Last Updated on September 20, 2023
. The unique combination of Rottweiler and German Shepherd creates the pet known as the Shepweiler.
Both parents are German and are loyal and strong companions. They can also be used as herding and working dogs. The German Shepherd/Rotteweiler mix is a combination of parents who are so similar they complement each other in every way. although these breeds are quite different ,, there are some striking similarities.
Before taking on this companion, be aware that the Shepweiler is not for the first-time dog owner. They are “too smart” for their own good and can boss you around. They will thrive in homes with experience in the socialization of large dogs. When you have a Shepweiler that is calm, kind, and affectionate, patience will pay off.
This guide will give you an introduction to this wonderful mixed breed. We have compiled the following information to help you decide if the Shepweiler is right for you.
Working Dogs
Both the Rottweiler and German Shepherd have a long history as working dogs. Both are excellent service dogs, therapy dogs and guard dogs.
The intelligence of the German Shepherd is unmatched by other dogs. They are perfect for police work. They are excellent detection dogs and can locate explosives, illegal drugs currency, blood, contraband, money, scat, and electronic devices. They are also great rescue dogs because of these traits.
The Rottweiler was used in the past for shed pulling, making them extremely durable. They are most useful for their strength and working abilities.
Combining them together will make a great working dog. If this is what your goal was while looking for a new puppy, then look no further.
German Shepherd Overview
The German Shepherd was originally to herd sheep in Germany .. They are now often associated with the military and police. These professions require intelligence, agility and stealth. They also require strength and authority. This pup has all of these qualities.
Shepherds popularity has increased steadily in the US since 1908 when they were first inducted by the American Kennel Club. They are often ranked in the top five around the globe.
They are of average size and weigh an average of 67 pounds at adulthood. Shepherds require lots of social interaction but they are very affectionate and love to be loved and pet. Shepherds are eager to become an active member in your family. They have an average life expectancy of 10-13 years.
Rottweiler Overview
Their tough exterior conceals a loving dog that needs your attention. They are calm, well-behaved and protective of their family. They require a lot of social interaction. If left alone, they can suffer from separation anxiety.
Rottweilers are considered large dogs and will weigh an average of 100 pounds. Although not as popular as the Shepherd, they still rank in the top 10 and continues to grow. They have an average life expectancy of 8-11 years.
German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix (Shepweiler)
The Shepweiler combines the best of both worlds. They are intelligent, strong, loving, and easy to train. They will develop strong personalities if both their parents are similar. Hybrid dogs are difficult to predict if a particular quality will be passed on, but they will likely inherit their core characteristics because of the similarities between both breeds.
A Shepweiler puppy from a well-respected breeder will make a great companion. These dogs are suitable for any family that has had experience with large dogs and those with territorial temperaments.
Shepweilers can be raised with children, pets, and adults. They are gentle, loving, and comfortable. Other rodents and squirrels are another matter. The Rottweiler and German Shepherd have high prey drives and it will probably pass to their hybrid.
*Working dogs need a lot of energy to perform their job. Expect a high-energy puppy who will live long into adulthood. They can be a bit stubborn, but once they reach their exercise quota, they will love nothing more than to spend time with you.
Appearance & Grooming
Hybrid breeds can take their looks from the parents. German Shepherds are often seen in a duo of black and brown, or black and and white. Rottweilers can be black or have brown spots in their coats.
Your Shepweiler will be more likely to have a dark brown coat than a light one. The Shepweiler inherits the long hair of a German Shepherd parent.
Sheweilers shed – a lot. Vacuum your home at least once per day. It is important to brush their hair regularly in order to prevent it from becoming matted or dirty. If they love to get messy, a bath may be necessary 3-4 times per year. If they like to get messy, it is a good idea to brush their teeth several times per week and inspect their ears.
Training
Both Rottweilers and German Shepherds are intelligent dogs that are quick to learn and easy to train. However, their large size makes it important to socialize them early. Shepweilers can become less confident as they age and may jump on children who are smaller because they want to play.
Bring your Shepweiler with you to different places. You can bring your family member or friend along to help them get used to being around strangers. If you have pets, you will want to decrease their need to protect you and your property.
Your new pet will be happier if you use positive training techniques. Guard dogs that are trained with punishment will be aggressive and fearful towards other dogs, and they may bite without warning.
The temperament of a mixed breed dog is inherited from its parents. They are more likely to take one parent from their parents than the other. Mixed breeds can have temperaments that are difficult to predict. Ask your breeder to take you to their parents if they’re available.
