Hybrid dog enthusiasts – brace yourselves! The German Shepherd Rottweiler mix is one of the finest mixed breed dogs you’re going to find on the market. It’s simple.
This dog has everything – power, strength, an athletic body, a fashionable look, great social potential, and a quite an intuitive nature.
Popularly known as Shotties, Rotten Shepherds, Rott Shepherds, or simply Rottweiler Shepherds, these canines carry the best out of both of their parents.
Their use is multifunctional as they perform excellently on the field, but at the same time, Rottie Shepherds make decent family dogs.
Sounds interesting? Well, my advice is to spare some more minutes in order to meet this wonderful hybrid in detail. Let’s start!
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German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix
The German Shepherd Rottweiler mix is a quite popular hybrid dog. The reason why these canines are so favorable among dog owners lies in the fact that Rottweiler German Shepherds come from two of the smartest dog breeds that are easy to train.
In fact, these large dogs are widely used to perform complicated tasks such as search and rescue, law enforcement, and even military tasks.
For the good part of their history, both GSDs and Rotties served as reliable police and military dogs due to their great intuition and intelligence.
On the other hand, once properly socialized and obedience trained, these two canines make wonderful human companions as they are affectionate, loyal, and eager to please. Consequently, their offspring, the German Shepherd Rottweiler mix, happens to be the best of both.
Parent Breeds
In order to give the Shepweiler a proper introduction, we need to start with its parents first.
The combination of a full-blooded GSD and a Rottie rarely disappoints. These two purebred canines rank high on the list of the best family dogs as they are both good guard dogs and loving family pets.
Still, you need to make sure to purchase the puppy from a reputable breeder as dealing with a bad bloodline in a dog is not exactly a walk in the park. Unpredictability in a dog’s DNA is often a result of bad parenting, misery, and disappointment.
Now, let’s see what we can expect from a purebred GSD and a Rottie.
German Shepherd
The GSD dog is a long-term member of the American Kennel Club as these puppies were officially recognized in 1908. Generally, a German Shepherd dog is a reliable family member that has traits of a herding, a police, and a working dog.
They have a medium length, double coat that comes in black, black and cream, black and tan, blue, gray, liver, sable, and several other color patterns.
This medium to large breed stands up to 26 inches in height. Its weight, on the other hand, revolves between 65 and 90 pounds. GSDs are extremely good and affectionate dogs that live up to 10 years.
Due to a variety of health problems, these canines are not exactly considered to be the healthiest breed. An average GSD can deal with several health conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, obesity, and eye problems.
Even though the breed itself is loyal and well-mannered, these canines require early socialization and obedience training.
Rottweiler
Unlike some other watchdogs, such as Pitbulls, the Rottweiler parent is an extremely affectionate dog, and uite good with kids.
These powerful canines require careful breeding and extremely devoted owners as they can be sensitive at times. Picking a Rottie from a local shelter is generally not a good idea.
Just like their GSD counterpart, Rotties are intelligent dogs that have a high energy level. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1931.
The breed itself is much larger than an average GSD as Rotties stand up to 27 inches in height, and they weigh 95 to 135 pounds.
These canines have a stocky head, floppy ears, and an athletic body. Their smooth, short coat comes in three different color patterns: black and mahogany, black and rust, and black and tan.
Just like their GSD counterpart, these canines generally live up to 10 years.
Physical Appearance
You can expect your Rottweiler Shepherd to be a large dog with an extremely powerful, athletic body. Their ears may be both floppy and erect, depending on the bloodline.
Their short to medium-long coat will shed moderately all year round, while you can expect your Shepweiler to shed excessively during the shedding season. To avoid hard-time cleaning, you will need to brush your puppy at least twice every week.
These canines come in both Rottie and GSD coat color variants, which is why you can expect your Shepweiler to be either parti-colored or solid-colored.
When it comes to their physical needs, these canines can be high-maintenance as they require at least two hours of high-intensity training during the day.
