Rottweiler Mixed With German Shepherd: Interesting Facts

Dogs are some of the most popular pets in the world, and there are dozens of different breeds to choose from. Each breed has its own unique set of characteristics that make it special.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at one particular mix breed – the rottweiler mixed with a German shepherd. They are also known as “Shepweiler,” “Rottie Shepherd,” and “Rottweiler Shepherd.”

This dog is a cross between two incredibly popular breeds, and as a result, boasts many amazing qualities.

From their history, temperament, and how much exercise they need, to how they are around children, we cover it all.

If you’re thinking about adding a Rottweiler German Shepherd Mix to your family, here’s everything you need to know!

History Of German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix

The German shepherd is an incredibly old breed.

For hundreds of years, shepherds in Germany bred their dogs to assist them with herding livestock and protecting their animals from predators.  

These dogs were characterized by their loyalty and protectiveness. They also had incredible stamina, which allowed them to work long days out in the field.

They were so effective and efficient at protecting their owners’ livestock, that they quickly became one of the most popular breeds in Germany.

The rottweiler is another old breed that was originally developed to help cattle herders drive their livestock to market. They were bred with incredible strength and tenacity, which made them perfect for this difficult task.

They were also bred to be very protective of their owners’ property, particularly when it came to guarding livestock. They were fearless, large dogs that could intimidate any potential predators into staying away out of fear.

The German shepherd rottweiler mix was created in the 1990s.

The purpose of this mixed breed was to combine the protectiveness of the Rottweiler with the strength, stamina, and intelligence of the German shepherd.

They are currently used by police forces throughout Europe and America for several tasks, including protecting their handlers, search and rescue operations, and drug detection.

They are very popular family pets as well for the same reason they were first bred – to be incredibly loyal and protective of their owners.

Are Rottweiler Shepherds Common Or Rare?

Both the German shepherd and the Rottweiler are very popular breeds, which means that Rottweiler Shepherds are not that rare. However, the German shepherd rottweiler mix is a relatively new mixed breed, which means that they’re not as easy to find as some other dogs.

Due to their popular lineage, the German shepherd-rottweiler mix is a breed that is often in demand.

However, being a mix, they are not yet recognized by kennel clubs, but many breeders do recognize them as legitimate crossbreeds.

Interesting Facts About Rottweiler Shepherds

It is known that both German shepherds and rottweilers are legendary for their loyalty, strength, and intelligence.

But what about the German shepherd-rottweiler mix? Here are 3 interesting facts you may not know:

1. Guide Dogs

They are used as guide dogs for the blind. They are very loyal to their owners and are extremely intelligent, which makes them easy to train.

2. Police Work

Shepweilers are frequently used by police forces throughout Germany and America for several tasks, including searching for criminals or drugs, guarding their handlers, or performing in high-pressure situations such as hostage negotiations or riots.

3. Drug Detection

Shepweilers are frequently used as drug detection dogs, due to their acute sense of smell and high intelligence.

Appearance: What Do Rottweiler Shepherds Look Like?

Size

Of course, when you’re thinking about getting a dog, the first thing you want to know is how big it will get. They are classed as medium-sized dogs, but it is not uncommon for them to be much larger. Both German shepherds and rottweilers can grow to be very large.

Height

The full-grown height of these dogs tends to be between 22 and 28 inches tall at the shoulder, which classifies them as a medium-sized dog. As previously mentioned though, this can vary due to their lineage.

Weight

They can weigh anywhere between 75 and 117 pounds.

Because they are a mixed breed, it can be difficult to determine the exact weight they will reach. Expect them to be big and strong though.

Color

The color of these dogs can vary widely, but they range from brown and blonde to black. Again, it is difficult to determine the exact color they will be, as it varies depending on their parents, but it is safe to assume that most Shepweilers will be brown, black, and tan.

Maintenance: Are Shepweilers Expensive Pets?

When it comes to owning a German shepherd rottweiler mix, they are not as high maintenance as other breeds.

brushing german sheperd coat

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when owning one, including:

Feeding & Diet

Shepweilers are large dogs, which means that they eat much more than smaller breeds.

They should be fed somewhere around 3 cups of high-quality dog food per day, split into two meals. Of course, this will change depending on the size and age of your dog. A good healthy diet of fresh food and vegetables containing very little fat will keep your dog fit and healthy.

Grooming

Both the German shepherd and rottweiler are prone to shedding, meaning that if you have a German shepherd rottweiler mix, regular grooming (every couple of days) will likely be necessary to keep your home clean.

Regular brushing will remove loose hair and prevent matting from occurring.

Depending on how often their coat sheds, they may also need frequent trips to the groomers to make sure that it is kept well-maintained.

Nails

They should also be clipped regularly to keep them from breaking or curling under. You should start this when they are puppies so that it becomes a regular part of their grooming routine. Every two weeks or so, their nails should be clipped.

Teeth

Their teeth should also be checked regularly for signs of tartar build-up or nasty bacteria which can affect their general health and wellbeing. It is recommended that you brush their teeth at least every couple of days to keep this under control.

Regular Checkups

These should be conducted with your vet to ensure that the dog is healthy and fit. By the time your German shepherd rottweiler mix is around three years old, you should ensure that they have all of their vaccinations.

By having regular checkups, any problems can be caught early and treated before they become serious. This is especially true for older dogs.

Overall, owning a Shepweiler is not significantly different or expensive from owning any other dog. They do need slightly more attention to grooming and their diet, but as long as you can provide this, they make great pets for families with older children or those who live in the country.

What’s A Rottweiler Shepherd’s Temperament?

Both the German shepherd and the Rottweiler have impressive temperaments.

They also share a strong sense of loyalty and protectiveness. These characteristics make them an ideal family dog as they will be protective but still very loving.

The Rottweiler Shepherd’s temperament can vary, but they will likely exhibit many of the traits of both breeds.

As with many breeds, early socialization is key to helping your dog become accustomed to many different types of people and animals.

For the most part, Rottweiler Shepherds are intelligent dogs that respond well to obedience training. If you train them from a young age, they will become a loving and loyal member of your family.

How Do They Behave Around Children?

A Rottweiler Shepherd behaves very well with children. They are very loving and protective of them, but it is important that they are raised together so that they become familiar with each other.

Early socialization, familiarity, and training will ensure that your dog is protective but loving towards your children.

Do They Get Along With Other Dogs?

The German shepherd rottweiler mix can be aggressive towards other dogs unless they have been properly trained from an early age to respect and recognize human leadership.

This aggression can sometimes seem out of character for the breed, but it is usually associated with their strength and power which can be overwhelming when they are young.

How Do They Behave Around Other Pets?

With early training and socialization, a Shepweiler will get along very well with other animals in the home. They are a very playful and fun breed that will enjoy the company of other animals.

However, it is important to note that any animal in the home should be introduced to your dog from a young age so they become familiar with each other.

Are Rottweiler Shepherd Dogs Intelligent?

Both the German shepherd and the Rottweiler are highly intelligent breeds.

Their intelligence makes them an excellent choice for working with the police or as a guide dog, but it also means that they need a lot of mental stimulation in their daily routine.

They are also very sensitive to the tone of your voice and how you treat them, so they require a lot of interaction from their owners.

Their intelligence and loyalty often create a strong bond between you and your dog and makes training and teaching them easier.

How Much Activity Do These Dogs Need?

German shepherd and rottweiler mix dogs need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. If they do not receive these things, they will become bored and restless.

Keeping them active also helps to prevent aggressive or destructive behavior as well as can help with excess energy and weight problems.

At least an hour a day of exercise is required. This could be a brisk walk, a jog, or a run. They are also good swimmers which is a great way to tire them out!

In addition to the physical exercise they need, this breed needs mental stimulation as well. They are happiest when they have plenty of toys and other activities available to keep them busy throughout the day.

How Much Food Can These Dogs Consume?

German shepherd rottweiler mix dogs are very energetic and active. Because of this, they need much more food than other breeds to maintain their weight and energy levels.

Their diet should consist of protein which is better for their muscles. They should also have a lot of fruits and vegetables which are good for their digestive system. 3-4 meals a day is recommended.

Overfeeding them can cause them to gain weight so it is important to keep your dog on a consistent feeding schedule. Don’t leave any food out at night. You should also limit the number of treats they receive.

Of course, the amount of food they require will vary depending on their size and what stage of development they are in. You can consult your vet to determine the correct amount of food for your dog if you are unsure.

What’s The Difference Between A Male And A Female German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix?

There is no major difference between a male and a female rottweiler german shepherd mix, other than height and weight.

As you would expect, the male tends to be taller and more muscular than their female counterpart.

Males generally weigh more than females, but this is not always the case.

Both genders are very intelligent, loyal, and loving dogs.

They form strong bonds with their families and can be very protective of young children or other animals in the home.

There is no difference between the behavioral traits of each gender which makes training them just as easy regardless of if they are male or female.

How To Know If A Rottweiler Shepherd Is The Right Pet For You?

If you are looking for a loyal, playful, and energetic pet, then the German shepherd rottweiler mix is right for you!

They are very friendly dogs that are easy to train due to their intelligence. They will enjoy being around children or other pets in your home.

However, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation which you will need to provide for them.

They are protective of the people they love but are not an aggressive breed which makes them great for families with children or other pets.

