Rottweiler vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Rott or Alsatian wolf dog?
"Find similarities and differences between Rottweiler vs German Shepherd"
Compare Rottweiler and German Shepherd. Which is better: Rottweiler or German Shepherd?
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| Name | Rottweiler | German Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Origins |  Germany | Germany |
| Group | Working Dogs | Pastoral / Herding Dogs |
| Popularity Rank | 8 | 2 |
| Reviews | 13 | 21 |
| User Ratings |
| Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Rottweiler and German Shepherd. What other names are these breeds known by? |
Rott Rottie |
Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian |
|---|---|---|
| Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Rottweiler and a German Shepherd. Learn about their genetic backgrounds. | Purebred | Purebred |
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison
| Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds. | Large Giant | Large |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Rottweiler and a German Shepherd. Which breed is heavier? | Male: 95-130 pounds (43-59 kg), Female: 85-115 pounds (38-52 kg) | Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) |
| Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | Male: 112.5 pounds (51 kg), Female: 100 pounds (45 kg) | Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) |
| Height
Which is taller, Rottweiler or German Shepherd? Is a Rottweiler taller than a German Shepherd? | Male: 24-27 inches (61-69 cm), Female: 22-25 inches (56-63 cm) | Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) |
| Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | Male: 25.5 inches (65 cm), Female: 23.5 inches (59.5 cm) | Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) |
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison
| Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Rottweiler and a German Shepherd. Which breed costs more? | $1200-$2000 | $800-$2000 |
|---|---|---|
| Availability
Which is easier to get, Rottweiler or German Shepherd? | Very frequent: The Rottweiler is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get. |
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
| Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities. | Outstanding: Rottweiler is one of the brightest dog breeds. | Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. |
|---|---|---|
| Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare training requirements. | Rottweiler dogs are easy to train. | German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. |
| Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare alertness levels. | Rottweiler dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. |
| Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors. | Rottweiler dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. |
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison
| Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Rottweiler and a German Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ? |
Independent Protective Alert Courageous Intelligent Loyal Fearless Good-natured |
Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Rottweiler vs German Shepherd? | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. |
| Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Rottweiler vs German Shepherd? | Average: Rottweiler dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. | High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. |
| Social Needs
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd social needs comparison: | Rottweiler dogs need a lot of social interaction. | German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Rottweiler vs German Shepherd? | Rottweiler dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. | German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. |
| Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Rottweiler vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting? | Rottweiler dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison
| Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies. | Low: The Rottweiler barks none to minimal. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. |
|---|---|---|
| Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy. | Average: Rottweilers, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
| Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare living space needs. | It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Rottweiler indoors. | It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors. |
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison
| Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels. | Average: Rottweiler dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually. | German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
|---|---|---|
| Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Rottweiler or German Shepherd? | Rottweiler dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. |
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison
| Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare biting tendencies. | High 🔼 The Rottweiler has a high chance of biting somebody. | High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody. |
|---|---|---|
| Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors. | Rottweiler dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. |
| Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Rottweiler bite force: Ordinary. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. |
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison
| Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare average lifespans. |
8-12 years The average lifespan of Rottweiler: 10 years |
9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances. | Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. |
| Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Rottweiler and a German Shepherd. Which breed is healthier? | The Rottweiler is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs. |
| Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Rottweiler vs German Shepherd? |
Average The Rottweiler should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). |
| Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Rottweiler vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Rottweiler vs German Shepherd health problems comparison: | Hip Dysplasia Allergies Hypothyroidism Bloat Elbow Dysplasia Panosteitis Aortic Stenosis Osteosarcoma Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis |
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Blindness Cherry Eye Elbow Dysplasia Diabetes Heart Disease Retinal Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Degenerative Myelopathy Wobbler's Syndrome Panosteitis Hemophilia B Megaesophagus Cushing's Syndrome Lens Luxation Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Digestive Problems Hemophilia A Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lupus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Paralysis Perianal Fistula Seborrhea Vitiligo |
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison
| Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare activity levels. | Rottweiler dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. | German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. |
