There is no question over whether German Shepherd Rottweiler mix dogs are cute, especially as puppies. They almost look like little bear cubs with their fluffy coats and fat tummies, and it's easy to fall in love with such cuddly-looking pups on first sight. If you're smart, though, you won't adopt a puppy based upon looks alone.
Responsible owners research breeds before adopting any new family members. German Shepherd Rottweiler mixes can make excellent pets in the right homes, but they may not be appropriate for your current living situation. Before you come home with a new pup, you should learn everything you can about whether this mix is the right choice for your family.
About German Shepherds and Rottweilers
Both German Shepherds and Rottweilers originated in Germany and were initially employed as herding dogs. Whereas German Shepherds were a product of the late nineteenth century, however, Rottweilers have been driving cattle and protecting herds since the days of the Roman Empire. Once railroads became the most efficient way to move stock to market, both German Shepherds and Rottweilers were used primarily as police dogs and guard dogs.
Both breeds are large. German Shepherds usually grow to weigh between 50 and 90 pounds and Rottweilers grow even larger, from 90 to 130 pounds. German Shepherds come in black, white, black and tan, and red and black. They have long, bushy tails and long, scissor-like, powerful jaws. Rottweilers come in black with tan markings. They have short snouts and are born with long tails, though many American owners dock their Rotties' tails.
What to Expect
Both are working breeds and as such were bred to have high energy. Whereas German Shepherds were bred more for speed and agility, however, Rottweilers were bred more for strength. Both breeds have a tendency to be dominant and protective of their packs and their territory. Your mix is going to need a lot of exercise and space to play, and these mixes aren't suited to apartment living. Your mix will be most happy in a home where he is regularly stimulated, either with frequent training sessions or interesting toys. You can expect a bored dog to act out by destroying things like your furniture. It is absolutely imperative that you properly train and socialize your German Shepherd Rottweiler mix. These mixes are even more likely to become aggressive and dangerous than purebreds if they aren't properly trained.
Possible Health Concerns
Both breeds are known to fall victim to hip dysplasia thanks to early inbreeding. Fortunately, Rottweiler breeders have been carefully screening dogs for hip dysplasia for several generations, so your mix is actually less likely than a purebred German Shepherd to suffer from this ailment. Rottweilers are especially susceptible to parvovirus and obesity, though, so it is imperative that you properly vaccinate your puppy and keep him on a regular exercise regime.
What Type of Owner is the Best Match?
German Shepherd Rottweiler mixes are best suited to very active households with no young children. These dogs need owners who are willing to commit serious time to training and exercise. A dog that doesn't receive proper exercise will be destructive as a puppy and may become obese as an adult, and a dog without proper training may become dangerous. While these dogs can learn to love and protect your own children, they may perceive your children's friends as threats, so it's best not to take any risks with young kids. Finally, you can never know for sure which traits a dog will inherit from its parents.
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