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 |
| Other Names
What other names do they have? |
Rott Rottie |
Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian |
|---|---|---|
| Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Rottweiler vs German Shepherd breed type comparison: | Purebred | Purebred |
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison
| Size
Which dog is bigger, Rottweiler or German Shepherd?
Is the Rottweiler bigger than the German Shepherd breed?
Is a Rottweiler smaller than a German Shepherd? | Large Giant | Large |
|---|---|---|
| Weight
Which is heavier, Rottweiler or German Shepherd? Rottweiler vs German Shepherd weight comparison: | 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
Which is cheaper, Rottweiler or German Shepherd? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Rottweiler and German Shepherd? | $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
| Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Rottweiler or German Shepherd smarter? Which is best? Rottweiler vs German Shepherd intelligence: | Outstanding: Rottweiler is one of the brightest dog breeds. | Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. |
|---|---|---|
| Trainability
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd trainability comparison. What's the difference between Rottweiler vs German Shepherd? | Rottweiler dogs are easy to train. | German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. |
| Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Rottweiler or German Shepherd? | Rottweiler dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. |
| Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Rottweiler or German Shepherd?
Which dog is most likely to protect its owner?
Which is the best dog to use for protection? | Rottweiler dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. |
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison
| Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Rottweiler or German Shepherd? Rottweiler vs German Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison: |
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
| Playfulness
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd playfulness comparison: | Average: Rottweilers, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
|---|---|---|
| Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Rottweiler vs German Shepherd? | Low: The Rottweiler barks none to minimal. | Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. |
| Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Rottweiler or German Shepherd? | 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
| Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog? | 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Left Alone
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 Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Rottweiler or German Shepherd? | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Rottweiler bite force: Ordinary. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. |
|---|---|---|
| Biting Potential
Is a Rottweiler more dangerous than a German Shepherd? | High 🔼 The Rottweiler has a high chance of biting somebody. | High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody. |
| Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Rottweiler vs German Shepherd mouthiness comparison: | 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. |
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison
| Health Issues
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Rottweiler vs German Shepherd? | 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. |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Veterinarian Visits
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). |
| Life Expectancy
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Rottweiler and German Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Rottweiler and German Shepherd? |
8-12 years The average lifespan of Rottweiler: 10 years |
9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years |
| Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Rottweiler vs German Shepherd? | 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. |
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison
| Energy Level
Who has more energy a Rottweiler or German Shepherd?
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd energy level comparison: | 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
| Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Rottweiler or German Shepherd? Does the Rottweiler breed eat more than the German Shepherd breed? | 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Rottweiler vs German Shepherd weight gain potential comparison: | 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. |
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison
| Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Rottweiler vs German Shepherd coat comparison: | Dense | Fuzzy |
|---|---|---|
| Colors
What are the original Rottweiler and German Shepherd color? Rottweiler vs German Shepherd color comparison: |
Black Tan Rust Mahogany |
Black Tan Red Silver |
| Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Rottweiler or German Shepherd? Rottweiler vs German Shepherd grooming comparison: | Effortless: The Rottweiler requires minimal grooming. | Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. |
| 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. |
| Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Rottweiler or German Shepherd? | 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. |
| Hypoallergenic
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not? | No See more. | No See more. |
| Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Rottweiler or German Shepherd? | Medium ⏺ The Rottweiler has an average chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. |
| Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Rottweiler vs German Shepherd? | 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. |
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison
| Pet Friendly
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. |
| Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Rottweiler or German Shepherd? | Rottweiler dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. | German Shepherd dogs are very kid-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
Which one could be a service dog? | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. |
|---|---|---|
| Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Rottweiler or German Shepherd? Which is better for autism? | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
| Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog? | 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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be 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. |
| Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Rottweiler vs German Shepherd? | 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. |
| Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog? | 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. |
| Fighting Dog / Military Dog | 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
| Gestation Length | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
|---|---|---|
| Litter Frequency | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
| Litter Size
How many puppies can Rottweiler and German Shepherd have? Rottweiler vs German Shepherd litter size comparison: | 8-12 puppies | 6-10 puppies |
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison
| AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC? | 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 Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI? | 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. |
| Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds? |
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