Perhaps you find the combination of Rottweiler and Siberian Husky awesome and so you’re considering keeping one as a family pet. But before you decide, you need a bit of a background check on the breed, yes? It’s true that Rottskys make the coolest family companions, but there’s more to them than just that!
In general, Rottskys are an intentional hybrid; they’re expected to be athletic, intelligent, protective, and affectionate with family, and to be natural hard workers. Although this overview is believed to be accurate, it’s important to note that Rottweilers and Huskies remain distinct breeds. Thus, a Rottsky’s appearance and temperament would depend on the more dominant gene it carries among its parents, not to mention, how it’s brought up by its owners.
As a potential Rottsky owner, there’s definitely more facts to know about the Husky Rottweiler Mix. Educate yourself as we go over all you need to know about the breed. Let’s begin!
What does a Rottweiler Husky Mix look like?
A Rottsky carries numerous shared looks from its Rottweiler and Siberian Husky parents. But before we talk about Rottskys, it’s essential that you’re also familiar with how its purebred parents look like.
On one hand, Huskies have a wolfish appearance and are known to adapt well with cold weather because of their thick, medium-length double coat. Their fluffy fur is possible to be black, red, brown, and gray to white. Moreover, they’re characterized as medium-sized dogs with a height range of 20-24 inches (1-2 feet) at withers and with a weight range of 35-60 pounds (15-27 kilograms).
On the other hand, Rottweilers are known for their intimidating blockhead look. They have short and dense fur that requires minimal grooming; its hair is colored black, with tan or mahogany markings. Rottweilers are characterized as large-sized dogs with a height range of 22-27 inches (1.83-2.25 feet) at withers and weigh around 85-130 pounds (38-59 kilograms).
Having said that, a Rottweiler and a Siberian Husky’s offspring would not have a fixed physical characteristic, it’s possible that one Rottsky pup would look wholly different to another; it all depends on the inherited physical features an offspring carries from the more dominant gene.
There are instances when a Rottsky would look more like its dog mum or dad but it’s also possible for it to equally carry both of its parents’ appearances. Regardless, each mix is sure to be beautiful and unique from the other, hence, we’ll be discussing some of its physical traits one by one.
Features of their bodies
- Ears can be down or upright
Since Rottweilers have ears folded down while Huskies have theirs standing straight, an unborn Rottsky would have physical characteristics, such as its ears, unpredictable. The only thing you can be sure of is that a Rottsky’s ears would be shaped triangular like that of both its parents, the rest would most likely depend!
- Nose can come in different colors
Rottskys often have the default nose color for dogs, which is black, although it’s possible for them to have brown or liver-colored noses too. Their nose color would sometimes match the color of their coat like their parents. For instance, brown coated Rottweilers tend to have brown noses, and Huskies with maroon to white fur tend to have pinkish-brown noses.
- Coats can be short to medium length
Coats for Rottweiler and Siberian Husky Mixes can range from short to medium length and would typically carry either or a mix of their parents’ color such as black, sable, brown, red, gray, cream, and white. Moreover, they have double-coated and straight fur which make them moderate shedders.
- Rottweiler Husky Mix dog eye color
A Rottsky’s eyes are almond-shaped, and like humans, their most common eye color is dark brown. Although it’s good to note that it’s possible for some Rottskys to inherit blue or heterochronic eyes from their Siberian Husky parents which look uniquely fascinating.
How big do Rottweiler Husky Mixes get?
You can expect an adult Rottsky to reach more or less than 24 inches (2 feet) at withers with a slight long and lean built. Rottskys are strong-looking canines and are also quite heavy, with a possible weight range between 55-110 pounds (24-50 kilograms).
For your reference, the size of an adult Rottsky is quite similar to an Old English Sheepdog or a Catahoula Leopard Dog.
Are Rottskys good dogs?
Rottskys are extremely powerful canines, and despite them being naturally compassionate dogs, they can be dangerous if they’re mismanaged or mistreated. Hence, it’s crucial that you can provide a Rottsky its basic needs and have the experience in taking care of a large and active dog.
If your Rottsky is well-trained and has experienced proper socialization, then you can expect it to be a good dog; it might even be the ideal partner you’ve always wanted! Below are some of its lovable traits you might want to know:
Family-oriented
Rottskys make such loyal pets for a dog-loving family. They can be calm and alert at the same time; they always intend to protect their owners from potential danger, and when trained and socialized at a young age, they can be patient and caring with children too.
