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Rottweiler vs Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Rott or Bullie or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Rottweiler vs Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd" Compare Rottweiler and Bullmastiff. Which is better: Rottweiler or Bullmastiff or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Rottweiler Bullmastiff German Shepherd
OriginsGermany flagGermany England flagEngland Germany flagGermany
Group Working Dogs Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank8512
Reviews13121
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd breeds.
Rott
Rottie
Bullie
Bully
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Rottweiler vs Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?
Large
Giant
Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 95-130 pounds (43-59 kg), Female: 85-115 pounds (38-52 kg) Male: 110-133 pounds (50–60 kg), Female: 100-120 pounds (45-55 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: 121.5 pounds (50–60 kg), Female: 110 pounds (50 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Rottweiler or Bullmastiff or German Shepherd? Rottweiler vs Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd height comparison:
Male: 24-27 inches (61-69 cm), Female: 22-25 inches (56-63 cm) Male: 25-27 inches (63–69 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61–66 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: 26 inches (63–69 cm), Female: 25 inches (61–66 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Rottweiler vs Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1200-$2000 $1200-$1500 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Rottweiler or Bullmastiff or German Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Rottweiler is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Bullmastiff is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Rottweiler vs Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Rottweiler is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which is easiest to train?
Rottweiler dogs are easy to train.
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Bullmastiff dogs are quite easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most alert?
Rottweiler dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Bullmastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most protective?
Rottweiler dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Bullmastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Rottweiler vs Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd? Compare temperaments.
Independent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Loyal
Fearless
Good-natured
Protective
Alert
Powerful
Courageous
Docile
Reliable
Loyal
Devoted
Calm
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Rottweiler vs Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd?
Average: Rottweiler dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Average: Bullmastiff dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Rottweiler vs Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Rottweiler dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Bullmastiff dogs need for social interaction is average.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Rottweiler dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Bullmastiff dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Rottweiler dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Bullmastiff dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Rottweiler vs Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal?
Low: The Rottweiler barks none to minimal.
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Low: The Bullmastiff barks none to minimal.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Rottweilers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Bullmastiffs are not the most playful dog breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which adapts best to small spaces?
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 Bullmastiff 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 Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: Rottweiler dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Average: Bullmastiff 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 Bullmastiff 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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Rottweiler vs Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which has lowest bite risk?

High 🔼

The Rottweiler has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Bullmastiff has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which uses mouth most during play?
Rottweiler dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bullmastiff dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Rottweiler bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bullmastiff bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Rottweiler vs Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?
8-12 years
The average lifespan of Rottweiler: 10 years
8-10 years
The average lifespan of Bullmastiff: 9 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Bullmastiff can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which has fewer health issues?
The Rottweiler is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Very healthy dog breed.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Rottweiler should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Bullmastiff should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably 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 Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Rottweiler vs Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Bloat
Elbow Dysplasia
Panosteitis
Aortic Stenosis
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Heart Problems
Entropion
Kidney Issues
Hemangiosarcoma
Lymphosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
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 Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most active?
Rottweiler dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Bullmastiff dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Rottweiler vs Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Rottweiler or Bullmastiff or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Rottweiler dogs have an average exercise need.
Bullmastiff dogs exercise need is minimal.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Rottweiler or Bullmastiff or German Shepherd?
Rottweiler dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Bullmastiff dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Rottweiler vs Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The Rottweiler breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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High: The Bullmastiff breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 4 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4.5 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 Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Rust
Mahogany
Red
Fawn
Brindle
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Rottweiler requires minimal grooming.
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Easy to groom: The Bullmastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which drools least?
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.
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The Bullmastiff is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
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The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Rottweiler has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Bullmastiff has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Rough Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Rottweiler or Bullmastiff or German Shepherd? Rottweiler or Bullmastiff or {name3 shedding:
Rottweiler dogs shed moderately.
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Bullmastiff dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Rottweiler vs Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which is best with kids?
Rottweiler dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Bullmastiff dogs are 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.
Bullmastiff dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Rottweiler or Bullmastiff or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Rottweiler dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Bullmastiff dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Rottweiler or Bullmastiff or German Shepherd?
Rottweiler dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Bullmastiff dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Rottweiler or Bullmastiff or German Shepherd?
Rottweiler dogs are not dog-friendly.
Bullmastiff dogs are not dog-friendly.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Rottweiler vs Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Rottweiler dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Bullmastiff 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
Bullmastiff 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.
Bullmastiffs are usually recommended for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Rottweiler vs Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for service work?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

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
Compare search and rescue potential between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

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
Compare boating aptitude between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Rottweiler breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Bullmastiff breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which is best for draft work?

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which has most military use?

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Rottweiler vs Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies?
8-12 puppies 4-13 puppies, average 8 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Rottweiler vs Bullmastiff vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1931 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1934 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. How are they classified internationally?
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 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 breed recognition status of Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, and German Shepherd. Which has most recognition?
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
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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