Size
The average GSD Rottie mixed breed dog stands between 24 and 27 inches in height, while its average weight revolves between 70 and 115 pounds. Unlike their German Shepherd parent, these hybrids are most likely to appear bigger and stockier.
Still, due to a tendency of both breeds easily gaining weight, you should pay attention to this crossbreed’s diet. They require the best dog food, both in kibbles and in wet food. Avoid poor-quality food brands and table scraps as they can lead to obesity and heart disease.
Temperament Of A German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix
Yes, the truth is that both Shepweiler parents come from the club of the aggressive dog breeds. However, GS mix puppies that go to proper socialization training sessions are highly unlikely to display aggressive behavior.
These canines are generally low-maintenance in terms of training and socialization as they easily learn new things, and they don’t display any stubbornness. Quite the contrary… Shepweilers are always eager to please.
If, however, you want to avoid destructive behavior in your dog – give it purpose! That said, you should regularly stimulate your dog with mental exercises and interactive games.
Socialization And Trainability
Rottie Shepherds need early mental stimulation and socialization training to become your best friends. Otherwise, you may deal with an overly aggressive dog that doesn’t do well in social circles.
These canines, however, respond excellently to positive reinforcement. Interactive dog toys, healthy snacks, praising, and petting are some of the techniques that you can use during training sessions.
On the other hand, you should avoid yelling and screaming at your dog as these canines will reciprocate!
A piece of advice to future owners – subject your puppy to socialization training as soon as you get it from the breeder. This way, you will avoid undesirable outbursts and bad behavior in the future.
Aggressiveness
Even though their Rottie parent may be dangerous at times, this designer breed is generally calm, laid-back, and friendly towards everyone. They may not be as friendly as Retrievers, but they’re close enough.
However, first-time Shepweiler owners should know that these canines have high exercise requirements, even at a young age. You should never neglect their physical exercise needs as inadequately-exercised dogs may display aggression at times.
Furthermore, these dogs are high-quality only if you socialize them from puppyhood. Otherwise, you may deal with an extremely dangerous dog.
Housing
Even though this crossbreed is a large dog, the Shepweiler makes quite a decent family dog, too. Due to their high trainability, these canines are easily crate trained and potty trained. Still, you may deal with a lot of cleaning as Shepweilers shed a lot.
On the other hand, Shepweilers are great dogs only if you let them burn off their energy properly. They may not be the best family dogs if you don’t let them go out on a daily basis.
Quite the contrary… puppies that don’t receive a proper amount of exercise may be overly destructive.
Health Issues
Even though they may not be the healthiest dog breeds in the world, Shepweilers still have a respectable lifespan that revolves around 10 to 12 years.
These pooches may suffer from several health conditions such as elbow and hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, heart disease, hypothyroidism, obesity, and eye problems.
There are two things that any respectable Shepweiler owner should pay attention to: exercise and dieting. These pooches require high-quality dog food in order to remain healthy.
On the other hand, insufficiently-exercised canines may deal with a lot more issues than their properly-exercised counterparts.
Conclusion
The German Shepherd Rottweiler mix is a quite popular hybrid that comes from two extremely dominant and powerful dog breeds. Both GSD and Rottie parents make quite reliable family pets that require firm, but loving leadership.
Their offspring, the Shepweiler, happens to carry the best traits of both, which is why these hybrid canines are qualified among the greatest crossbreeds in the world.
Still, if you’re not interested in a lot of work, and your business schedule is just way too inflexible – don’t bother getting one. These canines require all-time owners with a lot of free time.
Read more: Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shepherd Mix Traits And Health
FAQs
How much is a German Shepherd Rottweiler mix worth? ›
It does not matter which parent breed is the sire or the dam because they are both similar sizes. For a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix puppy, you can expect to pay between $250 to $800. Always make sure that you buy from a reputable breeder.
Is a Rottweiler German Shepherd mix a good dog? ›2. They make great companion dogs. The misconception about the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix being blood-thirsty and aggressive have been greatly exaggerated. On the contrary, this hybrid is one of the best companion dogs out there.
What is the mixture of German Shepherd and Rottweiler? ›The German shepherd rottweiler mix is a large-sized dog. They stand between 22 and 27 inches tall and weigh between 75 and 115 pounds. There is not much difference in size and weight between males and females of this breed.
How big do germanese dogs get? ›German shepherd dogs reach a maximum of about 25 inches in height, and they weigh up to about 95 pounds (41 kilograms).
What Two dogs create a Rottweiler? ›A Rottweiler, also known as a Rottie or Rotty, is one part working dog and two parts large lovebug.
What is the rarest German Shepherd mix? ›The rarest color of German Shepherd is the isabella due to the recessive combination of liver and blue. You will have to search for a long time to get such a puppy – and his price will likely be high as well!
What dog has the strongest bite? ›The Kangal has a mighty bite, with a bite force of 743 PSI. It is the highest bite force of any dog breed. The Kangal's bite is so strong that it quickly kills a predator.
Do Rottweilers like to cuddle? ›With their families, Rottweilers are playful and affectionate. This large dog likes to cuddle on the couch or the bed, regardless of its size.
What is the lifespan of a German Shepherd Rottweiler mix? ›German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is a cross of a German Shepherd and a Rottweiler, also known as German Shepweiler or Rottweiler Shepherd. It's a large dog at about 22 to 28 inches tall, weighing between 75 to 115 pounds. The lifespan of this crossbreed is around 10 to 13 years.
Can German Shepherds be 100 lbs? ›An adult male is usually between 24 and 26 inches tall at the shoulders and weighs between 75 and 90 pounds. A full-grown female German Shepherd is between 20 and 22 inches tall and 50 to 75 pounds heavy. If your German Shepherd weighs 100 pounds, they are on the border of obesity.
What is a king German Shepherd? ›
King Shepherds are directly related to the German Shepherd (GSD), but these dogs are much larger, have longer fur, and were bred with other similar dogs to filter out some of the GSD's genetic health problems. King Shepherds typically have Alaskan Malamutes or Shiloh Shepherd hybrids in their family tree.
What are the 3 types of Rottweiler? ›There are several types of Rottweilers, including the Roman Rottweiler, the German Rottweiler, and the American Rottweiler. The Roman Rottweiler is bred to be larger in size and mastiff-like.
Is Rottweiler a one man dog? ›Rottweilers vary from natural clowns, affectionate to almost everyone, to the very reserved one-person dog. Rottweilers are calm and alert companions. Rottweilers often follow their masters around the house, keeping a constant and sometimes obtrusive watch over their loved ones.
What is the attitude of a Rottweiler? ›A well-bred and properly raised Rottie will be calm and confident, courageous but not unduly aggressive. The aloof demeanor these world-class guardians present to outsiders belies the playfulness, and downright silliness, that endear Rotties to their loved ones.
Can a German Shepherd have 2 owners? ›German Shepherds will generally attach themselves to one person in the family, but they can still be a good family dog. Although they have their fair share of behavioral issues, these generally stem from a lack of leadership on the part of their pet parents.
What is the rarest eye color for a German Shepherd? ›German Shepherds, for example, will rarely have blue eyes due to a genetic variation, though most breeders consider it a fault. Sometimes dogs will have two differently colored eyes, with one blue or partially blue, which is called heterochromia (which can sometimes indicate a health problem).
What dog bites harder than a lion? ›The Cane Corso has a bite force of a massive 700 PSI. this PSI surpasses a lion (691 PSI) which is insane! This dog comes from Italy and is considered part of the mastiff family. Although they may be intimidating, these dogs are loyal and affectionate to their families.
Why do police use German shepherds? ›German Shepherds and Police Work
German Shepherds were naturally bred to work. German Shepherds are typically intelligent (one of the world's most smart breeds), they quick to train, obedient and loyal, athletic and healthy, and even-tempered. All of these traits make German Shepherd's ideal candidates for police work.
Wolf Bite vs Dog Bite
The Kangle is the breed with the strongest bite force at 743 psi, which is the strongest of all dogs.