Perfect workout buddy
The Rottweiler Husky Mix have high energy and they do need a lot of exercise as an outlet. They love spaces where they could just run and play and are suitable for you if you happen to enjoy the active lifestyle as well!
Highly intelligent
Coming from two breeds that are known for their intelligence, it’s no doubt that Rottskys are smart dogs. Rottskys tend to be strong-willed and so it’s best to train them at an early age; they naturally learn and pick-up commands faster than other breeds.
How were Rottweiler Husky Mix made?
Hybrid dogs have become so popular ever since many sought to have their own ideal dog – crossbreeding became a way to produce dogs with particular advantages in them and with the hopes of eliminating unwanted traits from purebred canines.
Siberian Husky Rottweiler Mixes are designer dogs and were introduced a couple of years after when intentional breeding became a big trend; this designer dog was created through crossbreeding Rottweilers and Siberian Huskies. The majority would agree that Rottweilers and Huskies are far and distinct breeds, yet both compelling and powerful in nature. Hence, combining them was firmly believed to result in the perfect dog.
Where do Rottweiler Husky Mix dogs come from?
You probably gained some of the most significant information about Rottskys by now. Still, if you’re interested to know more fast facts on this breed, it’s great to have an idea where Rottskys originally come from, and what better way is there to know just that but through learning both of its parents’ historical backgrounds.
Rottweiler’s Origin
The confident and fearless Rottweiler is a large and muscular dog that originated in Germany. Long ago, they’re believed to be descendants of drover dogs left by the Roman legions in Rottweil, Germany; hence, the name “Rottweiler.” These canines’ original purpose was to herd and protect livestock as well as pulling carts to market. Thus, they make excellent guard dogs and have enduring physical strength.
Siberian Husky’s Origin
The friendly and strong Siberian Husky is an ancient canine and its ancestors were originally bred in Northeastern Asia by the Chukchi people of Russia. A medium-sized dog, that was destined to be a solid family dog, canine companion, and an excellent sled dog to pull loads during tough cold temperatures. This explains why they’re sociable dogs and are tough when it comes to the physical work of a sled dog and bad weather.
Rottskys, as offsprings of two powerful breeds, are believed to live their best life with daily work, as sled dogs for instance, and in the companionship of loving owners. Like its parents, Rottskys are known for being impeccable pets with a consistent training regimen.
Rottweiler Siberian Husky Mix Breed Personality
Let’s be honest, there’s no such thing as a perfect dog in the dog world and this designer dog is no exception. It’s true that Rottskys a mix of two wonderful canines, however, be warned that with that, it also shares a mix of their parents’ negative traits.
The personality of a Rottsky can be hard to tell since one pup is possible to act differently from another. But if you’re determined to figure out some of its general traits, below is a number of qualities you can expect from a Rottsky:
Intelligent but stubborn
Rottskys are incredibly smart dogs, but they can be challenging to train. An apple doesn’t fall far from the tree since Rottweilers and Huskies are naturally independent dogs that make them stubborn too, but that doesn’t exactly mean they aren’t trainable; they are!
With extra patience and the right training approach, you’ll have yourself a well-behaved Rottsky. They’re quick to learn new commands, but you have to help them get over their willful character for them to continue obeying you.
Sociable to an extent
Rottweilers are highly recognized as one of the best guard dog breeds while Huskies are deemed to be the opposite. For this reason, Rottskys tend to show aloof behavior especially with unfamiliar faces but they can also be friendly around friends and relatives they already know.
Rottskys may be sociable but they also carry that alert and protective character when they sense that their family is in potential danger. Hence, Rottskys make such loyal family members and excellent protectors especially but note that this comes with granting them proper socialization and professional training.
High prey drive
Rottweilers and Huskies can potentially be aggressive since they carry a hunter’s instinct with them. Thus, Rottskys are possible to carry this trait with them and can make them dangerous around smaller animals like rabbits, hamsters, or even toy breed dogs when they’re not raised well with them.
Being a descendant of two working dogs, Rottskys will manifest high prey drive which can be hard to control although it’s said to be possible for a mixed dog breed to have these characteristics eliminated.
Mischievous Wanderers
Rottskys love to have fun and explore independently, but like their Siberian Husky parents, their curiosity is also what gets them into trouble. With that, it’s essential to provide them enough physical and mental stimulation to keep them away from any mess as much as possible.