|---|---|---|
| Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Rottweiler or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Rottweiler dogs have an average exercise need. | German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise. |
| Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Rottweiler or German Shepherd? | Rottweiler dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. | German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. |
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison
| Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare obesity risks. | High: The Rottweiler breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. |
|---|---|---|
| Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare daily food needs. | Recommended daily amount: 4 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison
| Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness. | No See more. | No See more. |
|---|---|---|
| Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Rottweiler and German Shepherd? Compare breed colors. |
Black Tan Rust Mahogany |
Black Tan Red Silver |
| Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs. | Effortless: The Rottweiler requires minimal grooming. | Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. |
| Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts. | The Rottweiler drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. | The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
| Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels. | Medium ⏺ The Rottweiler has an average chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. |
| Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Rottweiler and a German Shepherd? Compare fur types. | Dense | Fuzzy |
| Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare bathing frequencies. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. |
| Shedding Level
Who sheds more Rottweiler or German Shepherd? Do Rottweiler dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs? | Rottweiler dogs shed moderately. | German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. |
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison
| Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness. | Rottweiler dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Rottweiler dogs are generally with other pets. | German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets. |
| Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Rottweiler or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly? | Rottweiler dogs are not stranger friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. |
| Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Rottweiler or German Shepherd? | Rottweiler dogs are average friendly towards cats. | German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats. |
| Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Rottweiler or German Shepherd? Can a Rottweiler and a German Shepherd be friends? Do Rottweiler dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs? | Rottweiler dogs are not dog-friendly. | German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. |
| Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Rottweiler vs German Shepherd? |
Yes Rottweiler dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
| Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office? |
No Rottweiler is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
| Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people? | Rottweilers are not the best breed for elderly people. | German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people. |
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison
| Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare service capabilities. | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. |
|---|---|---|
| Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare therapy capabilities. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
| Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare scenting abilities. | Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. | Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. |
| Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare SAR abilities. | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. | Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. |
| Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities. | Not really Rottweiler breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
| Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd? Compare draft work capabilities. | Yes A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
| Military Service Background
Compare military history between Rottweiler and German Shepherd. Which has stronger military background? | Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs. | Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs. |
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison
| Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Rottweiler and German Shepherd. Which has larger litters? | 8-12 puppies | 6-10 puppies |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Rottweiler and German Shepherd breeds. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
| Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Rottweiler and German Shepherd. Which needs longer recovery? | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison
| AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Rottweiler and German Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1931 as a Working breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. |
|---|---|---|
| FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Rottweiler and German Shepherd. Which groups are they in? | Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. | Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. |
| Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Rottweiler and German Shepherd. Which is more widely recognized? |
American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Colonial Rottweiler Club Deutscher Rottweiler Klub International Rottweiler Club |
American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club German Shepherd Dog Club Of America |
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Rate This Comparsion - Rottweiler vs German Shepherd
Reviews
- Luis Dejesus
Aug 10, 2020, 11:27:48 AM:
- Henry
Jan 15, 2021, 6:52:52 AM:
You are wrong that rottweilers are not child-friendly dogs. They are a people dog and if they are raised with children by their side they are very child-friendly. Pls, add this info. And Plus it's not only Rottie's but every other dog.
- Dev Naz
Jan 30, 2021, 11:23:12 PM:
Pretty bad review. For starters, the height and weight stats are incorrect, as well as life span. Look up the breeds and you will see for yourself. Second,
- Doug Demuro
Jan 30, 2021, 11:24:16 PM:
Wrong. Rottweilers are kid friendly and just as capable as german shepherds.
- Eric cartman
Jan 30, 2021, 11:24:58 PM:
You could at least add the fucking character info
- Alana
May 25, 2021, 6:33:02 PM:
I have a feeling you're favoriting the Rottie in this lol. I'm getting a German Shepherd Rottie mix. The best of both!
- benit
Sep 29, 2021, 1:58:42 PM:
like rot the most