The German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is a a cross between the German Shepherd and Rottweiler dog breeds. Energetic, loyal, and as eager to play as they are to snuggle, these mixed breed pups inherited some of the best qualities from both of their parents.
German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes go by several different names, like the Rottie Shepherd or Rotten Shepherd–a misnomer in terms of how loving and fun this mixed breed can be. Despite their unfortunate status as a designer breed, you may find these mixed breed dogs in shelters and breed specific rescues, so remember to adopt! Don’t shop!
These fluffy pups make great family dogs; however, they’re best suited to homes that have access to a yard and space. Still, they can make great companions for active urban dwellers, too. If you want a goofy, kid-friendly dog who loves to play as much as they love to look out for their family, the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix might be the right dog for you!
FunkyPaw recommends a big, spacious crate to give your big German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix a place to rest and relax. You should also pick up this dog fetch toy to help burn off your pup’s high energy!
Breed Characteristics:
Adaptability
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They’re also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You’ll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.
If you’re new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.
Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.
Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks.
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.
All Around Friendliness
Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family
Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.
Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash in public!
Health And Grooming Needs
If you’re going to share your home with a dog, you’ll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool
Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.
Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.
If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.
Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.
Dogs come in all sizes, from the world’s smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they’re compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!
Trainability
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.
Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.
Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.
Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you’ll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.
Physical Needs
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.
Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.
Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.
Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group:Mixed Breed DogsHeight:22 to 28 inchesWeight:75 to 115 poundsLife Span:9 to 13 years
More About This Breed
Highlights
- German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes are mixed breed dogs, meaning they are not purebreds like their German Shepherd Dog or Rottweiler parents.
- The main colors of Rottie Shepherds are black, gray, sable, white, red, tan, and cream. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of two or three colors.
- Both parent breeds are prone to shedding, which might not these mixed breed dogs a poor choice for allergy sufferers.
- These dogs have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in.
- German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes can make fun playmates for kids of all ages, but this big dog could accidentally hurt smaller children with what was meant to be a playful romp. Train your dog not to jump up early on.
- German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes are pretty amicable with other dogs, as long as they are introduced slowly and properly. When it comes to cats, your Shepherd Rottie may have the instinct to chase.
History
The German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Rottweilers and German Shepherd Dogs in the late 1990s, likely in North America. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds, both of German descent, to combine their loyalty, strength, and intelligence. They continued to create German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes as demand for the pups climbed.
Even though the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix breed got its start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you. Check your local shelters, look up German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix rescues, or check with breed specific Rottweiler or German Shepherd rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed breed dogs and find homes for them.
Size
As the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a cross between German Shepherd Dog and Rottweiler parents, you can expect Rotties to be on the large side.
Most weigh in at 75 to 115 pounds and range in height from 22 to 28 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger than average.
Personality
Many German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix enthusiasts can attest that these dogs are nothing if not energetic. Both the German Shepherd and the Rottweiler were bred to be working dogs, and this mixed breed likes to stay active both physically and mentally.
These pups can come with a lot of rambunctious energy, but with patient training and positive reinforcement, you can nip your German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix’s excited jumping and other unwanted habits in the bud.
Despite their large size, many German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes tend to think that they’re lap dogs. They love to snuggle with their humans, and they tend to stick closest to whoever their main caretaker is. They can sometimes become a little too protective of their humans if they feel threatened. Proper socialization can help keep your German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix’s guarding tendencies from getting out of control.
As big dogs, this mixed breed thrives in family homes, preferably with a yard or other area to run around. Still, a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix can do just fine living in an urban setting, as long as their human is active and dedicated to exercising them frequently. If you’re looking for a big cuddly dog who loves to play and protect, you can’t do much better than a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix.
Health
The German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is predisposed to some of the same conditions that the German Shepherd and Rottweiler also face. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups.
Some of the more common health problems German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes suffer from include:
- Eyelid Issues (Entropion and Ectropion)
- Hip Dysplasia
- Degenerative Myelopathy Congenital Heart Defect
- Osteochondritis Dissecans
- Aortic Stenosis
Care
As with all dogs, you should keep up with your German Shepherd Rottweiler’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.
German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walks per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in. Keeping your Rottie Shepherd’s weight in a healthy range is vital, as it can help prevent issues the mix is prone to, like hip and elbow dysplasia or heart issues.
Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Trim your dog’s nails before they get too long–usually once or twice per month. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this.
Be sure to keep your German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix’s mouth healthy, too. You should brush their teeth daily. Your vet can instruct you on how to brush your dog’s teeth properly.
Feeding
An ideal German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix diet should be formulated for a large breed with medium to high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Be sure to limit their amount of treats, as well.
As with all dogs, the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs–including weight, energy, and health–to make a specific recommendation.
Coat Color And Grooming
German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix coats are often a mix of their Rottweiler and German Shepherd parents’ coats and colors. The main colors of Rottie Shepherds are black, gray, sable, white, red, tan, and cream. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of two or three colors.
The length of your German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix’s coat will depend on their parents, as German Shepherds have medium-length fur while Rottweilers have a short-double coat. Both are prone to shedding, which might not these mixed breed dogs a poor choice for allergy sufferers.
German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes can stand colder weather thanks to their coats, but you still should not leave them outside in any extreme weather, cold or hot. You may need to apply dog sunscreen to the ears, nose, and sensitive areas where there’s less fur coverage in the summer months.
Children And Other Pets
German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes can make fun playmates for kids of all ages, but it is still important to teach your children how to safely interact with your mixed breed dog. It’s also important to train your Rottie Shepherd not to jump, as this big dog could accidentally hurt smaller children with what was meant to be a playful romp.
As for other dogs, German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes are pretty amicable, as long as they are introduced to other pups slowly and properly. When it comes to cats, your Shepherd Rottie may have the instinct to chase. A slow introduction and consistent training can help your German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix and cat coexist peacefully.
Still, some Rottie Shepherds might not be as immediately friendly to kids or other animals. In the end, it really comes down to training, socialization, and the luck of the draw.
Rescue Groups
It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Rottweiler breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:
- Memphis Rottweiler Rescue
- German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County