This mixed dog breed is also known for being an outdoor type of canine and is passionate on going on an adventure. It’s possible that they inherit this trait from the Rottweiler breed, as Rotties tend to wander off when given the chance.
Rottweiler Husky Mix Breed Lifespan
Rottskys were intentionally bred not only for their physical capabilities and striking looks, but also because they’re aimed to have good health and a great life expectancy rate. This mixed dog breed is sure to accompany its owners for a longer time than other large dogs that typically live much shorter.
Rottskys are expected to live in a range of 10-14 years old when most large-sized dog would only have an expected lifespan of 8-10 years. They have very seldom health problems compared to their purebred parent breeds, which is another great news for your wallet if you’re considering taking care of a Rottsky in the future.
Rottweiler Siberian Husky Mix Health Concerns
While Rottskys are known to be strong and healthy dogs, they still have minor health problems here and there. Most of these health problems can be a cause of mismanagement by the owners but are fortunately far from being fatal.
Here we’ll be focusing on the most common health issues that Rottskys are more likely to get from their parents; this list might also to help you prepare ahead if ever you decide to be a Rottsky owner. Without further ado, below are the following:
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
This disease is prevalent in most large-sized dogs like Rottskys. It can be caused due to excessive growth rate, heavy exercise, obesity, and genetic predisposition. Suppose a Rottsky is diagnosed with hip dysplasia and/or elbow dysplasia; it’s possible to experience mild to moderate pain on its joints. If not treated, it can cause lameness or immobility.
Osteosarcoma
Another illness that affects bigger dogs than smaller breeds is Osteosarcoma, bone cancer. This bone cancer is defined as a malignant tumor/s that is/are formed through an abnormal production of cells, which can cause a dog to experience fatigue, loss of appetite, and overwhelming pain. Rottweilers are often predisposed to develop bone cancer; therefore, a Rottsky can get diagnosed with it too.
Subaortic Stenosis
This disease is majorly diagnosed in both Rottweilers and Huskies, which put Rottskys at risk of such predisposition. This occurs when the left ventricle responsible for pumping oxygenated blood out of the body is narrowing or obstructed. Thus, it may cause a dog to have difficulty breathing, coughing, or fainting.
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or “Bloat”
Statistic states that “Bloat” is commonly diagnosed in large breeds and Rottweilers are prone to getting this illness. GDV is caused by a twisted stomach which blocks the escape of gas and other contents in the stomach. Signs that a dog is experiencing GDV is when it tries to vomit unsuccessfully; it also becomes restless and feels pain on its belly.
What is it like raising a Rottweiler Husky Mix puppy?
Rottskys, like any other dog, will need plenty of attention from its owners, especially during puppyhood. Expect that everything will be challenging during this stage since Rottsky puppies tend to be too playful and have shorter attention spans. Despite the challenge, it’s crucial to provide a Rottsky puppy a routine and have it experience basic behavioral training with positive reinforcement.
Raising a Rottsky puppy would require you to keep it physically and mentally stimulated continually. Without it, this mixed breed can become destructive, mainly out of boredom. To avoid that tendency, providing your dog with toys and a great space where it can move and wander around would help.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Rottweiler Husky Mix Dog
It may be that you’re finding it hard to decide whether getting a Rottsky is worth it or not, and it’s actually a wise move to weigh in the pros and cons to help you decide better. Below is a list of pros and cons for your perusal:
PROS
- Rottskys have strong auras and beautiful features that make them stand out from other breeds.
- Their parent breeds are both athletic dogs, thus, you can expect a Rottsky to help you with physical work and can even join you for strenuous exercise or activities.
- This breed is loyal to their owners and dogs they also consider as their pack. They will protect their families at all cost, even risk their own safety for it.
- Rottskys have the perfect balance of being sociable and being serious. They have a watchful eye and they’ll warn you if they sense threat or danger from a person or at a particular place.
CONS
- Taking care of a Rottsky needs an owner who is committed to train and socialize it on a daily basis, otherwise, the dog might end up destructive and aggressive.
- Rottskys are not suitable for small living spaces like apartments. They easily get bored and need something to entertain them or keep them busy.
- They can be difficult to train because they’re naturally strong-willed. It would take extra patience on the owner’s side to train a Rottsky and if enrolling it to a puppy class is seen as another alternative, it can be pricey too.
Are Rottsky dogs hypoallergenic dogs?
