You might be here because you’re interested in the Rottweiler Husky mix and want to know if this breed could be a good choice for your next dog.
The Rottsky is a new kind of dog that comes from mixing a Rottweiler, which is a strong German guard dog, with a Siberian Husky, a sled dog from Russia.
I own a Rottweiler myself, and I want to share some information about this energetic mixed breed.
Here are 9 important things you should understand before bringing a Rottsky puppy into your home.
These two breeds are different in many ways, like how their fur looks and how they behave as part of a family.
Just to be clear: I don’t recommend getting a mixed-breed puppy from breeders.
When you mix two breeds, the resulting dog can have health problems from both breeds. There are no benefits in terms of how they act or their personality.
Actually, the dog might be hard to predict and not at all like what the new family wanted their dog to be.
This post is for people who want to learn about different kinds of dogs they might get, and for people who want to rescue dogs from shelters because their previous owners didn’t take good care of them.
I’ll explore these important points:
- Training
- Exercise & Strengths
- Temperament with Kids
- Suitability for Beginners
- Grooming & Coat
- Size of Rottksy
- Living in Apartments
- Health Considerations
- Diet
- Rottweiler Husky Puppy Cost
By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of the differences and similarities between these two breeds.
This will help you decide if a Rottsky is the right fit for your lifestyle.
A Rottweiler Husky mix usually lives for about 9 to 13 years. They can weigh anywhere between 40 to 110 pounds and reach a height of 20 to 26 inches. But remember, these numbers can vary based on their genes.
| Height | 20 to 26 Inches |
| Lifespan | 9 to 13 Years |
| Weight | 18 to 50 Kg |
| Activity Level | High |
It’s tough to know exactly how your puppy will turn out because mixed-breed dogs can show more characteristics of one breed than the other.
Guessing how a puppy will grow up is tricky, especially for crossbreeds like the Rottsky.
However, it can give you a general sense of what your future furry friend might be like.
Training
Training a Husky Rottweiler mix might be a bit challenging because they aren’t always easy to train and can be quite independent.
However, Rottskies can still learn and become reliable because they are smart dogs.
The AKC describes Rottweilers as “agreeable.”
From what I’ve seen, this is true for the Rotties I’ve observed working. They definitely want to make you happy but can sometimes be a bit stubborn.
However, this comparison is only if you’re looking at Rottweilers alongside really high-achievers like the Malinois.
For regular homes, Rottweilers are more than capable of meeting expectations.
Whether you’re teaching your dog new tricks or basic manners, it’s all part of how trainable they are.
My purebred Rottweiler easily learned many commands and catches on quickly. I’ve also seen other Rottweilers pick up training quite fast.
About the Husky
People often say that Huskies are independent dogs.
They might not be as independent as other breeds like the Caucasian Shepherd or Tibetan Mastiff, but they certainly have their own thoughts.
It’s understandable – Huskies are bred to make decisions on their own when they’re pulling sleds through icy mountains in very cold weather.
When dogs that want to make their own choices are paired together, it usually results in more puppies with the same kind of nature.
Exercise & Strengths
This is where they share some similarities but are also quite different. Both dogs are considered working dogs, but for very different reasons.
The Rottweiler is a versatile dog (except for Agility) and is involved in various activities:
- Tracking
- Schutzhund
- Police/Military work
- Therapy assistance
- Guarding
Those are the areas where Rottweilers are commonly used for work.
In jobs like police work, guarding, and Schutzhund, they’re some of the top choices, right up there with German Shepherds and Malinois.
One great thing about Rottweilers is that they can easily switch between work mode and family mode.
This means they can be 100% calm and relaxed when they’re with their family and not on the job.
Now, let’s shift our focus to the Husky.
Huskies are famous for their ability to pull sleds at a steady speed with lighter loads over long distances.
If you’ve watched the recent Disney live-action movie “Togo,” you might be familiar with the sled dogs owned by Leonhard Seppala, whose dogs won many prizes in Alaska around the 1900s.
There are stories of Huskies covering over 400 miles (about 640 km) of distance. Quite impressive, right?
However, this demonstrates that their jobs are very different.
While Rottweilers have strong bursts of power and impressive jaw strength along with their obedience, Huskies are known for their endurance in running, especially in tough weather conditions.
To sum up: In a family home, a Rottweiler can thrive with regular walks and mental exercises like puzzle games, snuffle mats, and tug-of-war.
On the other hand, a Husky might not do as well with the family if they don’t have an outlet for their extra energy, like running or biking.
How much exercise does a Rottweiler Husky Mix require?
