Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix dog combines the intelligence and obedience of a German Shepherd and the strength and vigilance of a Rottweiler, proving the marvels of crossbreeding. This breed is gaining popularity in America, and its demand is increasing.
Overview of Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix dog
This breed is known for his protective nature and quickly adopts the role of guard dog. However, the Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix dog is more than just a guard at the gate; his affectionate side closely bonds with house members and instantly becomes an inseparable family member.
Before adopting a Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix dog, you need to know about his history, appearance, personality, health conditions, and grooming so you can properly take care of them. In the following paragraphs, you will learn everything you need to know about Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix dogs.
History of the Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix dog
German Shepherd
In the 19th century, different shepherd dogs were bred in Germany to combine their intelligence and herding instincts into one dog. From here, German Shepherds came into being. The purpose of breeding this dog was not only work but also companionship. They provide many services, from police dogs to house dogs.
Rottweiler
In the Roman Empire, Rottweilers were bred to herd livestock and guard resources that traversed Europe. As a result, they were employed by butchers to guard and pull carts in different areas of Germany. With time, they made their place as service and guard dogs.
Appearance and Attributes
Looks
Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix dog adopt physical features of both his parents, resulting in a remarkable embodiment. In aesthetics, he has a German Shepherd’s head and snout; his ears can be pointy or erect, depending on whose parent genes are more prominent, with almond-shaped brown eyes.
Size and Weight
Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix dog belongs to a large group of dogs. The size difference between male and female is described below:
Male Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix dog
Height: 24 to 28 inches
Weight: 75 to 115 pounds
Female Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix dog
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Weight: 75 to 95 pounds
Coat and Color
The coat of a Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix dog is thick and dense, with medium-length hair. It helps the dog adapt to different seasons. The coat doesn’t require much care, just regular brushing, but during shedding seasons, it needs extra care.
The coat comes in the following colors:
• Black and Tan
• Black with mahogany markings
• Sable
• Solid Black
Temperament and Personality
Intelligent and Trainable
They are blessed with exceptional intelligence and trainable instincts, and when they are given a dedicated task, they thrive. For this breed, no challenge could beat them. Their abilities start from doorbell rings to alerting an impaired hearing person to locating a victim lost in the woods. The skills of this dog seem boundless.
Friendly and Loving
Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix dogs are known for their aggressive personalities, but this side turns into a subtle goofiness when they are with people whom they love and cherish. They don’t instantly form a bond but take their time. Once this bond is built, they will show you the best of them, and you will not be disappointed.
Watchdogs
In their family circle, they show benevolent and approachable manners, but when they sense a threat or danger, they transfer into committed protectors and show their watchdog propensity. They are very alert to their surroundings and can sense any danger. They are very protective of their territory, which makes them good watchdogs.
Health and Diet
Before adopting a Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix dog, you need to know his medical history to see the health problems that may affect him. Some of them are explained below:
Hip Dysplasia
This genetic issue involves the femur’s incorrect fit into the pelvic socket of the hip joint. Hip dysplasia can appear with or without symptoms. As they get older, some dogs may exhibit lameness and discomfort in one or both of their rear legs, with arthritis perhaps developing.
Elbow Dysplasia
This heritable trait, which is primarily present in large breeds, is caused by the three constituent bones of the elbow growing at different rates, leading to joint instability and painful lameness. Surgical procedures or painkillers may be included in veterinary recommendations.
Bloating
Bloat is a potentially fatal condition primarily affecting large dogs with deep chests. It happens when the stomach expands owing to gas or air and then twists. Prompt medical intervention is essential to avoid shock and potential death.
Abdominal distension, increased salivation, retching without vomiting, restlessness, drowsiness, and a fast heartbeat are all signs of bloat in dogs.
Degenerative Myelopathy
A degenerative condition of the spinal cord that mostly affects the communication between the brain and the rear legs. Dogs with DM have trouble coordinating their hind limb motions, frequently leading to their eventual incapacity to walk. There are few treatment alternatives, though vitamin shortages may occur in rare cases, and vitamin supplements may be necessary.