Although allergic reactions don’t necessarily come from the fur, allergens such as pet dander, dust, or collected dirt can be detected from a Rottsky’s hair. The shedding frequency of a Rottsky would depend on the more dominant gene it carries from its parents. Apparently, Rottweilers are known to be seasonal shedders while Huskies shed on a daily basis.
This is why it’s expected that Rottskys shed in moderate frequency, hence, if you’re suffering from dog allergies or asthma, it’s advised to choose another breed that would less likely trigger your reaction especially if it’s severe; perhaps a Tibetan Terrier or a Poodle would do.
How to Properly Take Care of a Rottweiler Siberian Husky Mix Dog
To properly take care of a Rottsky, you must provide it the right portion of its daily dog food that are high in protein, medium-high in fat, and low in carbs. Their meals should also come with proper exercise to help them maintain a healthy weight. Be reminded that a Rottsky is not your usual canine, it’s bred to work and so it always needs to let out all of its energy, otherwise it can result in restlessness and frustration.
Rottskys also need maintenance brushing at least 2-3 times a week. Brushing your dog’s hair will not only keep it looking neat, but it will also help minimize its hair from scattering on the ground. Moreover, bathing a Rottsky would depend on how dirty it’s gotten and if it’s already given a hint of bad odor, although it would usually take every 2 weeks until it’s time to give them a bath.
Lastly, visiting the vet at least once a year is a must. It’s important for a Rottsky to have annual check-ups since every dog tends to be prone of specific illnesses as they grow older.
How much exercise does a Rottweiler Husky Mix dog need?
It’s a requirement for both purebred Rottweilers and Huskies to exercise with a minimum of 2 hours a day, and so you can expect to provide a Rottsky at least the same amount of time for exercise. Aside from time, the quality of exercise is equally relevant.
Grooming Needs of a Rottweiler Huskies Mix
Grooming a dog can seem like a chore, but it’s part of the main responsibilities of a dog owner. Note that grooming takes many different forms, and for a Rottsky, they need it done in a specific way. Here we’ll be tackling a Rottsky’s grooming needs one by one, let’s start!
Weekly maintenance brushing
Rottskys have parents that are known to be moderate shedders, so you can expect it to be the same. It’s advisable that a Rottsky’s hair is brushed 2-3 times a week to remove dead hair and dirt particles found on its fur. Doing this would result in a Rottsky’s shiny and healthy-looking hair.
Bathe only when necessary
There’s a tendency for Rottsky owners to bathe their dogs too often, this would lead their dogs’ skin dried out. Keep in mind that dogs’ skin produces oils that naturally helps in keeping their coat healthy, thus, Rottskys should bathe only when necessary. If it’s covered with dirt from playing outside or smells quite funky, that’s the right time to bathe your dog.
Brush teeth on a daily basis
Surprisingly, Rottskys need their teeth brushed at least twice a day, with a minimum recommendation of 3 times per week. Dental hygiene is important in dogs to help prevent tartar and other bacteria to build up in their mouth. If your Rottsky isn’t a fan of brushing teeth, there are other alternatives to choose from, one of which is providing it dental treats that would help clean their teeth through chewing.
Grooming your Rottsky at home may be your best option rather than taking them to the dog salon. Not only does it make a good quality time for you and your dog, but also since Rottskys can show defiant behavior if they’re uncomfortable being groomed by total strangers.
How can I get a Rottweiler Husky Mix?
Buying
If you’re a hundred percent positive that you want to take care of a Rottsky, there’s tons of breeders out there and dog owners that would let you buy or adopt a Rottweiler Husky Mix dog. If you plan on purchasing a Rottsky from a breeder, have a look on its parents if they have health issues that’s possible for it to inherit and avoid buying from unlicensed breeders.
Adopting
If you wish to adopt rather than to purchase a Rottsky, it might take a while to find the perfect dog. Usually many Rottsky owners opt on posting their pets online for adoption due to the inability of taking good care of them. Beware that this may be a downside since Rottskys tend to have unpleasant behavior out of owners’ negligence. Although, if a Rottsky you plan to adopt is still small, they’re much easier to control and is probably at the best age to start training.
How much does a Rottweiler Husky puppy cost?
Rottskys are popular mixed breed dogs which cause them to be somewhat pricey. Its average price range is around 500 to 1,000 USD but it’s all worth it if you buy one from a trusted professional.
With that, you can expect your Rottsky puppy to have overall excellent health and long lifespan. If you think you have what it takes to raise a Rottweiler Husky Mix dog, then you probably deserve to own one!
