A heart of gold is what you get when you mix the loyal German Shepherd with the watchful Rottweiler.
Their powerful loyalty to protecting your home is enough reason to own a German Shepherd Rottweiler mix.
They are loving dogs that are willing to serve and protect you.
Their calm energy is perfect for families as they are often untroubled by the antics of an energetic household.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What is a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix?
- German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Appearance
- 5 Fun Facts About Shepweilers
- German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Personality and Temperament
- Caring for a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix
- How to Train a Rottweiler German Shepherd Mix
- Buyer's Guide
- Quick Breed Summary Table
- Summary
- More German Shepherd and Rottweiler Mixes
What is a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix?
The German Shepherd Rottweiler mix is a large hybrid of the German Shepherd and the Rottweiler.
As this dog has no breed standards their appearance can vary.
However, these dogs generally look like a combination of both their parents, with floppy ears from the Rottweiler, a short dense coat from the German Shepherd, and black and tan markings from both parents.
Due to their Rottweiler roots they work best as watchdogs as their attentiveness and aloof personality makes them great for keeping the home safe while you are away.
Do not be fooled though. If you are a part of a Rottweiler Shepherd mix’s pack then expect to be showered in love. This goofy playful dog is one that loves to cuddle, but it can also handle being on its own as it watches over your home.
Their most important needs are mental and physical stimulation. They are very active dogs and are perfect for runs and long hikes.
- Overview: Hybrid (German Shepherd/Rottweiler).
- Purpose: Guard and Companionship.
- Weight: 75-115 pounds.
- Size: 22-27 inches.
- Temperament: Loyal, attentive and confident.
German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Appearance
There are no breed standards for this dog but you can expect this mix to look athletic.
Because of this, they have strong hindquarters to propel them in play and deep chests for running long distances.
While most German Shepherd Rottweiler mixes have dense fur, some have the smooth coat from a Rottweiler. In addition whilst most have floppy ears some can have pointed ears.
These dogs often have the wolf-like snout of their German Shepherd parent.
Expect your Shepweiler to look as unique as their personality!
Coat and Colors
The most common coat color is the black and tan patterning of their Rottweiler parent.
However there can be a mix of German Shepherd patterning in there too.
This dog’s coat is often dense and short like a German Shepherds, but smooth-coated mixes are not unheard of. Either way expect this dog to shed as much as their parent breeds do.
Height and Weight
These dogs are large and stocky standing around 22-27 inches and weighing around 75-115 pounds.
5 Fun Facts About Shepweilers
- It is in their blood to work as their German Shepherd parent can be seen working in K-9 police forces all around the world.
- Your German Shepherd Rottweiler mix will likely favor one family member over all others.
- The Rottweiler’s name is short for Rottweiler Metzgerhund. This translates to Butcher’s Dog of Rottweil, where the Rottweiler’s ancestors were put to work after the Roman Empire fell.
- Both of their parents are highly active, with the German Shepherd being in the Herding Group and the Rottweiler in the Working Group.
- When it comes to personality, science says that some traits can be heritable, such as how a dog acts in friendly situations or how it reacts to loud stimuli.
German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Personality and Temperament
Their main personality trait is loyalty – this comes from their German Shepherd parent.
While equally loyal to its pack, expect your German Shepherd Rottweiler mix to be more devoted to their main caretaker.
Their attentiveness is mostly thanks to the Rottweiler, so your dog may have a very strong guarding instinct.
Both parent breeds are known for being calm and aloof but are not aggressive if socialized properly.
Despite their aloofness, this mix is not all business. This hybrid has the playful, goofy personality Rottweiler is known for and is surprisingly cuddly. Despite their large size, they act more like lapdogs when they are around the people they love best.
As both of its parents are working dogs this breed can be very energetic and destructive if not properly exercised.
Fortunately, both parent breeds are not known for being vocal, but the German Shepherd Rottweiler mix may bark if there is a reason to.
As previously mentioned they can have a strong guarding instinct, so make sure it knows what to guard and what to share. This can be helped through early training and socialization in order to prevent resource guarding (especially food guarding).
Are They A Good Family Dog?
A properly socialized and trained German Shepherd Rottweiler mix can be a gentle and calm family companion.
Caring for a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix
Couch potatoes be warned – this is not the dog for you!
Both the German Shepherd and the Rottweiler have been bred to work, both breeds are very large and strong dogs and the German Shepherd Rottweiler mix is no exception.
This mix needs an active family that loves being on the move.
Their intelligence is a double-edged sword, as they can be mischievous if you do not factor in mental stimulation. Still, their intelligence makes for satisfying training sessions. Overall this can be an intense dog to handle, especially if you are not used to being around larger breeds. They will need a home with a large yard to play in and plenty of exercise.
If you put the time and effort into giving this breed the exercise they need, this mix will be a loving companion.
Exercise Requirements
Both of these dog’s parent breeds are working dogs so make sure your Rottweiler mix gets the exercise they need. If this hybrid is left bored they may end up 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.
You can do much more with this mix than just walks though.
They will enjoy the basic doggy games of fetch and tug-of-war. In addition try teaching your dog how to swim to add an extra bit of fun to family lake trips.
If you want to take it up a notch, the best way to engage this active hybrid is through agility. 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.
- Number of Walks Per Day: 2-3.
- Total Exercise Needed Per Day: 60+ minutes.
Grooming and Shedding
As they tend to inherit the German Shepherd’s short dense coat, this breed tends to shed a lot.
To keep shedding low be sure to 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 lots of time outside you may need to bathe your dog twice a month.
In addition keep your dog’s paws clean by using wipes and check them regularly to make sure there is not any debris lodged in there.
Brushing for dental health is a must, as is cleaning their ears to prevent infection. You won’t have to worry much about nails though as activity tends to wear them down.
Feeding and Diet
German Shepherd Rottweiler mixes need to eat lots of food because they are an active breed.
Keeping this athletic dog fed with the right nutrients is essential.
Avoid any kibble with excessive amounts of fillers.
Probiotic supplements can prove to be beneficial however be wary of certain products. A scientific evaluation of such probiotic cat and dog food brands found that no products contained all the listed organisms.
Remember to ask your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet and consider their activity levels and ideal weight.
| Calories Per Day: | Cups of Kibble Per Day: |
|---|---|
| 1200 | 3 |
Known Health Problems
This mix is generally considered a healthy breed, but it is still susceptible to some common health conditions associated with its parent breeds.
The main concerns being:
- Hip dysplasia.
- Bloat.
Regular vet check-ups can help prevent and manage such issues. If you’re like most dog parents (or parents-to-be), you care for your pet immensely.
Exam fees are included, which saves you around $50-$250 per sick visit.
PetPlan covers injury and disease in every adult tooth — not just the canines.
Not all providers cover hereditary conditions linked to breed. PetPlan does.
How Long Do German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes Live?
You can expect them to live for around 7-10 years.
How Much Do German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes Cost?
The price can range anywhere from around $150 to $375.
How to Train a Rottweiler German Shepherd Mix
Due to the German Shepherd’s intelligence, dog training should be a breeze for this mix.
As with any dog positive reinforcement works best, but the best treat to give them is not food, but play.
Rewarding with play can help you control your dog’s caloric intake and also helps them burn off energy.
Attending obedience classes is also a great way for your dog to socialize and develop good doggy manners.
While German Shepherd mixes are naturally aloof (especially around strangers), socializing your dog can prevent aggressive or fearful behavior.
This dog needs a lot of mental stimulation.
A great way to utilize their busy mind is through rallies.
Having your dog work towards improving in a sport is the best way to give it the stimulation it needs, making rally perfect for German Shepherd Rottweiler mixes.
Remember as they are large dog, make sure proper introductions are made with smaller animals.
Buyer’s Guide
| Pros | Cons |
| Great watchdogs. | Tend to shed a lot. |
| Intelligent and easy to train. | Prone to aggression if not trained properly. |
| Generally a very healthy breed. | Require a lot of exercise. |
| Have a calm and confident personality. | Hard to find a breeder. |
Quick Breed Summary Table
| Breed Characteristics | |
| Size: | 22-27 inches |
| Weight: | 75-115lb |
| Lifespan: | 7-10 years |
| Coat: | Short and dense (but smooth with some dogs) |
| Color: | Black and tan |
| Do They Shed: | Yes |
| Temperament: | Devoted, athletic, and watchful |
| Intelligence: | High |
| Socialization: | Needs an average amount of socialization |
| Destructive Behavior: | Very destructive if not given mental and physical stimulation |
| People Skills: | Aloof around strangers |
| Good with Children: | Yes, but keep an eye on small children during play |
| Activity Levels: | High |
Summary
This dog is truly man’s best friend.
These devoted pups are best suited for individuals with active lifestyles and enough space for a large, athletic dog.
With the German Shepherd Rottweiler mix expect to have a loyal companion and a watchful guardian (especially if you are its main caretaker).
While aloof around strangers, they are cuddly dogs without being too clingy and can handle being on their own.
Exercise and mental stimulation are this hybrid’s most important needs.
More German Shepherd and Rottweiler Mixes
Want a German Shepherd mix or Rottweiler mix but aren’t keen on the German Shepherd Rottweiler mix? Check out these other hybrid dog breeds:
German Shepherd Mixes
- German Shepherd Husky Mix
- Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix
- German Shepherd Poodle Mix
- German Shepherd Wolf Mix
- Border Collie German Shepherd Mix
- Boxer German Shepherd Mix
- German Shepherd Boxer Mix
- Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix
- German Shepherd Beagle Mix
- German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix
- German Shepherd Pitbull Mix
- Corgi German Shepherd Mix
- German Shepherd Lab Mix
- Golden Shepherd
i have a shepard rotweiler mix. he is a rescue dog. i think he rescued me. wonderful loving dog. he us definately a lap dog. i have had him two years but feels like i have always had him.
My shepherd rott mix was one of the best guard dogs l have ever had trained him in German and my dad fell in love with my dog,my parents needed outside protection so my dog was for my parents.Sadly my dog passed away 15 years ago.like l said best ever mix breed hands down.
I think this is the best breed
They are a great dog to have and good protector we had one he lived for 12 years old and male he died on us in our house from heart attack and siezure we will miss him dearly so much 4 ever I hope he went to the rainbow bridge in heaven.