Mixed-breed dogs are quite common these days. Breeders have always experimented with breeding to get healthier and more resilient individuals, but having a designer dog is a bit of a trend and a kind of fun in modern times. One of the most desired ones is definitely Rottsky, the Rottweiler Husky mix.
Dog parents respect both Rottweiler and Siberian Husky breeds because of their unique personalities and beauty. The question is what to expect when combining these two. As all mixed-breed canines, the AKC hasn’t officially recognized Rottsky, and you can’t find it quickly since it is still relatively rare. Still, it seems that it is noteworthy. Let’s see.
Everything You Need To Know About The Rottweiler Husky Mix:
1. History
Rottweiler Husky mix is a new crossbreed of two parents with a long and exciting history. It is neither entirely established nor officially recognized for now, but it is trendy because of its excellent ancestors.
Keep in mind that some breeders mix Alaskan Husky with Rottweiler instead of the Siberian Husky, but this combination will contribute to a different dog temperament and appearance.
2. Rottweiler Origin
Rottweilers were cattle-driving German dogs in the middle ages. Most experts believed that they descended from the Drover dogs, which Romans used to protect cattle in the 700 AD. This large breed was probably mixed with local dogs, such as:
- Appenzeller Sennenhund
- Greater Swiss mountain dog
- Entlebucher
- Bernese
As a result, the new hard-working breed was developed in the German town of Rottweil and even got a name after it.
Even though their popularity decreased in the mid-1800s after the locomotive development, these high-quality canines regained their popularity in the 1900s. They became protective family companions as well as highly appreciated military, police, and security dogs.
The AKC officially recognized the breed in 1931. Five years later, the first Rottweiler was exhibited in England, in the reputable Crufts dog show. These dogs were the most registered breed in the AKC until the mid-1990s.
3. Siberian Husky Origin
The Siberian Husky is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, developed by the indigenous native tribe Chukchi from Eastern Siberia, Russia. They used these hard-working dogs to pull sleds with food, people, and their possessions.
Since dogs spent most of the time with women and kids between two working periods, only well-tempered and non-aggressive ones were tolerated. The first animals came to Alaska in the early 20th century and were used there as sled dogs, especially during the Gold Rush.
The curiosity is that the Huskies team was used in the All-Alaska sweepstakes in 1910 and took first place. Only fifteen years after that, the breed’s popularity skyrocketed when Gunnar Kaasen and his dogs run 674 miles (1,085 km) in five and a half days. They brought a lifesaving diphtheria antitoxin to an Alaskan town Nome and saved thousands of people.
4. The Most Common Nicknames
Since the Rottweiler Husky mix is not officially recognized, its name is not established yet. Therefore, you can find this dog under many nicknames, including:
- Rottsky
- Rottweiler mixed with Husky
- Rottie & Husky mix
- Siberian Husky Rottweiler Mix
- Husky mixed with Rottweiler
- Husky Rottweiler mix
- Husky Rottie mix
5. Personality
The Husky Rottweiler mix is a delightful combination, and you can expect this dog to be loving, affectionate, protective, and loyal. However, each personality will depend on the variety of the genes inherited from both parents.
So, your new buddy can be the best guard dog ever or entirely non-aggressive and the friendliest doggy you can imagine. The catch is that no one can predict that before its mature ages.
In any case, you can expect to get an intelligent, obedient, and compassionate family dog that is loyal to its humans, especially children. In most cases, your dog will be an excellent kid companion, but you should keep it in an eye just in case.
6. Temperament
Since both properly trained parents are active and social, you can expect their puppies to be the same. If you are lucky, you will get a dog with the best combination of their traits. The good news is that even the worst combination of their genes can make an acceptable dog. It will depend on your preferences how satisfied you will be with the result, but that is what you need to count on when choosing a new, insufficiently known breed mix.
