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If you are considering adding a pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mix dog to your family, it is important that you learn as much as you can about the breed first. The parent breeds of this dog were bred for working purposes, so they typically have a lot of energy and require a good amount of exercise.
They are also very protective of their family and home and make great guard dogs. In this post, we will cover all the basics about the pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mix so that you can decide if this is the right dog for you.
Table of Contents
Pitbull Rottweiler German Shepherd Mix Appearance & Traits
The appearance of a pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mix will largely depend on the dominant genes of the puppy. Dominant pitbull genes will look more like a pitbull with characteristics of the other breeds. The same goes if the dominant genes are rottweiler or german shepherd.
Because of this, you will see a wide variety in appearance among pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mixes. For example, some may have the short coat of a pitbull, while others may have the double coat of a german shepherd.
The most common colors for this dog are black, brown, and tan, although there is a wide range of colors that this breed can ultimately have.
Size (Weight & Height)
The pitbull rottie shepherd mix has a wide range of weight possibilities. As mentioned before, it will largely depend on the dominant breed genes of the puppy, but they’ll weigh anywhere between 50-130 lbs.
Pitbulls are the shortest in the mix being between 17 and 19 inches tall (when measured to their shoulder) whereas german shepherds are as tall as 26 inches.
This means you can expect a pitbull rottweiler mix to be between 17 and 26 inches tall.
The height of a pitbull rottie shepherd is out of your control, but their weight is primarily up to the dog’s diet and exercise frequency. So while the 50-130 lbs range is where most dogs will reside, where they ultimately end up will depend on their lifestyle.
Coat Colors & Texture
Pitbulls have a short, single-layered coat that has a smooth texture.
Rottweilers have a short, double-layered coat that has a more coarse feel to it.
German shepherds have a medium-length coat that also has a coarse feel to it.
Considering each breed has a unique coat type, the coat color of a pitbull rottweiler and german shepherd can vary quite a bit.
When it comes to the texture of this mixed breed you’re looking at short to medium-length fur that has a coarse feel to it.
With a pitbull being the dominant gene, there are quite a few different possible coat colors for a pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mix. However, if there’s more rottweiler or german shepherd in the dog it’s likely to simply be black and brown.
Here are a few different possible coat colors for dogs with a dominant pitbull gene:
- Jet black – black colored coat from their head to their toes.
- Brindle – a marble mix of black and brown on their chest and legs with a black muzzle.
- Fawn – a light brown or mahogany red color all over with a white chest.
- Tan
- Tricolor – a combination of tan, black and white, or blue, white, and tan.
- Blue – most likely will have white on their chest and paws with a bluish or reddish nose.
Shedding & Grooming
Pitbulls shed the least out of the 3 breeds. Because they have a short, single-layered coat, they don’t shed nearly as much as dogs with a double coat.
Rottweilers and german shepherds, on the other hand, can be moderate to extreme shedders. Double-coated dogs always shed more and typically have more extreme shedding when the seasons change.
The longer the coat, the more noticeable the shedding is. So the more german shepherd is in the mix, the more extreme the shedding will be and corresponding grooming.
However, if the pitbull is the dominant gene, you’re looking at low to moderate shedding throughout the year.
This means you’ll only have to brush them a few times a week to collect their dead/loose fur and won’t have to do major weekly clean-ups due to dog fur.
If rottweiler or german shepherd is more dominant in the mix, that’s a different story. These dogs will need to be brushed several times a week; daily is best. It also wouldn’t be a bad idea to get a dog blow dryer to blow out their coat during their extreme shedding seasons.
Bathing requirements for pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mixes is no different than other breeds. You’ll want to make sure they’re getting a bath every 8-12 weeks. Not too frequently where you accidentally strip their skin and coat of natural oils to keep it healthy. But not too infrequent where they’re noticeably smelly and unhygienic.
Nail clipping should be done every 3-4 weeks but it will ultimately depend on how quickly their nails grow. The reason why it’s a good idea to trim their nails this often is to ensure their nails don’t touch the ground. This way they will have an easier time with hardwood floors and don’t risk getting a long nail caught on something and torn off.
Teeth cleaning is also something that needs to be done at least a few times a week. Many people think it might be silly to brush a dog’s teeth, but they eat and drink just like we do which means bacteria will build up if it’s not cleaned away. Which will result in oral health issues that could have been avoided with a good brushing routine.