Just as humans stare into the eyes of someone they adore, dogs will stare at their owners to express affection. In fact, mutual staring between humans and dogs releases oxytocin, known as the love hormone. This chemical plays an important role in bonding and boosts feelings of love and trust.
Do Rottweilers get jealous? ›
Rottweilers require special interaction, lots of caressing, and games to remain active and entertained as they belong to a working group. They are included in the top 10 most jealous dog breeds.
How do Rottweilers choose their favorite person? ›Like their human counterparts, dogs develop favorite people over time based on positive experiences and positive associations with that person. Some people use tasty treats and other rewards to create strong bonds with pets, but the best way to build a healthy relationship with your dog is through play.
Are Rottweilers the most loyal dog? ›People often think of Rottweilers as one of the most dangerous dogs, but they can be one of the most loyal and affectionate breeds with proper training. Our experts tell you all you need to know to decide if this beautiful breed is a good fit for your family.
Is German Rottweiler better than American? ›German VS American Rottweilers: Temperament And Behavior. In addition to physical differences, the German Rottweiler has much stricter regulations for behavior. While both are loyal, calm, and intelligent, the German Rottweiler is specifically bred to be the gold standard for what makes the perfect companion.
What is a king Rottweiler? ›King Rottweilers is from Spokane Washington and breeds Imported Rottweilers. We are 100% compliant with AKC registration and kennel inspections. King Rottweilers selectively breeds import Rottweilers with World Sieger Pedigrees to know the health of the pedigree.
How long can Rottweilers be left alone for? ›Rottweilers aren't more prone to barking or being destructive than any other dog if left alone. Dogs prefer company for as long as possible during the day. We recommend you never leave any dog alone for more than four hours as this can cause them to become distressed, bored or lonely.
Are Shepweilers good family dogs? ›They are a powerful and intelligent designer breed that can be an excellent family pet with the proper training. This breed is usually pretty healthy and lives about 10 to 13 years with just a few possible hereditary illnesses. They are typically easy to train but you must be persistent and firm.
Are Shepweilers good dogs? ›Shepweiler Temperament
They can be a hard-working, diligent, loving, and self-confident member of the family. Their naturally protective personality makes them excellent guard dogs, and they also have the ability to do all kinds of complex work.
Research shows that males German Shepherds are more aggressive than female German Shepherds. This means that a family should consider choosing a female for a companion over a male. Males tend to perform better for roles in protection and guarding and could do well in a home without children and the proper training.
What is a better dog than a German Shepherd? ›The Belgian Malinois seems to be the healthier of the two breeds, primarily prone to dysplasia in the joints and eye issues, though they can also suffer from allergies. Their overall health makes them more ideal than German Shepherds for police and military work as well.
What dog do Navy Seals use? ›
The Belgian Malinois, also known as the Belgian Shepherd, is the predominant breed utilized by SEAL Teams. Favored for their intelligence, agility, loyalty, and stealth, Belgian Malinois are fierce and fast with acute vision.
What dog will protect you no matter what? ›1 The German shepherd dog is a herding breed known for its courage, loyalty and guarding instincts. This breed makes an excellent guard dog, police dog, military dog, guide dog for the blind and search and rescue dog. For many families, the German shepherd is also a treasured family pet.
What breed of German Shepherd do police use? ›While the German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois are both incredible breeds, Belgian Malinois are earning a reputation as the better working dog, police dog, and guard dog!
What kind of dogs do police use? ›The most popular breeds are German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherds, and occasionally mixes of these breeds. Less popular, but still used at times, are Rottweilers, Doberman Pinchers, and Bouvier de Flandres. Other breeds are used for detection work, if this is their sole purpose.
Are German Shepherds the toughest dogs? ›Among most powerful dogs, this muscular pooch isn't a member of law enforcement and the military for nothing. Smarts and bravery make them exceptional companions who take on danger. So, it makes sense that German Shepherds are some of the toughest dogs in the world.