Exercises & Living Conditions
Rottweilers and German Shepherds are energetic, playful dogs that love to be active. Your Shepweiler needs plenty of exercise to release their energy. You run the risk that your Shepweiler will damage your property or become aggressive. So make sure you take your dog out often. The Shepweiler needs to be active for at least an hour per day. They’ll become sweet lap dogs once they exhaust all their energy. *Shepweilers are predisposed to joint problems so regular exercise is a must. Hip dysplasia can be prevented by keeping large dogs active and healthy.
Keep your Shepweiler inside overnight. They are not good guard dogs and can’t be left alone for too long. If left alone, shepweilers can suffer from separation anxiety.
Health
Common health problems across all breeds include hip problems, allergies and skin irritations.
The Rottweiler and the German Shepherd are both susceptible to joint degeneration, but the Shepweiler is more vulnerable. Almost 70% of large-breed dogs develop hip and elbow dysplasia, so it’s essential to use preventative care.
*Keeping your dog at a healthy weight can significantly lower the chance of developing dysplasia. To make sure your pup doesn’t become obese or overweight, you should monitor their diet.
Shepweilers can also be affected by hip dysplasia and elbow problems.
Nutrition
Make sure your German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix receives the right amount and quality food to meet their nutritional needs. 22% of a puppies diet should be protein, while 8% should be fat. Once your puppy matures, 18% should be protein, while 5% is fat.
Check the labels of your food to make sure they have the correct amount of protein and fat. You don’t want them to eat too many carbohydrates.
*Puppies should be fed 4 meals per day. You should not leave food out for them to eat. This could cause poor eating habits and a stretched stomach. Once they are grown, reduce this to two meals per day and continue it for the rest of their lives. *Large breeds are more likely to bloat so be careful what your puppy eats. Regular, small meals will help reduce bloat and maintain weight.
As Family Pets
Shepweilers can be a big, energetic bundle of energy and need your love and attention. But would one of these adorable cuties make a good choice for you family?
- The Shepweiler is a friendly, fun-loving large dog that gets along with children
- They get along with other pets if they are socialized properly.
- They are big and take up a lot of space.
- Grooming requirements are high.
- They require frequent grooming, multiple times per week, and they need to be bathed at least three times a calendar year.
- Shepweilers are avid shedders and won’t fair well in homes that have allergies.
- Running around and jumping is a Shepweilers favorite activity!
- Make sure they exercise at least one hour per day.
- Although they will enjoy being active, it is better to just relax in the house.
- A very unique personality! Their parents are very likely to pass on their intelligence and hearing.
- Health problems are a problem with this breed.
- Their large statues can encourage them to work together.
- Asking your breeder to obtain a health screening certificate will help you and your pet’s overall health.
- Nothing is ever guaranteed with any mutt or mixed pup.
If this sounds like it’s a sure yes, continue reading to learn how to find one!
Breeders & Puppy Prices
Due to the popularity of this breed, it will be easy to find a breeder. However, they will be more expensive than other hybrids.
A well-bred Shepweiler can be anywhere from $500 to $1000. Prices depend on where the breeder is located, whether they have records or if their parents are successful show dogs.
If you are looking for a mixed breed, make sure to find a reliable breeder. Your pup deserves the best start in his or her life. Information about local rescues and breeders can be found at your local Rottweiler and German Shepherd clubs.
Shepweiler Rescues
A shelter can sometimes house an adult Shepweiler. You’ll probably meet one due to both the popularity of Rottweilers and Shepherds. German Shepherds are often taken to shelters by their owners who don’t know how to handle large dogs like these.
Although this option is more affordable, you won’t have any information about the history of your dog. They will still require loving homes and attention.
These websites offer great rescues for pets:
All Shepherd Rescue
Rottweiler Rescue Foundation
Adoptapet (Non-Profit Adoption Site)
Final Thoughts
The Shepweiler is a large, working dog with a heart full of gold. These dogs are worth considering if you have the space and/or experience with territorial dogs. They are smart, friendly, loyal, and easy-to-train. They are great guard dogs, therapy dogs, working dogs and family dogs. They’re great at almost anything you can imagine. All subjects are gold for Shepweilers!
Be aware that they could develop serious health issues if you don’t take preventative measures. If they are not socialized well, they could develop behavioral problems. You should also consider the shedding.
If you are interested in adding these cute pups to your family’s, search rescues first! You never know what you will find!