Are Pitbull Rottweiler German Shepherd Mixes Hypoallergenic?
This is a common question when it comes to mixed breeds because people want to know if they’re allergic to dogs but still want one.
The answer is no, pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mixes are not hypoallergenic.
This is because they inherit the same proteins that cause allergies in people from both of their parent breeds.
However, there are a few things you can do to try and lessen the allergic reaction.
First, you can find a hypoallergenic shampoo that will help reduce the amount of dander released into the air when they shake or move around.
Another thing you can do is to brush them outside as often as possible. This way the dander and fur will go outside, making it less likely to have an allergic reaction.
Lastly, you can try and find a pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mix that doesn’t have as much fur.
This is because the less fur they have, the less dander they’ll have as well.
Ears & Tail
The ears and tail are two things that people often wonder about when it comes to mixed breeds.
With the pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mix, the ears and tail can vary depending on which parent breed is more dominant.
If the pitbull is more dominant, then their ears will be cropped and their tail will be docked.
If the rottweiler or german shepherd is more dominant, then their ears will be floppy and their tail will be long.
It’s important to know this before you get a pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mix because it will help you prepare for what type of grooming they’ll need.
Eye Color
With the pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mix, the eye color can vary depending on which parent breed is more dominant.
The most common eye color for this mixed breed is brown.
However, some can have blue or yellow eyes as well.
Lifespan
Generally, the bigger the dog, the shorter the lifespan. This is the unfortunate truth. Bigger dogs put more strain on their heart over their lifetimes, resulting in them not living as long as smaller dog breeds.
With that being said, rottweilers have the shortest lifespan in the pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mix at 8-11 years. Pitbulls have the longest lifespan of 12-16 years.
This means that if rottweiler is the dominant gene, their lifespan is likely to be shorter at around 10 years. However, if it’s a pitbull or german shepherd, you can expect about 12-14 years.
Common Health Issues
All dogs are susceptible to health issues, no matter their breed. However, some health issues are more common in certain breeds.
For example, hip dysplasia is a common health issue in all three of the breeds in this mix. Hip dysplasia is where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, which can cause a lot of pain and mobility issues later on in life.
Another more common health issue these breeds are prone to is elbow dysplasia. This is similar to hip dysplasia but it’s in the elbow joint instead.
Something else pit, rottie, and GSD dogs are more susceptible to are allergies. These can be environmental allergies where coming into contact with certain allergens causes their skin to become irritated and extremely itchy. Or, food allergies that affect their digestion with certain ingredients and cause them to have diarrhea, gastrointestinal upset, and need diet changes.
Some of the less common conditions (based on only 1 or 2 of the breeds having) are hypothyroidism, heart disease, bloat, cancer, degenerative myelopathy, and pancreatitis insufficiency.
Trainability & Intelligence
All three of the breeds in this mix are considered to be intelligent. This means they’re fast learners and are able to pick up on things quickly.
Each of these breeds has been used as guard dogs in the past. They’re incredibly loyal and are known to have a strong desire to protect their loved ones.
German shepherds have been used in law enforcement for many years because of their strength, obedience, and intelligence.
Pitbulls and rottweilers have had a poor reputation in the past for being aggressive which is starting to fade as people see more of these dogs being gentle and obedient.
Regardless, due to their protective nature, socialization is incredibly important for a pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mix. They need to learn from a young age that strangers (dogs and people) are potential friends instead of potential threats.
When training certain tricks and behaviors, it comes down to consistency and using positive reinforcement methods. Find the right treats that really grab their attention, be consistent with your training and you’re sure to have a wonderfully obedient dog.
It’s also a good idea to give them plenty of stimulating toys and puzzles to keep their mind occupied and prevent them from being mischievous.
Activity Level & Exercise Needs
The pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mix is an energetic dog that needs a good amount of exercise each day. They have a high prey drive and need to be able to burn off that energy somehow.
A good way to do this is by taking them on long walks or short to medium-length runs, playing fetch or frisbee with them in the park, or even signing them up for doggy sports like agility classes.
It’s important to give them plenty of opportunities to run and play so they don’t become bored and destructive. As the saying goes, a tired dog is a well-behaved dog.
When it comes to activity level, these dogs are somewhere in the middle. They’re not as high energy as some breeds but they’re also not couch potatoes.
