Breed Guide: All There is to Know about German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes

Up next in our guide to hybrid dogs is the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix, also known as a Rottie Shepherd. If you are looking for a strong, fiercely loyal and hardworking dog, this one is certainly a perfect option!

Both Rottweilers and German Shepherds hail from Germany and have strong working backgrounds as livestock herding dogs. They are both large, beautiful and highly intelligent! When combined, they give rise to a remarkable hybrid.

Keep reading to find out all there is to know about the powerful Rottie Shepherd!

P.S. If you want to see more german shepherd rottweiler mixes, stories of pets, or share your pet's story check out our free Facebook group.

Part of what makes the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix so great is how similar the parent breeds are. Just like the GSD, Rotties are very strong, smart, and hardworking. In their early days, Rottweilers served as drover dogs in Germany. They would drive cattle for hours without tiring and their work ethic was admired by all.

In more recent years, they have won hearts by leading the blind and completing search and rescue missions. This may come as a surprise to some who are unfamiliar with the breed, as they sometimes get a poor reputation. But don’t worry - Rottweilers are not aggressive unless they are specifically trained to be.

In fact, both German Shepherds and Rottweilers are easy to train and eager to please. So with lots of early socialization and behavioral training sessions, your Rottie Shepherd Mix will be a gentle, loving giant!

Now that we have covered the parental history, let’s talk about the really important stuff! In this section, we will cover the cost, temperament, and everything in between. By the end, you will be all set with the facts needed to decide if a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is right for your family.

It is a no brainer that Rottie Shepherds are large dogs as their parents are both big, muscular and solid dogs! In fact, a male German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix may grow to weigh more than 100 pounds and stand higher than two feet tall! Certainly not the ideal size for a lap dog, but don’t try to tell him that - he will want to sit with you all the same!

Most Rottie Shepherds are black and tan, similar to their Rottweiler parent. But occasionally, they may inherit a gorgeous Sable coat like the German Shepherd. And of course, they can be any solid color like black, red, brown, etc. depending on how their genes combine.

Also, Rottie Shepherds typically have short, dense, and high-shedding coats. While that fact is not great news for allergy sufferers or clean freaks it does mean that they don’t require special haircuts or grooming. In fact, brushing them every now and again is enough to keep their coat nice and healthy.

And while it may be difficult to keep these natural born explorers clean and tidy, giving them baths more than five times per year can harm their skin by drying out their natural oils. Instead, try to spot clean them with a damp cloth and save the full baths for when they are covered in mud!

Like we’ve mentioned many times, the German Shepherd is a top contender for America’s favorite dog. Because of their popularity, they are a key component to many hybrid breeds- the Gerberian Shepsky and the Golden Shepherd are shining examples! This demand means that the adorable German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes come with quite a price tag.

When purchasing from a reputable breeder, expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $1000 USD for a Rottie Shepherd pup! If that’s out of your budget, don’t worry. Local shelters are full of adorable mixed breeds. And sites like Petfinder can help you locate a specific mix to adopt!

Like other large breeds, your Rottie Shepherd is prone to a dangerous condition known as bloat. This occurs when the stomach stretches and twists on itself. Unfortunately, it is often fatal. But here are some tips to help avoid it:

• Feed your puppy 1 small meal 4 times a day until fully grown to avoid stretching the stomach
• At maturity, around 20 months old, begin feeding 1 larger meals twice a day
• Never feed only one meal per day
• Avoid giving meals and large quantities of water at the same time
• Avoid exercising immediately before or after providing food and water

 We should also point out that feeding your German Shepherd Rottie Mix a food formulated specifically for large breeds is important to the growth and overall health of your pup. If you have any concerns, consult with your vet.

Both German Shepherds and Rottweilers seem to have boundless energy. As a result, the Rottie Shepherd loves to run, play, fetch, and even swim! They require at least one hour of vigorous activity each day, but most will do best with 2 hours or more. This Hybrid also requires mental stimulation to remain balanced and healthy.

You can look into scent work activities or try some DIY brain teasers and puzzles! You pup will thank you for the mental exercise as it’s just as important as physical training.

When it comes to social and behavioral training, always use a positive method based on rewards. For example, high-pitched verbal praise, lavish petting, and small treats are all great options for encouraging good behavior.

If left unchecked, your German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix’s guarding nature could cause problems. Combat this by introducing him to many people, places, sounds, sites, and smells while he is still a small puppy. Everything from car horns to tall men in hats should be covered. This way, your Rottie Shepherd is prepared and won’t be so weary and protective around strangers.

When these tips are implemented in puppyhood, you’re sure to raise a happy, gentle, and confident pup!

Rottie Shepherds are large and in charge - but in the best way! These gentle giants are super smart, intuitive, and loyal. They love their families and are especially great with children.

Because the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mixes come from working stock, they are high energy and require a lot of exercise - both mental and physical. But when you put in the time to play with them, you will be rewarded with a lifetime of love, licks, and snuggling. It’s definitely worth it!

They may not be well suited for apartment dwellers, and they do best in families who have experience for caring with large dogs. Rottie Shepherds do have a protective nature, but can easily be trained to act friendly and warm to everyone if they are socialized from puppyhood.

Overall, this gentle giant is a great addition to an active family with time to spare! So what do you think? Is the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix right for you? Let us know in the comments below!