Are German Shepherds very smart? ›GSDs are incredibly smart
These dogs are known for their intelligence and many can learn a new behavior in only a few repetitions. In addition, they have a legendary desire to cooperate and work with us, a trait many see as a wish to please their humans.
The typical adult German Shepherd may be as tall as 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 60 and 100 pounds. Males are taller and heavier than females. In September 2014, the largest German Shepherd on record was a 131-pound male named Duke whose shoulder height was an impressive 32 inches.
Is German Shepherd a dog or a wolf? ›German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs. The breed standard height at the withers is 60–65 cm (24–26 in) for males, and 55–60 cm (22–24 in) for females.
What two breeds make a king German Shepherd? ›But unlike the German shepherd, the king shepherd is not a purebred dog. This crossbreed is a mix between German shepherds and at least one other large breed dog — usually the Alaskan malamute, Great Pyrenees, or Akita.
How much does a Shepweiler cost? ›The price of a new Shepweiler should be somewhere between $200 and $1,500 on average. Good breeders will tend to charge more, but the cost is usually worth it since their dogs are carefully screened for health problems.
How much does a German Shepherd mix cost? ›
This canine is on the more expensive side, with dog breeders pricing puppies between $450-$1,900. If you decide to adopt your German Shepherd through a breeder, make sure they are experienced and reputable.
How much are German Shepherd mix puppies worth? ›Are you looking at adding a German Shepherd to your family and wonder how much you should budget for a puppy? This breed is not cheap – the quick answer is that you should plan to spend between $1,500-$3,000 for a German Shepherd from health-tested parents.
How much is a German Rottweiler? ›Eight-week old Rottweiler puppies generally have a purchase price in the $1,500 to $2,500 range. Because of training needs, expect to spend a couple hundred or more on a quality training course. Also, expect to spend at least $300 annually on pet health insurance.
What kind of dog cost $10 000? ›4. Tibetan Mastiff – $10,000. This massive doggo made its way to American from Tibet where it protected sheep from predators like wolves, leopards, and bears. The mastiff can reach more than 150 pounds, for grown males, and fends off some of the fiercest animals.
What dog cost $2000? ›Ibizan Hound
The Ibizan Hound's steep $2,000 to $2,500 purchase price makes it one of the most expensive dogs to own. This breed has a life span of up to 16 years and both of its coat types -- smooth and wire -- are easy to groom, costing an average of $40.
On the first night, and for about three weeks, have the puppy sleep in a dog crate next to the bed. Line the base with blankets so that it is cosy and drape another blanket over the top to help it feel more secure. Give the puppy the stuffed toy that has its littermates' scent on it to snuggle up to.
What are the 3 types of German Shepherds? ›There are three different types of working line German Shepherd dogs: West German Working line German Shepherds; East German Working Line German Shepherds (also known as Deutsches Demokratische Republik - DDR); Czech German Shepherds.
What is the average lifespan of a German Shepherd mix? ›They have a lifespan of 9-13 years which is average for most dogs. There are several factors that can affect how long they live.
What color German Shepherds are rare? ›Isabella-colored German Shepherds, also known as lilac German Shepherds, are the rarest of the rare when it comes to GSDs. Their pigment is the result of the recessive combination of blue and liver that comes from their parents.
What is the biggest breed of Rottweiler? ›Roman Rottweiler vs German Rottweiler: Weight
With an adult male measuring 110-130 pounds and a female between 77-110 pounds, the German Rottweiler is another large-sized dog. The Roman Rottweiler, on the other hand, is bred to be larger than the average Rottweiler.
Do Rottweilers bark a lot? ›
Rottweilers don't bark a lot
They are calm, quiet dogs. Rottweilers are not a vocal breed; indeed, many owners rarely hear their Rottweiler bark. They bark if there's a reason to bark, but generally respond quietly to their environment.
Rottweilers, also known affectionately as Rotties, are one of the most popular dogs in the United States. They are well known to be powerful, protective, and loyal, famous for their instinct for guarding. But Rottweilers are also easily trained, making them loyal, loving, and confident guardians.