If you invest time into training and physical exercise, then these dogs could be the perfect addition to your family!

They live an average of 11-14 years, so they are a long-term commitment for you and your family.

Things To Consider Before Owning A Shepweiler

Before deciding if these are the right breed for you, there are some things you should consider.

rottweiler puppy on a white background

1. Health

The German shepherd rottweiler mix is generally a healthy breed, but they can suffer from some common medical problems.

Some of these can include:

  • Hip And Elbow Dysplasia

This is a common ailment in large breed dogs. Hip dysplasia can be seen by an abnormal formation in the hip socket where the thigh bone does not fit properly. This may cause severe lameness or arthritis which will need to be treated by a vet.

  • Eye Problems

The German shepherd rottweiler mix is susceptible to eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, and entropion. These conditions will need to be treated by a vet.

  • Digestive Issues

The breed may suffer from issues with its stomach such as bloat, pancreatitis, and food allergies.

  • Heart Problems

The Shepweiler is prone to heart problems such as aortic stenosis, subvalvular aortic stenosis, and cardiomyopathy.

2. Diet

As energetic dogs, their diet should be high in protein and the right amount of fat. They should also have a lot of fruits and vegetables to promote healthy digestion.

Generally, a good, high-quality dog food brand for larger dogs should be sufficient for their dietary needs.

Foods that can promote a healthy coat are also recommended, such as fish oils and omega-3 fatty acids.

They love their food so don’t let them overeat which can lead to obesity. Limiting their treats and making sure they get plenty of exercise is important to ensure a healthy diet and weight.

3. Training

These dogs are intelligent and loyal, but they do need to be trained early on to prevent any dominance problems in later life.

This can be achieved by using positive reinforcement methods rather than punishment-based training methods, which can prove problematic with these breeds.

You should not push these dogs too hard during training as their intelligence can make them easily bored.

If you fail to do this, they may decide to show you who is really in charge!

4. Exercise Requirements

They are considered to be working dogs due to their intelligence, energy level, and need for physical activity.

Depending on your own daily activities, you may need to provide them with at least an hour of exercise daily.

This should include physical activity as well as mental stimulation such as playing games or training.

Failure to provide this could lead to destructive behavior or excessive barking.

5. Children And Other Pets

The German shepherd rottweiler mix is generally friendly around children, but you should always supervise them until they are properly trained to be around young children.

If the dog has been trained well, it should also have no problem being around other pets in the house.

However, due to their size and strength, owners of these dogs must be aware that even well-trained dogs can accidentally injure children and smaller pets.

People Also Ask

Is German Shepherd And Rottweiler A Good Mix?

Yes, the German shepherd-rottweiler mix is usually a good mixture of the two breeds. Both breeds are very loyal and protective, so they make good guard dogs. They are also both intelligent breeds which ensures these dogs can be trained to become well-rounded pets.

What Is A German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Called?

The German Shepherd Rottweiler mix is known as a Shepweiler, Rottweiler Shepherd, Rottie, or sometimes simply Sheprador. These hybrids are also sometimes called the ‘urban shepherd’ due to their high intelligence and good looks.

Are Rottweiler Shepherds Aggressive?

Typically, German Shepherd Rottweiler mixes are not aggressive but are usually loyal and friendly. However, it is important to properly train these dogs. They can be dominant if allowed to take over the family, which could lead to aggression problems or behavioral issues.

How Much Is A German Shepherd Mixed With A Rottweiler?

The price of a German Shepherd mixed with a Rottweiler will typically cost anywhere between $300 and $1,000. This can vary though and depends on many factors such as the quality of the dog, lineage, the breeder, and location.

Conclusion

It is not by chance that the rottweiler is mixed with a German shepherd. Both dogs are bred for their amazing qualities. Thankfully, these two breeds compliment each other very well and this results in a dog that is perfect to have as a pet.

Their loyalty, instincts, and temperament make them a great choice for families with children because they are cautious with kids but gentle enough not to harm them.

This breed is highly intelligent and can be trained to become a great family dog. You shouldn’t have too much of a problem with them as long as you establish yourself as the pack leader from the beginning.

The German shepherd rottweiler mix is known for its energy, strength, and agility, so if you do decide to get a German shepherd rottweiler mix, be prepared to keep up with them!

Do you own a Shepweiler? What’s your favorite thing about this breed? Share your experience in the comments section below.

Thanks for reading!

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Lovelia Horn

I’m a certified crazy dog mom, a physical therapist (for hoomans), writer, animal rescuer, and foster home provider. Together with my hubby Ryan, I’ve fostered and helped look for forever homes for over a hundred shelter dogs in the Southern Illinois area. I mostly work with Puppy Rescue 911, Inc., a certified animal rescue organization based out of Chester, IL (home of Popeye!)

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