The Rottweiler German Shepherd Mix is a mixed Dog Breed between the German Shepherd and the Rottweiler. It is in effect a Rottweiler mixed with german shepherd. These can both be very protective dogs, although very sweet in their own right, so they should always be observed with caution. Please don’t get this dog because you want a mix of the baddest dogs around. Continue reading below to see more information on the german shepherd Rottweiler mix puppies, temperament, and german shepherd Rottweiler mix puppies for sale.
While we really recommend that you acquire one through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their German Shepherd mixed with Rottweiler puppy. That is, if they have any for sale. Always screen your breeders as much as possible to ensure that you are getting as high a quality dog as is possible. If intentionally bred, typically it is a German Shepherd Rottweiler mix.
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Here is a brief history of both the Shepherd and the Rottweiler. Being that this is a mixed breed dog, there isn’t a lot of history to it. However, we go more in depth to the history of both breeds.
As his name suggests, the German Shepherd originated in Germany, where he was created in the nineteenth century primarily by Captain Max von Stephanitz, who wanted to develop a dog that could be used for military and police work. The result was a dog that encompassed striking good looks, intelligence and versatility. World War I put a dent in the breed’s burgeoning popularity because the dogs were associated with the enemy. German Shepherds braved artillery fire, land mines and tanks to supply German soldiers in the trenches with deliveries of food and other necessities. After the war, movies featuring Rin Tin Tin and fellow German Shepherd Strongheart brought the breed back into favor. American audiences loved them. For a time, the German Shepherd was the most popular breed in the United States.
The rottweiler hails from a large dog, similar to a mastiff that the Romans brought with them to Germany to drive cattle. The mastiffs bred with local dogs along the way. In the South of Germany 600 years later a red tiled villa's remains were discovered during an excavation and led to the town being renamed das Rote Wil. Their underlying use was two fold. They were used to drive cattle and for protection against thieves when the cattle was sold. Aside from these two primary purposes, they were also used to pull carts of meat. Since these early days they are still used as a working dog in police work and even herding. They are known as an aggressive breed, but if handled and socialized properly they can be great family dogs. He is calm and confident, brave but not aggressive unless he perceives a threat to his people. He tends to be aloof with strangers, he is intelligent and he while he is trainable he can have a stubborn streak. Females tend to be more affectionate and easier to control than males.
ROTTWEILER
Height: 22-27 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 75 - 130 lb.
Lifespan: 8 -10 years
GERMAN SHEPHERD
Height: 22 - 26 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 75 - 95 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 14 years
The German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is actually a rather calm dog for the most part. They can certainly be aggressive with people and aggressive with other dogs. It is extremely important that you socialize them as much as possible. That goes for all dogs, socialization is key to a well behaved dog! They will require a good deal of exercise and will appreciate having the ball thrown for them often. They will also enjoy long walks and hikes, which is easier on their joints than running. They won’t do well being left alone in the house for long periods. He is energetic and his behavior will be a lot better if you give him the exercise he needs.
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
The Rottweiler mixed with German Shepherd might be prone to the following: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Do not purchase a puppy from a breeder who cannot provide you with written documentation that the parents were cleared of health problems that affect the breed. A careful breeder and one who truly cares about the breed itself, screens their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens. One of the most common health problems with dogs is obesity. Keeping this under control is your responsibility.
Since both the Rottweiler and the German Shepherd shed year round, you can expect your German Shepherd Rottweiler mix to shed year round too. The Shepherd sheds much more aggressively than the Rottie, so depending on which one is most prevalent depends on how much they might shed. Make sure that you have a good vacuum around to clean up after them. You will also want to make sure that they are brushed several times a week to prevent shedding absolutely all over the place. Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin. The more that you get them used to being brushed the more they will enjoy it. Make sure that you comb from head to tail and take it easy on them.
A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet.