Caring for Your Rottie Shepherd: Key Health Concerns and Solutions

Introduction

The Rottie Shepherd, a crossbreed between a Rottweiler and a German Shepherd, has gained popularity as a working dog and family companion. These dogs are often referred to as "Dutchie" or "Shepweiler." With their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility, it's no wonder why many pet parents consider bringing one home.

General Care

Proper care is essential for any dog breed, including the Rottie Shepherd. Here are some key considerations:

Space Requirements

The Rottie Shepherd requires moderate exercise and space to move around. They need daily walks, runs, or playtime in a securely fenced area. Ideally, you should have a spacious yard where your dog can run freely.

Diet and Nutrition

Rottie Shepherds are high-energy dogs that require a balanced diet. Feed them with high-quality commercial dog food or prepare a mix of boiled chicken, fish oil, carrots, apples, green beans, and brown rice to provide essential nutrients.

Vaccinations and Medical Care

Vaccinate your Rottie Shepherd puppies at 6-8 weeks old against common diseases such as distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and rabies. Follow the recommended inoculation schedules from veterinarians.

Hygiene and Cleanliness

Keep your dog's living space clean, tidy, and well-ventilated to maintain their physical and mental health. Brush their coat regularly, ideally 1-2 times a week for maintenance.

Rottie Shepherd Issues

As with any breed, Rottie Shepherds come with some potential issues that you should be aware of:

Health Problems

The Rottie Shepherd is considered a relatively healthy breed; however, like other breeders, they may inherit specific genetic diseases from their parent breeds. These include hip dysplasia (common in German Shepherds), skin allergies, and heart conditions.

Dominance Aggression

Dogs often exhibit dominance aggression due to the alpha role or hierarchical behavior within a Rottie Shepherd group. Provide clear leadership through consistent training to avoid conflicts and behavioral problems.

Feeding a Rottie Shepherd

As outlined earlier, feeding your Rottie Shepherd puppy requires careful planning:

• Feeding Requirements

Feed puppies (between 8 weeks and 1 year) about 2 times a day with an average daily intake of 500g to 750g of food per pound is recommended.

• Grown-Up Feeding Schedules

Dogs at the adult stage need around 1200 calories, which comes down to slightly smaller portions. Monitor your Rottie's activity and adjust feeding quantities accordingly.