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
This genetic pancreatic disease, which reduces the generation of digestive enzymes, hampered food digestion and absorption. Some of the symptoms are gas, decreased appetite, weight loss, changed stools, and heightened hunger.
A blood test provides an easy diagnosis, and as part of the treatment, the dog’s diet is supplemented with pancreatic enzymes.
Food Requirement
You can prevent many diseases and keep your dog healthy by feeding him good food; this is one of the best ways to help your dog lead a healthy life. You need to give your dog food that is perfectly balanced, full of supplements and fulfills your dog’s nutritional deficiencies.
While feeding him, remember that there is a certain limit to how much dry food you can give your dog in a day. Feeding him more than he needs will result in obesity, making your Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix dog slow and prone to many other diseases.
This large breed is prone to hip dysplasia, so you don’t want it to suffer. Also, buy the best dry food for your dog, and keep his food from cheap stores; it causes many kidney and liver disorders.
How much food you should give your dog daily depends on metabolism, size, and age. If you have a large dog, like a Rottweiler or German Shepherd mix, give him two to three big or four small meals daily.
Training and Exercise
Intelligent and smart
Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix dogs are known for their intelligence and smartness. They are quick learners, which makes training them easy.
Because of their intriguing nature, you can give them many mental challenges, and they will thrive in them. You can even hide their favorite treats in different parts of the house, and they will happily spend their time searching for them.
Working Dogs
A Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix dog is known for his working nature. There are many important roles that are played by this breed such as helping the police find the victims who are lost, search and rescue, detection, and service dogs.
They have a sharp sense of smell and a strong and masculine body, making them great watchdogs. They can sense danger from a distance and they are only friendly towards their family while are very hazardous towards strangers.
Physical and Mental Stability
As a Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix dog, he is huge and has enormous energy levels. This breed needs at least an hour of exercise daily to maintain their physical and mental stability. This is a dog that enjoys a lot of activities that can be used as a way for them to exercise.
These activities include hiking, long walks, fetching, catches, and agility challenges. These activities keep them busy and prevent them from getting bored, leading a good and happy life.
Fenced Yard
Keeping them inside a fenced yard is a good idea; this way, they can play in the yard all day. Also, keep your dog on a leash while walking around the neighborhood. Although you have properly trained your dog, he can start getting distracted and exploring his surroundings.
Grooming and Hygiene Care
Shedding
This breed has a double coat that sheds frequently, mostly twice a year, due to the change of the season. The owners must prepare themselves for dog hair on most of the furniture. This excessive shedding can be prevented by regularly brushing their hair.
Hygiene Care
Their hygiene care includes:
• Cleaning their ears every week and checking them for any allergies or mites.
• Trimming their nails monthly.
• Frequently cleaning their teeth.
Also, you don’t need to bathe them much because doing so will strip their skin of its natural oils. If they are really dirty, you can wash them with a damp cloth.
Last Words
Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix dog inherits loyalty from his German Shepherd genes and protective instincts from his Rottweiler parent, which makes them both house dogs and guard dogs.
As he is from a working dog breed, he provides a range of services, including military search duties, police dogs, search and rescue, guard dogs, and companion dogs. We know that both parent breeds are intelligent, and this makes it easy for you to train him however you want.
Questions about Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix dog
1. What are the environmental requirements of Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix dogs?
Because of his large size, he needs space, and he likes to be independent and live alone. His coat helps him survive any weather. He needs different activities to keep him busy.
2. What is the lifespan of a Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix dog?
The lifespan of a Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix dog is 9 to 12 years, but you can help increase this by properly taking care of his health and needs.
3. Is a Rottweiler and German Shepherd mix dog a working dog?
He is from a working dog group and helps guard and protect, so he is more of a working dog than a pet dog.
