Last Updated on July 16, 2021 by
How big will a German Shepherd Rottweiler mix get? Do you wonder if these two heavyweight German dogs produce a giant but adorable mixed breed?
The popularity of mixed breeds is not dying down anytime soon. Because there are so many examples today, the unpredictability of the practice is going down and has led to fans of certain pairings.
Do you want to learn more about the German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix? Read on to learn more about this interesting mixed breed.
Table of Contents
What Is A German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix?
A German Shepherd and Rottweiler mix is a mixed breed crossing a Rottweiler and a German Shepherd. This mixed breed is achieved by mating parents from either breed. You can also call it a “Rottie Shepherd”!
Characteristics Of A Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a large-sized dog of the Working Dog group. Males reach 25 to 27 inches in height and 93 to 135 lbs in weight. Females reach 22 to 25 inches in height and 80 to 100 lbs in weight. They have a life expectancy of 9 to 10 years.
In the media and in the news, Rottweilers are usually characterized as brutish and aggressive dogs. However, they are in fact a widely loved breed, ranking 8th in the United States according to the American Kennel Club. You will be able to see this intelligent breed working as police dogs, therapy dogs, and seeing-eye dogs in modern times.
Characteristics Of A German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a large-sized dog of the Herding Dog group. Males reach 24 to 26 inches in height and 65 to 90 lbs in weight. Females reach from 22 to 24 inches in height and 50 to 70 lbs in weight. They have a life expectancy of 7 to 10 years.
The German Shepherd is often thought of as a hard worker, because of all the jobs that it can accomplish. Though a large dog, this breed possesses agility and intelligence that make it a crowd favorite. They come in an impressive 3rd place in the American Kennel Club’s popular dog rankings. One of its most interesting traits is a certain aloofness that becomes undying loyalty once the bond has been made.
Is A German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Compatible?
Now that you have some ideas about each specific breed, it’s a good idea to understand how they are similar and different. This is because their mix is likely to inherit physical and personality traits.
Rottweiler and Labrador Differences
The most important physical difference is the coat. Rottweilers are famous for their short, smooth black coats with rust markings. The German Shepherd has a similar color palette of black and tan, but there are other colors available. Their double coats that come in medium-length hair are prone to shedding, while the Rottweiler doesn’t leave that much of a mess.
The German Shepherd is handier around children and is better suited for big families with young members. It is the more adaptable breed of the two, allowing it to live and be comfortable in a number of settings.
While the two muscular dogs can excel in physical activities, the German Shepherd has tons of energy while the Rottweiler can be a downright couch potato! Mental stimulation is more of the Rottweiler’s game than running alongside their owner.
Rottweiler and Labrador Similarities
These two large dogs also have a similar disposition towards training – highly intelligent and eager to please! They not only love to play games, but they love having a job to do. They love being able to do something well.
Both dogs are rather low maintenance in terms of grooming and drooling. However, this doesn’t mean that there is no shedding involved in either.
All in all, the two breeds are rather similar dogs, with only a few attitudes and characteristics differentiating them, aside from physical appearances, of course.
How Big Will A German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix Get and Other Concerns
Is there enough space in your heart for two big dogs? Why not mix them together into one? Here are some of the fast facts you’ll need to consider when shopping around for this mix.
Size
The cross between two big dogs will lead to a giant, isn’t that right?
While the size of a German Shepherd Rottweiler mix puppy grown-up isn’t guaranteed, you will have to base your assumptions on the size of the parents. One thing’s for sure – you will need a lot of space for this dog to move around, so maybe it’s best for a home with a wide yard!
Lifespan
The Rottweiler and the German Shepherd have similar lifespans, so it’s easy to assume that their offspring have similar longevity.
In mixed breeds, the concept of hybrid vigor is often discussed. It has been studied that widening gene pools and mixed breeding introduce favorable results for the dog’s biological fitness. This means there could be positive effects like resistance to certain diseases and an enhanced lifespan.
Coat
The Rottweiler has a classic look of black and rust. You would not find many variations or even “rare” colors when it comes to this breed. It’s interesting to see the distinctive Rottie pattern on mixed breeds.
Meanwhile, the German Shepherd has varying colors and patterns. Its popular look has been a combination of black and tan fur. However, other purebreds have been found with pure black, gray, and even blue coats. There’s a variety of choices that also makes this popular dog an exciting pet to have.
Temperament
If you compare the temperament of the two dogs, you will find that they can actually be similar. They are family-oriented dogs that are also fierce protectors. Both are not too sociable with other dogs and strangers, which matches their guardian persona. You can expect that their offspring may take on the same personality.
Perhaps the biggest difference in temperament is their safety around children and timid individuals. The Rottweiler needs to be trained and socialized very well to make sure that they are safe around children, and this might take time. The German Shepherd already has an adaptable instinct that makes it easy to have them around children. You may want to check the offspring for signs of aggression before letting them near kids.
It’s a clash of the large dog favorites in the German Shepherd Rottweiler mixed breed. Are you looking to have one, or have you changed your mind? Let us know in the comments.