Even though the reasons for their work are quite different, it’s a fact that both breeds need a lot of exercise.
Considering factors like age, health, and more, the minimum amount of walking for your Rottsky should be around 30-60 minutes, twice a day, at a quick pace.
Some Rottskies from working lines might need even more exercise, while there are also some that are quite calm and lazy.
I believe the best balance lies somewhere in between.
Remember, regardless of how much physical activity you provide, it’s important to also engage them mentally.
Both breeds are highly intelligent and benefit from mental stimulation.
Temperament with Kids
The Rottweiler forms a strong connection with its family and will go to great lengths to protect them.
It’s also important to note the Rottweiler’s ability to switch to a calm mode, which is useful in everyday situations.
While people considering owning a Rottweiler should be aware of their guarding instinct, this can be managed through proper socialisation.
My Rottweiler is very friendly with people she doesn’t know, a bit authoritative with other dogs, but really gentle with kids.
However, it’s essential to recognize that these breeds (including the Doberman and Cane Corso) can have a watchdog nature.
Always remember that every dog is unique, even within the same breed.
While Rottweilers are often described as “aloof” or “wary,” my dog only acts this way if there’s a genuine reason to be cautious.
Otherwise, she’s happy to welcome any stranger who wants to pet her.
What about the Husky?
Known for being very friendly with strangers, there are important aspects to consider when it comes to Huskies.
These dogs are used to living in groups, and while they can be affectionate, they are more comfortable being somewhat independent from their human family compared to Rottweilers (though they should still be included as part of the family).
Their history of living in packs also makes them sociable with other dogs.
However, this pack background means that the city life might not always be the best fit for Huskies.
Aside from their generally friendly and sociable behaviour, they can sometimes be reserved or reactive to specific triggers.
Proper socialisation can help reduce this behaviour, although it might not be completely eliminated.
Owning a Husky in a noisy environment is possible, but it’s crucial to consider the temperament of the puppy’s parents.
You might find my article on reactive dogs helpful. Also, be prepared to handle barking or howling, as it’s a common trait among Huskies.
Are Rottskys Good With Kids?
Rottskys can be great with kids, but it depends on the personalities of the dog’s parents.
If a Rottweiler with a strong personality is bred with a reserved Husky, your dog might have a tendency to react quickly and not know when to stop.
It’s important to teach your dog about gentle biting from an early stage.
On the other hand, if you breed a friendly Husky with a calm Rottweiler, you might end up with a patient and well-adjusted family companion.
This Rottsky mix might naturally have protective instincts for your children, but it’s not always reliable to count on this.
Breedings between an outgoing Husky and a calm Rottweiler can also result in unpredictable behavior if the Rottweiler is overly suspicious and the Husky is very friendly.
Suitability for Beginners
Rottweilers need a firm yet kind approach. Being consistent and patient is key because they might test your authority.
Once a Rottweiler understands their role, they become a loving and gentle friend.
Huskies also need boundaries, but they could be more lenient if there are slip-ups.
Is the Rottweiler Husky mix suitable for beginners?
The Rottweiler Husky mix is not recommended for people who are new to owning dogs.
The blend of characteristics might require significant effort and understanding to shape the dog into a well-behaved and adaptable companion.
Grooming & Coat
The Rottweiler has a medium-length, straight, and dense coat.
They have an undercoat on the neck and thighs, but the amount depends on the weather.
Huskies, on the other hand, have a thick double coat, which includes a soft and dense undercoat along with straight and somewhat smooth guard hairs.
If you have a Rottsky, brushing once a week should be enough.
Huskies are quite good at keeping themselves clean and they mainly shed during specific seasons. Taking care of the Rottweiler’s coat is generally straightforward.
However, if your Rottsky inherits more of the thick coat from the Husky, you might need to occasionally visit a groomer or learn how to groom them yourself to keep that fluffy coat in good shape.
Be prepared for shedding during certain times of the year.
When the sun is shining and temperatures reach around 70°F (21°C), my Rottweiler starts panting, and this is also noticeable through her decreased energy.
While she can manage, it’s not ideal for her to be in a warm climate all year round.
Size of Rottksy
Expect male Rottskys to be around 22-26 inches (56-66 cm) tall and weigh between 50-110 lbs (23-50 kg).
For female Rottweiler Husky mixes, they generally measure 20-25 inches (50-63 cm) in height and weigh about 40-90 lbs (18-40 kg).