As long as they get a good amount of exercise each day, they’ll be happy to lounge around the house with you and relax.
Temperament & Behavior
The pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mix is a loyal and protective dog. They’re incredibly loving with their family but can be wary of strangers.
It’s important to socialize them from a young age. This way, they learn to accept new people and other animals.
Do Pitbull Rottweiler German Shepherd Mixes Bark A Lot?
This is a difficult question because it varies from dog to dog. Some pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mixes bark more than others. It really depends on their personality and how they were raised.
In general, though, each of the parent breeds bark a moderate amount. They’re certainly not silent breeds but can be taught to not bark as often as some dogs might.
If you’re looking for a dog that doesn’t bark much, you might want to consider another breed. But, if you don’t mind a dog that barks occasionally, then this mix might be right for you.
Do Pitbull Rottweiler German Shepherd Mixes Like To Cuddle?
The pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mix can be a very affectionate dog. They often enjoy cuddling with their family and will often try to get as close to you as possible. They’re also known to be very protective of their loved ones.
The degree to how much they enjoy cuddling will largely depend on how much you cuddle with them as a young puppy. If they grew up being cuddled with and have fond memories of cuddling, they’ll likely enjoy cuddling for the rest of their lives.
In general, they make great companions and are always happy to see you, even if you’ve been gone for a while.
Are Pitbull Rottweiler German Shepherd Mixes Good With Kids?
Pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mixes can be wonderful with children. They’re gentle, loving, and have a lot of patience. They’re also very protective of their family, making them excellent guard dogs.
If you have young children, it’s important to socialize your dog from a young age so they learn how to appropriately interact with kids. Socialization is extremely important if you want your pitbull rottweiler german shepherd to be good around any and all kids.
How Are Pitbull Rottweiler German Shepherd Mixes With Other Dogs?
Pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mixes can be good with other dogs if they’re socialized properly. Socialization is critical for these dogs since they can be a bit wary of strangers.
If you have another dog in the house, it’s important to introduce them slowly and have them meet in a neutral territory. Once they’re comfortable with each other, they can usually become good friends.
It’s also important to ensure your pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mix gets plenty of exercise. A tired dog is a well-behaved dog and if they have enough energy burned off, they’re less likely to act out around other dogs.
Are Pitbull Rottweiler German Shepherd Mixes Good With Strangers?
How pitbull rottweiler german shepherds will be with strangers is a similar answer to how they are with other dogs. They absolutely can be great with strangers, but it ultimately depends on how well they were socialized as a young puppy.
If they spent a lot of time around unfamiliar people and places, they’ll likely be fine around strangers. But, on the flip side, if they rarely met new people they’re more likely to not be nice to new people.
Socialization is essential if you want a pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mix to be good with strangers (as with most dogs).
Are Pitbull Rottweiler German Shepherd Mixes Good Apartment Dogs?
Pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mixes can do well in apartments if given enough exercise. They need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, but the more the better.
If they have enough energy burned off, they’re less likely to bark and act out in an apartment.
It’s important to make sure your pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mix gets plenty of mental stimulation as well. This can be in the form of interactive toys, training, or even just playing fetch.
If you give your pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mix the exercise, mental stimulation, and attention they need, they can absolutely be a great companion for apartment living.
What Is The Price Of A Pitbull Rottweiler German Shepherd Mix?
The pitbull rottie shepherd mix is not considered a designer breed, so you won’t have to come up with thousands of dollars to bring one of these puppies home.
You may be able to find one at a shelter and adopt them for free as well.
If you do find a breeder with pitbull rottweiler german shepherd puppies you’re likely to see a price tag anywhere between $300-$800.
Always, always, always make sure you’re getting your puppy from a reputable breeder. Be skeptical if the price is next to nothing. If you bring home a puppy from a non-reputable breed, you risk getting a puppy with unhealthy parents. Which will likely decrease your pups lifespan.
Final Thoughts
The pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mix is a great breed for those looking for a loyal and protective companion.
They are intelligent, loving, and can make great family dogs.
Pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mixes are also relatively easy to train and are typically good with other dogs and children when properly socialized.
However, it is important to remember that they are a high-energy breed and require daily exercise.
If you think the pitbull rottweiler german shepherd mix is the right breed for you, be sure to do your research and purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder.
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