Shepweiler

If you’re looking for a loyal and protective working or guard dog, then the Shepweiler could be the dog for you. This relatively uncommon hybrid is produced by crossing the Rottweiler and the German Shepherd. Most Shepweilers will have a big, muscular body, long legs, a large muzzle, powerful jaws, blue and/or brown eyes, and droopy ears that sometimes become erect when the dog is particularly attentive. The straight thick coat of fur is usually some combination of black, brown, white, and tan. Red, fawn, and sable are common colors as well.

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3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Shepweiler

Evolution and Origins

As the Shepweiler is a hybrid, its origins are not known but it’s thought that this breed was developed in the late 1990s when “designer dogs” of various crossbreeds began to be popular. The Shepweiler is usually a first-generation hybrid, but some multi-generation crosses do exist as well, and it will inherit many of its parents’ traits, though not in a perfect 50/50 split. Both of the Shepweiler’s parent breeds have their roots in Germany.

The German Shepherd, a muscular and agile herding dog, was first used to wrangle sheep. In the 1890s, German cavalry officer and dog breeder Captain Max Emil Friedrich von Stephanitz began developing the breed that became the modern-day dog. In the U.K., German Shepherds used to be referred to as “Alsatians” as many of these dogs were present in the Alsace region of France that was once part of Germany and to avoid association with Germany following World War II. Due to their intelligence and ability to learn tasks quickly, German Shepherds make excellent watchdogs, police dogs, search and rescue dogs, and overall service dogs.

The Rottweiler was also developed in Germany, in Rottweil, a region where a Roman army was present in the 2nd century. It is believed to be one of the oldest dog breeds and its ancestors are the drover dog from ancient Roman times and the Italian Mastiff. It was initially used for herding cattle, hunting, or pulling smaller-sized carts. During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, these dogs assisted butchers by carrying their money to market. Over the centuries, this strong and muscular working breed has been used to herd livestock, guard homes, and do police, rescue, and service work.

Health and Entertainment for your Shepweiler

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Size and Weight

The Shepweiler is a big dog with a strong and muscular frame. Females are slightly smaller than males on average.

Common Health Issues

The Shepweiler is a fairly healthy dog with a lifespan of around 10 to 13 years. But just like its two parent breeds, this hybrid may be prone to cataracts, cancer, bloating, autoimmune disorders, hip and elbow problems, skin irritation, hypothyroidism, and a congenital heart defect.

In order to reduce the chances of your dog developing these health problems, it is always important to buy your Shepweiler from high-quality breeders who will screen for common conditions that are known to afflict this type of dog. If necessary, ask the breeders for proof of their dogs’ health. Once you’ve purchased a dog, it is also necessary to have regular checkups at the vet to catch early health problems. In summation, these are the most common health issues of a Shepweiler:

• Allergies
• Cataracts
• Bloating
• Joint Problems
• Cancer.

Temperament

The Shepweiler’s parent breeds both have an unfortunate reputation for exhibiting some aggressive behavior, but this is only the case when the dog is mistreated or not properly trained by a bad owner. If the Shepweiler has been properly socialized and undertaken obedience training, then it should grow into a well-behaved and friendly adult.

They can be a hard-working, diligent, loving, and self-confident member of the family. Their naturally protective personality makes them excellent guard dogs, and they also have the capabilities to perform complex work. The Shepweiler does require plenty of physical and mental stimulation (and may turn annoying if it does not receive that), so they may offer only frustration for busy or negligent owners.

How to Take Care of the Shepweiler

The Shepweiler is a good choice for experienced and diligent owners who have the time and knowledge to train it and care for its considerable needs. First-time or novice owners may struggle with the dog’s tendency to push the boundaries during the training process. If you have any other questions or concerns about the proper way to care for this dog, then you should always consult with your vet.

The Best Dog Food for Shepweilers

A fully grown Shepweiler probably needs around 3 to 4 cups of high-protein dry food per day. The exact amount will depend on the dog’s age, size, and activity level. Since this dog may be particularly prone to bloating, it is a good idea to split this into three or four meals per day. Bloating is a very serious condition that can cause the stomach to expand beyond its normal size, which can cause pain and damage. Some dogs may also be allergic to wheat, soy, and corn as well. Aim for allergy-prevention dog foods with limited ingredients.

So A-Z Animals believes the best dog food for Shepweilers is Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet | Adult Grain-Free Canned Dog Food.

