All about the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix

German shepherd rottweiler mix: The shepherd Rottweiler mix is a mixed-breed dog that was first bred in the USA in the 2000s. Also known as the “Shepweiler”, “Shottie”, “Rottweiler Shepherd” or “Rottie Shepherd”, the mixed breed also has a fan base in Europe today.

The German Shepherd Rottweiler mix is a cross between a purebred German Shepherd and a Rottweiler.

Both dog breeds are on the top ten list of the most popular dog breeds. It is therefore not surprising that the “Shepweiler” is also becoming increasingly popular.

Brown and black shepherd dogs in the field

The shepherd dog goes back to a series of herding dogs that were bred in Germany. At the end of the 19th century, the German Shepherd Dog was recognized as a breed.

The Rottweiler originally comes from Baden-Württemberg, where it was bred from the 18th century onwards. Its task was to herd and guard large herds of cattle.

The shepherd dog Rottweiler mix has inherited the protective and guarding instinct from its parents. The “Shepweiler” is therefore a faithful soul and a loyal companion who will do everything in his power to protect his owners.

Size and weight of the Shepherd Rottweiler mix

The parent breeds of the “Shepweiler” are large and muscular dogs. Accordingly, the mixed breed is also an imposing appearance that is in no way inferior to its parents. A German Shepherd can reach a height of up to 65 centimetres and a weight of up to 40 kilograms. The Rottweiler can reach a maximum height of 69 centimetres and a weight of 60 kilograms. The size and weight of the German Shepherd Rottweiler mix can therefore vary greatly. Their weight can be between 34 and 52 kilograms and their shoulder height between 50 and 59 centimetres.

Appearance of the German Shepherd Rottweiler mix

Predicting the appearance of mixed breeds is like reaching into a grab bag. Depending on which genes dominate, the “Shepweiler” can resemble a German Shepherd or a Rottweiler. Only one thing is certain: they will grow up to be strong and muscular dogs.

Both dog breeds have one feature in common – drooping ears. Therefore, a German Shepherd Rottweiler mix will also have floppy ears.

What coat color does a German Shepherd Rottweiler mix have?

The Rottweiler and the German Shepherd have similar coat colors. The palette ranges from black to different shades of brown and mahogany to gray.

Rottweiler at the edge of the forest:  Both dog breeds are usually bicolored. The “Shepweiler” can therefore have both the black and brown pattern of the Rottweiler and the typical dark saddle pattern of the German Shepherd.

The coat texture of the German Shepherd Rottweiler mix
The Rottweiler and the German Shepherd have a double coat consisting of a dense undercoat and longer guard hairs. However, the coat of the Rottweiler is shorter than that of the German Shepherd.

If the “Shepweiler” has inherited the coat of the German Shepherd, the owner will have to brush it more often. Otherwise, the four-legged friend will spread its hair all over the home and the dog owner will have to reach for the vacuum cleaner more often.

Character and temperament of the Rottweiler Shepherd mix

The “Shepweiler” has inherited many positive characteristics from both parents. These include loyalty, which characterizes the German Shepherd in particular.

The Rottweiler has a pronounced protective instinct. It will therefore do everything in its power to protect its owner and their home.

As the parent breeds of the German Shepherd Rottweiler mix are extremely intelligent, the “Shepweiler” is not one to be taken lightly. He therefore loves to be mentally challenged.

Is the German Shepherd Rottweiler mix aggressive?

The German Shepherd, but especially the Rottweiler, has a reputation: they are said to have a high potential for aggression. Are these dogs really that dangerous?

Behavioral problems always have a cause. If the German Shepherd Rottweiler mix is not kept appropriately or is trained incorrectly, it can display aggressive behavior.

If the German Shepherd Rottweiler mix has been well socialized and has enough exercise to channel its energy, it is a loving and loyal companion.

However, many “Shepweilers” naturally keep a certain distance from strangers. They will bark loudly if the doorbell rings or a stranger enters the property.

Protective and guarding tasks are in their genes and should not be seen as aggressive behavior. Ultimately, it was part of “their job” to protect the flock from strangers and sound the alarm.

Does the German Shepherd Rottweiler mix fall under the Fighting Dog Ordinance?
As Rottweilers have often attracted attention due to their aggressive behavior, mixed breeds are also subject to the Fighting Dog Ordinance. In some German and Austrian federal states as well as Swiss cantons, certain requirements must be met in order to keep a dog.

According to the ordinance, the dog must be kept on a lead and wear a muzzle. In addition, the dog owner must have a certificate of competence or a dog license.

What training does a German Shepherd Rottweiler mix require?
Just like its parents, the German shepherd Rottweiler mix is a real workhorse. Even if the dogs are hardly ever kept “busy” these days, they still need plenty of exercise.

If the German Shepherd Rottweiler mix is not kept busy, it will get “stupid ideas” and display destructive behavior. He will vent his excess energy on sofa cushions or other dogs.

If you get a German Shepherd Rottweiler mix, you should show the same sporting spirit as your four-legged friend. Two to three walks a day must be planned in any case.

A German Shepherd Rottweiler mix can hardly be kept busy with a normal “walk”. A German Shepherd Rottweiler mix is in its element when it is allowed to accompany its owner jogging, swimming or on hiking tours.

Does the Rottweiler Shepherd mix have health problems?

The parent breeds of the “Shepweiler” are robust natures that suffer less frequently from illnesses than other dog breeds. Nevertheless, they have an Achilles heel: hip and elbow dysplasia.

As both parents suffer from these skeletal diseases, a “crossover inheritance” can occur in the Shepherd Rottweiler mix. Accordingly, the “Shepweiler” has a predisposition for these malformations.

The German Shepherd Rottweiler mix suffers from another “crossover inheritance” – gastric torsion.

This causes the stomach to twist around its longitudinal axis and bloat. This results in a circulatory collapse, which usually leads to death if left untreated.

However, the “Shepweiler” has also inherited a passion from its parents: an insatiable appetite. The mongrel therefore has a tendency to be overweight.

What is the life expectancy of the Shepherd Rottweiler mix?

The life expectancy of a dog is primarily determined by its size. The larger the dog, the shorter its life expectancy.

The Rottweiler can live up to 10 years. The somewhat smaller German Shepherd reaches an age of 9 to 13 years. Depending on which genes dominate in the German Shepherd Rottweiler mix, it can reach an age of 9 to 13 years.

Shepweiler puppies

Anyone who has lost their heart to a Shepweiler puppy should have enough space. The little four-legged friend will grow up to be an impressive dog that needs a large radius of movement.

A house with a garden or a natural environment is ideal.

The shepherd Rottweiler mix has inherited a strong character from its parents, whose positive traits need to be encouraged. A Shepweiler puppy must therefore be socialized at an early age. Otherwise, the powerhouse will be difficult to tame as an adult.

The little fur nose is happy to meet other people on walks and to sniff other dogs. This will make them less suspicious of strangers as adults.

If the German Shepherd Rottweiler mix grows up in a region where it is a listed dog, it should be trained to walk on a lead.

If the four-legged friend gets used to the lead, it will not grumble later on, but accept the aid as a matter of course.

German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix: Breeders of mixed breeds

The German shepherd Rottweiler mix is a rare mixed breed. Breeders are few and far between and the cost of a puppy is correspondingly high. Lovers need to have between 1000 and 1500 euros ready.

If you want to buy a Shepweiler puppy, you should take a close look at the breeder. Reputable breeders offer appointments to get to know the puppy and can provide health certificates.

What do you call a German Shepherd Rottweiler mix?