A heart of gold is what you get when you mix the loyal German Shepherd with the watchful Rottweiler. The powerful loyalty and protectiveness of the German Shepherd Rottweiler mix (commonly known as the Shepweiler) are reasons enough to consider adding one to your family. These loving dogs are willing to serve and protect, making them perfect for families who seek both companionship and security. Their calm energy is ideal for households with children, as they are often untroubled by the antics of an energetic family. Sound like the dog of your dreams? Keep reading to learn all there is to know about caring for this fierce and loyal guardian.
What is a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix?
The German Shepherd Rottweiler mix is a large hybrid of the German Shepherd and the Rottweiler. As this dog has no breed standards, their appearance can vary. Generally, these dogs look like a combination of both their parents, often featuring floppy ears from the Rottweiler, a short dense coat from the German Shepherd, and black and tan markings from both parents. Due to their Rottweiler roots, they work best as watchdogs; their attentiveness and aloof personality make them great for keeping your home safe. Do not be fooled, though—if you are part of a Shepweiler’s pack, expect to be showered with love. This goofy, playful dog loves to cuddle but can also handle being on its own as it watches over your home.
Overview
- Hybrid: German Shepherd / Rottweiler
- Purpose: Guard and companionship
- Weight: 75 to 115 pounds
- Size: 22 to 27 inches
- Temperament: Loyal, attentive, and confident
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great watchdogs
- Intelligent and easy to train
- Generally a very healthy breed
- Calm and confident personality
Cons:
- Tend to shed a lot
- Prone to aggression if not trained properly
- Require a lot of exercise
- Hard to find a breeder
Appearance
There are no breed standards for this dog, but you can expect the Shepweiler to look athletic. They often have strong hindquarters and deep chests for running long distances. Most German Shepherd Rottweiler mixes have dense fur, though some have the smooth coat from the Rottweiler. These dogs often have the wolf-like snout of their German Shepherd parent. Expect your Shepweiler to look as unique as their personality.
Coat and Colors
The most common coat color is the black and tan patterning of their Rottweiler parent. However, there can be a mix of German Shepherd patterning as well. This dog’s coat is often dense and short like a German Shepherd’s but smooth-coated mixes are not unheard of. Either way, expect this dog to shed as much as their parent breeds do.
Height and Weight
These dogs are large and stocky, standing around 22 to 27 inches and weighing around 75 to 115 pounds.
Personality and Temperament
The main personality trait of the Shepweiler is loyalty, thanks to their German Shepherd parent. While equally loyal to its pack, expect your German Shepherd Rottweiler mix to be more devoted to their main caretaker. Their attentiveness is mostly thanks to the Rottweiler, giving them a strong guarding instinct. Both parent breeds are known for being calm and aloof but are not aggressive if socialized properly. Despite their aloofness, this mix is not all business; they have the playful, goofy personality the Rottweiler is known for and are surprisingly cuddly despite their large size. They act more like lap dogs around the people they love best.
Are They a Good Family Dog?
A properly socialized and trained German Shepherd Rottweiler mix can be a gentle and calm family companion. Their calm energy and protective nature make them excellent additions to active families who enjoy being on the move.
Caring for a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix
Couch potatoes be warned
This is not the dog for you. Both the German Shepherd and the Rottweiler have been bred to work and need an active family that loves being on the move. Their intelligence requires mental stimulation to prevent mischievous behavior. While they can be intense to handle, especially if you are not used to larger breeds, they will reward your effort with unwavering loyalty.
Exercise Requirements
Both of this dog’s parent breeds are working dogs, so make sure your Shepweiler gets the exercise they need. If left bored, they may end up playing with your furniture. Hikes are great for this dog as the rugged trail and long distance require more energy than walking around the block. They will enjoy basic doggy games of fetch and tug-of-war, and teaching your dog how to swim can add extra fun to family lake trips. Agility training is an excellent way to engage this active hybrid, giving them the cardiovascular exercise they need.
- Number of walks per day: 2 to 3
- Total exercise needed per day: 60+ minutes
Grooming and Shedding
Expect your Shepweiler to shed as much as their parent breeds do. To keep shedding low, brush them weekly to get rid of dead hair. This activity can help you bond closely with your dog and keep their coat healthy. If they spend lots of time outside, you may need to bathe your dog twice a month. Additionally, keep their paws clean and brush their teeth regularly to maintain dental health. Cleaning their ears prevents infection, but you won’t have to worry much about their nails as their activity tends to wear them down.
Feeding and Diet
German Shepherd Rottweiler mixes need to eat lots of food due to their active nature. Avoid any kibble with excessive amounts of fillers. Probiotic supplements can be beneficial, but always consult your vet before making changes to your dog’s diet and consider their activity levels. An ideal diet will help maintain their athletic build and overall health.
Known Health Problems
This mix is generally considered healthy but is susceptible to some common health conditions associated with its parent breeds, such as hip dysplasia and bloat. Regular vet checkups can help prevent and manage these issues.
- Life expectancy: 7 to 10 years
Training
Due to the German Shepherd’s intelligence, training should be a breeze for this mix. Positive reinforcement works best, with play being the best reward. Attending obedience classes is also a great way for your dog to socialize and develop good manners. This dog needs a lot of mental stimulation, and activities like rally (a dog sport) can provide the engagement they need.
The German Shepherd Rottweiler mix is truly a man’s best friend. These devoted pups are best suited for individuals with active lifestyles and enough space for a large, athletic dog. With a Shepweiler, you can expect to have a loyal companion and a watchful guardian, especially if you are its main caretaker. While they are great at guarding, be sure to guard your heart—your pup may just steal it.