Rottweilers are smart and highly trainable, while stubborn Huskies are always a challenge for their owners. In other words, their offspring can equally be prone to training or entirely ignore it. One thing is for sure. Your new dog will probably be an independent thinker. Be prepared that it ignores your command for a moment before deciding to listen to you or not. Your buddy will always consider if your request is beneficial for it and can choose not to follow it. It can be highly challenging during the training process.
I find it interesting that the Rottsky can professionally behave in the show ring or while wearing a harness but entirely ignore its owner’s demands at home. Once your buddy learns its place and stops reconsidering your leadership, it will become a loving and gentle companion.
Keep in mind that the city environment and living in an apartment is not the best choice for this breed. It is highly energetic and requires a backyard. One more thing! Never pick out this crossbreed if you are an inexperienced owner or have never had a dog before.
7. Size And Look
Be aware that there is no guarantee of what physical traits will the crossbred Rottsky inherits from each parent. An average Rottweiler reaches 22 to 27 inches (56 – 69 cm) at shoulders and weighs approximately 90 to 135 pounds (41 – 61 kg), depending on gender and age.
Siberian Husky is a smaller, medium-sized dog, typically 20 to 23.5 inches (51 – 60 cm) high and 35 to 60 pounds (16 – 27 kg) heavy. So, their puppies can be 20 to 27 inches (51 – 69 cm) high and 35 to 135 pounds (16 – 61 kg) heavy on average.
| Rottsky | ||
| Male | Female | |
| Height | 22 to 27 inches (56 – 69 cm) | 20 to 25 inches (51 – 63.5 cm) |
| Weight | 50 to 135 pounds (23 – 61 kg) | 35 to 90 pounds (16 – 41 kg) |
Most Rottsky puppies have long and thick fur. The most common color combinations include:
- Black
- Black and gray
- Gray and brown
- Brown and red
- Red and cream
- Cream and white
- White and sable
- Sable
In most cases, you will get a doggy with almond-shaped eyes, but some pups can inherit Heterochromia iridum or blue Husky’s eyes.
8. Care
Rottweiler Husky mix is not in a group of hypoallergenic dogs like both its parents. You should groom this high shedder at least once a week and brush its coat to get rid of dead hair and prevent tangling.
On the other hand, it is better to avoid bathing your dog too often. Regularly use an ear cleaner for regular ear care to prevent irritations and infections.
Since this intelligent dog effortlessly picks up commands and enjoys routine, it is recommended to take it for a walk at the same time every day and provide at least one hour of exercise.
9. Diet And Nutrition
Rottsky will be happy with a well-balanced, healthy diet that includes raw meat. Feed puppies at least three times a day with a proper combination of proteins and medium-high fat, without too many carbs.
Adults are prone to sensitive stomachs, so you should consider offering your dog specially formulated food. The average Rottsky will require 3 to 3.5 cups of dry dog food a day, depending on its age and gender.
10. Possible Health Problems
Both Rottweilers and Siberian Huskies are healthy dogs, with a few health issues typical in large breeds. Even though crossbreds are often healthier than purebred parents, there is a significant chance for Rottsky to inherit some of them, including:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia – Many purebred dogs, including Rottweilers and Siberian Huskies, get one or both dysplasia due to overbreeding.
- Cataracts – Blurred vision occurs in most dogs with age, including Rottskies and their parents.
- Bloat – Both parents are prone to this condition when go exercising right after the meal.
- Bone cancer (Osteosarcoma) – These doggies can inherit Rottweilers’s propensity for genetic bone cancer.
This mix breed can also suffer from:
- Osteochondritis Dissecans
- Arthritis
- Subaortic stenosis
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Gastric dilation
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Cold tail
The goal of breeding Rottskies is to get a dog with better health than their parents. As a result, this mixed breed’s life expectancy rate is high, and it is estimated to 10 to 15 years.
Conclusion
Active, athletic, and highly energetic Rottsky is an excellent choice for families living in a house with a backyard. Be careful with this mixed breed since it can be aggressive and a bad companion to an inexperienced owner. Also, you shouldn’t adopt this puppy when you have toddlers and other pets. For the right owner, this intelligent dog will be a loyal and protective buddy.
