to Golovin and completed the mission.
To honor the sled dogs that partook in the great Serum Run, a statue of Balto—the Siberian Husky who led the run—was erected in New York’s Central Park.
Modern Siberian Huskies
Siberian Huskies haven’t lost their title as sled dogs, but they’re more-so used as family dogs in most homes.
Though somewhat stubborn and independent, Huskies are incredibly friendly and affectionate with family. They thrive in human company, making them fantastic companions for big households.
Rottweiler Husky Mix Characteristics: Size, Training, and Temperament
Like most crossbreeds, there’s no guarantee what traits Rottskies will inherit from their parents. It could be a mix of both, or one more than the other.
Here’s what to expect when raising a Rottweiler Husky Mix:
Size and Weight
Depending on the dog’s sex, Rottweilers can stand anywhere between 22 inches to 27 inches and weigh between 90 pounds to 135 pounds.
On the other hand, Siberian Huskies have a height range of 20 inches to 23.5 inches, and can weigh as little as 35 pounds and as much as 60 pounds.
Rottskies mostly take on the build of Siberian Huskies, but they can inherit the height and weight of Rottweilers. Full-grown Rottskies can stand between 20 inches to 27 inches and weigh between 35 and 135 pounds.
Female Rottskies are smaller than male Rottskies.
Appearance
Rottweiler Huskies don’t have a “one-size-fits-all” appearance.
Their coat can be fluffy and soft like their Husky half or straight and coarse like their Rottweiler half. It can be gray, brown, black, white, cream, sable, or a combination of these colors.
The nose can be black, liver, or brown in color.
Rottskies often have long muzzles and partially-drooping ears. They have two dots for eyebrows, moderately spaced almond-shaped eyes, and a straight posture. They’re as muscular and compact as Rottweilers but as slim and gracious as Siberian Huskies.
One of the most striking features of Rottskies is their eyes, which can be brown, blue, or a mix of both.
Rottskies with bi-colored or party-eyes (two different colors in one eye) are particularly sought out in the designer dog market.
Temperament
Rottweiler Husky mixes are just as active as their parents. They need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to release pent-up energy.
If they don’t get enough of either, they may develop destructive habits such as digging holes, tearing up yards, and chewing on furniture and items.
Depending on the personality they’ve inherited, Rottweiler Husky mixes can be aloof like Rottweilers or sociable like Huskies. They thrive on human affection but are generally independent.
Rottweilers aren’t a vocal breed, but the same can’t be said for Siberian Huskies. They don’t bark much but they’re far from what you’d call quiet. When bored, they’d emit a variety of chirps, howls, and woos. These vocalizations are often called “Husky Tantrums.”
Like Rottweilers, Rottskies are quiet dogs. However, they’re genetically predisposed to communicate vocally when they feel discomfort, annoyance, unhappiness, and anything else they feel strongly about. Don’t be surprised when your normally-silent Rottsky demonstrates reactive behaviors in moments of boredom or confrontation.
Training
Rottskies are incredibly smart dogs, which is hardly a surprise given both parents are of above-average intelligence. They’re eager to please and more than capable of delivering what’s demanded of them.
They can be a bit stubborn and difficult at times, but nothing that experienced dog owners can’t handle. Training them at a young age removes or at least minimizes rebellious streaks and unwanted behaviors.
Repetition and consistency are essential during training. They need to be walked regularly and mentally stimulated with snuffle mats, puzzle games, tug-of-war games, fetch, and so on.
Overall, Rottskies are easy to train. They pick up new tricks, commands, and basic manners with ease.
Plus, they’re obedient. They can be trained as work dogs, sled dogs, guard dogs, or simply kept as family dogs.
Exercise
Rottskies need more than two hours of exercise a day in the form of walks, runs, fetch, hikes, and trips to the dog park.
Because of their exceptional endurance and the ingrained desire to hunt, you may sometimes find it hard to call them back to you once they’ve been let off the lead. As such, always keep an eye on them when taking them outside to play.
Around Children
In general, Rottweiler Huskies are good with kids. However, some Rottskies are better with children than others.
If a reserved Husky was, say, bred with a spirited Rottweiler, their offspring might develop a short fuse and lash out when poked and prodded by children.
On the other hand, if both Rottweiler and Husky parents have friendly and/or calm personalities, their Rottsky puppy might turn out tolerant, patient, and well-adjusted. It really depends on the parents’ personalities.
It’s always wise to adopt or buy a Rottsky at an early age so you can help him get socialized and accustomed to young children.
This mixed breed makes great playmates for children above the age of 10 because they’re smart enough to know when to stop and big enough to not get injured when accidentally bumped by the dog.
Rottweiler Husky Mix Grooming Needs
Rottweiler Husky mixes have medium to high grooming needs.
Rottskies that inherit the coat of their Husky half need to be groomed at least once a week, with some needing daily attention. If their coat is more like Rottweilers, they’ll need to be groomed every two to eight weeks.
Regardless of the coat type, Rottskies need to be brushed at least once every day or two because of their double-coated nature.
Rottweilers and Siberian Huskies have moderate to high shedding qualities, so they aren’t considered hypoallergenic. You may need to invest in a decent vacuum cleaner so the pup’s fur doesn’t get on all of your furniture.
Other than that, Rottskies are naturally hygienic and don’t require frequent bathing.
Rottskies need to be bathed once every three to eight weeks depending on their lifestyle. Regular and consistent grooming is essential to maintain healthy skin and coat and minimize shedding.
Like other breeds, Rottskies’ teeth should be brushed a few times a week and their nails cut once a month. You’ll know it’s time for a trim when you hear the tell-tale tap-tap-tap of their nails on the floor.
Common Health Issues Seen In the Rottweiler Husky Mix
Unlike some crossbreeds, Rottweiler Huskies are healthy dogs. However, they’re not completely immune to health issues seen in their Rottweiler and Husky line. Some of these issues include:
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia are classified as development disorders caused by the abnormal wearing of bone over time.
It’s one of the most common skeletal diseases in dogs. It can affect puppies as young as a few months old but is most common in dogs that are one to two years old.
Symptoms of hip and elbow dysplasia include:
- Decreased range of motion
- Reluctance to rise, run, play, or climb the stairs
- “Bunny hopping” when running
- Cracking and popping sounds from joints
Hip and elbow dysplasia is a life-long disease, so it can’t be cured. However, pain can be minimized through exercise restriction, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and joint supplements.
Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is the most common type of canine bone cancer. It represents up to 85% of malignant bone tumors in dogs, and it’s both painful and aggressive.
Osteosarcoma affects large-breed dogs more commonly than small-breed dogs, which unfortunately include both Rottweilers and Huskies.
Symptoms of this disease include
- Swelling in one or several parts of the body, such as the legs, spine, ribs, or jaw
- Mass or lumps on the body
- Loss of appetite
- High temperature
- Low energy
- Unexpected leg fracture
- Limping
If caught on early, osteosarcoma can be treated. However, treatment can be expensive. Without treatment or therapy, the average lifespan of a dog with osteosarcoma is about two to five months.
Conclusion
Rottweiler Husky mixes are as intelligent, independent, and loving as their Rottweiler and Husky halves. They’re high-energy dogs, so they need lots of exercises to release pent-up energy. They’re good with children above the age of 10, but not so good with toddlers or younger pre-teens because they can easily knock them down.
Rottweiler Husky mixes tend to be happiest and most comfortable when surrounded by family and other dogs. They don’t do well in small spaces, so those that live in small apartments or condos won’t find them agreeable.
If you’re an experienced dog owner with a decently large home and an active lifestyle, a Rottsky might just be the pup you’re looking for.