The standard measurements for Rottweilers are:
- Male: Height 24-27 inches (61-69 cm) | Weight 110-132 lbs (50-60 kg)
- Female: Height 22-25 inches (56-63 cm) | Weight 77-105 lbs (35-48 kg)
And here’s the standard for Huskies:
- Male: Height 21-23 1/2 inches (53-60 cm) | Weight 45-60 lbs (20-27 kg)
- Female: Height 20-22 inches (50-56 cm) | Weight 35-50 lbs (16-23 kg)
As you can see, there’s quite a difference in size, especially in weight.
It’s worth noting that Rottweilers can easily become overweight if not fed and exercised properly.
This makes the Rottsky a potentially great mix of muscular strength and endurance within a fit and athletic body.
Living in Apartments
While some might argue that owning a medium-large breed dog like the Rottsky isn’t suitable for apartment living, I believe it can be done.
The Rottsky isn’t extremely large and doesn’t require excessive space (my Rottweiler sticks close to the family like a shadow).
However, it’s important to meet their physical and mental needs!
Regular walks aren’t enough; they also need activities that engage their minds.
This can also depend on the breeding line. If a Husky with a history of being a traditional sled dog is mixed with a Rottweiler, don’t expect an easy transition to city life. It’s unlikely.
In the end, having a fenced yard is a good start, but it’s not the only factor to consider.
Diet
Both breeds are generally healthy, although they can face issues like hip dysplasia, cancer, epilepsy, and allergies.
Feeding a Rottweiler Husky mix requires careful attention to their nutritional needs.
A balanced diet is crucial to their overall health and well-being. High-quality dog food that provides the necessary nutrients should be the foundation of their diet.
Consider consulting a veterinarian or a professional dog nutritionist to tailor the diet to their specific requirements.
Providing appropriate portions, taking into account their activity level, age, and any health considerations, is essential for maintaining their energy, vitality, and longevity.
Health Considerations
Taking care of your Rottweiler Husky mix’s health means understanding possible issues they might face.
Rottweilers and Huskies can have specific health concerns like joint problems and eye issues. Regular trips to the vet are really important.
Vets can catch problems early and give vaccinations to protect your dog. Preventive care, like dental cleanings and keeping parasites away, is also part of good health care.
Because your mix comes from Rottweiler and Husky parents, there could be some special health things to look out for.
For example, your mix might have joint issues because of its active nature, or eye problems that Huskies often have. Knowing these things helps you take good care of your dog.
So, make sure to visit the vet regularly, get preventive care, and know about any mix-specific health concerns.
By doing these things, you’re making sure your Rottweiler Husky mix stays healthy and happy.
Potential Challenges and Rewards
Owning a Rottweiler Husky mix comes with its own set of challenges and rewards.
Bringing up a Rottweiler Husky mix might not always be smooth sailing. You might face some training difficulties due to their blend of personalities from both parent breeds.
Energy management could be a challenge too. These dogs have a lot of energy, and making sure they get enough physical and mental exercise can be demanding.
Despite the challenges, having a Rottweiler Husky mix can be incredibly rewarding. These dogs are known for their loyalty, and they’ll become a true and devoted companion.
Their unique blend of Rottweiler’s protective nature and Husky’s affectionate demeanor makes them one-of-a-kind.
They’ll shower you with love and keep you company in a special way that only they can.
Rottweiler Husky Puppy Cost
The regular price mentioned for a Rottsky puppy is between $500 and $1,000. Always make sure you get a puppy from parents that have been checked by a vet to make sure they are healthy.
Alternatively, you can adopt a Rottweiler Husky mix from a rescue for a price of $100 to $300.
It’s important not to choose a puppy just because it’s cheap.
It’s a bit concerning when a breeder mixes two different breeds of dogs.
However, if the breeder can prove that the puppy’s parents are purebred and have been tested for any health issues they might have, then it’s probably okay.
The reason the price for these puppies is relatively low is because purebred dogs are usually much more expensive.
A healthy Rottweiler can cost up to four times more than a mixed breed.
Also, be cautious of breeders who charge more for puppies with blue eyes or two different eye colors.
Some breeds like Pitbulls don’t have blue eyes naturally (if they’re purebred), but they might have them when they’re still puppies.
Some breeders might try to trick buyers into thinking the eye color will stay and then charge more money.
If a breeder is charging a few hundred dollars extra for that, it’s a sign that they are more interested in making quick money than in actually improving the two breeds or creating a breed that’s good for certain tasks.
Before you decide to buy, ask the breeder these questions.
Also, think carefully about whether a Rottweiler Husky mix is the right choice for you and your family, or if a different breed might be a better fit.
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