We like this dog food for Shepweilers because it eliminates the grain that can trigger the breed’s food sensitivities. Also, wet food can be a good kibble alternative for breeds like Shepweilers that can experience bloat, because dry food can expand in contact with water/moisture to exacerbate bloat. This dog food manages to cut out the sub-optimal ingredients in favor of high-quality proteins and plenty of calcium for the bones and joints.

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Best For Allergic Dogs

Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato & Venison Formula Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

• Made with unique venison as a protein source
• Abundant in the vitamins B6 and B12, which are essential for a healthy immune system, metabolism, and gastrointestinal function
•  It lacks some digestive aids, such as omega fatty acids and prebiotics, which can soothe sensitive stomachs
• Sweet potatoes substitute the grains normally found in a regular dog's diet

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Maintenance and Grooming

As a relatively heavy shedder, the Shepweiler needs to be groomed at least once a week to maintain the proper health of the coat. It is recommended to do at least some light brushing every day with a slicker brush or de-shedder to remove the loose hair as well. Because of its tendency to develop dry and irritated skin, bathing should take place only as needed with a light shampoo when the dog becomes dirty. Other important aspects of the dog’s hygiene include regular nail trimmings, ear cleanings, and teeth brushing.

Training

The Shepweiler is a very smart dog that will follow commands with great proficiency and aplomb. They will benefit enormously from a disciplined training regime. But many owners make the mistake of assuming that these dogs need to be treated with harshness and aggression. This is not the case. While the Shepweiler may have the tendency to push boundaries and test your limits, owners should respond with patience, understanding, and positive reinforcement methods.

You will need to establish the fact that you’re the leader, but don’t react harshly and negatively when it disobeys. Most importantly, you will need to be consistent with your commands. The dog cannot read your mind, and sending mixed signals may just confuse it. If you need help with training at all, then you may want to consult with a professional.

Exercise

The Shepweiler needs between 60 to 90 minutes of exercise a day, divided into several smaller sessions. This dog should be satisfied with long walks, jogs, hikes, fetching, playtime, and some time to roam around in a park or yard. It may also excel at some complex tricks, tasks, and sports. If the dog’s daily exercise needs are neglected, then it might resort to destructive behavior such as chewing and barking.

Puppies

In order to become a well-behaved fully grown adult, the Shepweiler needs to begin proper socialization and obedience training within the first few months of its life. Part of this process will entail introducing your puppy to as many new people and situations as possible to counteract some of its natural wariness toward strangers. Shepweiler puppies shouldn’t be too difficult to house train, but a crate may nevertheless be useful if you are experiencing any difficulties. Owners will also need to pay close attention to the puppy’s physical development. Until the dog is fully mature, its joints may be sensitive and frail. Be careful about letting puppies jump around or play on hard surfaces.

Shepweilers and Children

Despite its enormous size, the Shepweiler should do well with most children. It is loyal and protective but also sometimes very loving and playful. However, parents may need to be careful about letting this dog unsupervised around smaller children, since its size can be intimidating.

Dogs Similar to the Shepweiler

If the Shepweiler appeal to you, then you might want to check out the following breeds. They have similar physical characteristics, behaviors, and traits.

• Doberman Pinscher – This confident, fearless, and alert breed is one of the best watchdogs around. It sports a muscular physique, keen intelligence, and a short brown or red coat of fur.
• Bullmastiff – Among the largest of all dogs, the big, muscular Bullmastiff descends from a cross between the Bulldog and the Mastiff. This affectionate, courageous, and loyal dog was originally bred to protect the vast estates of English aristocrats from game poachers.
• Beauceron – Despite looking a bit like a Rottweiler, this kind gentle, obedient, and loyal breed is actually a French herding and guard dog with a big international following. Its enormous ability for hard work is one of its defining traits.

Famous Shepweilers

As a relatively obscure and unknown crossbreed, the Shepweiler does not have a large following. But its two parent breeds, the Rottweiler and German Shepherd, regularly rank among the top 10 most popular dogs in the United States.

A dog named Horand von Grafrath born in 1895 became famous as it was the first German Shepherd bred by Captain Max Emil Friedrich von Stephanitz, which became the genetic basis for the modern-day breed.

Popular Names for the Shepweiler

If you need help coming up with a good Shepweiler name, then you might want to consider the following options:

• Rocky
• Bella
• Max
• Charlie
• Zeus
• Charlie
• Luna
• Roxy
• Harley
• Moose