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

"Find similarities and differences between Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff" Compare Rottweiler and German Shepherd. Which is better: Rottweiler or German Shepherd or Mastiff?
 
 
 
Name Rottweiler German Shepherd Mastiff
OriginsGermany flagGermany Germany flagGermany England flagEngland
Group Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank8228
Reviews11193
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Rott
Rottie
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Old English Mastiff
English Mastiff
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Rottweiler or German Shepherd or Mastiff? Which is the smallest dog, Rottweiler or German Shepherd or Mastiff?
Large
Giant
Large Giant
Weight
Which is heavier, Rottweiler or German Shepherd or German Shepherd? Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff 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) Male: 150-250 pounds (68-113 kg), Female: 120-180 pounds (54-82 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) Male: 200 pounds (90.5 kg), Female: 150 pounds (68 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Rottweiler or German Shepherd or Mastiff? Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff height comparison:
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) Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 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) Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm)

Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Rottweiler or German Shepherd or Mastiff? Which is more expensive?
$1200-$2000 $800-$2000 $1200-$1500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Rottweiler or German Shepherd or Mastiff?
Very frequent: The Rottweiler is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Mastiff is quite easy to get.

Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff intelligence:
Outstanding: Rottweiler is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Trainability
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff trainability comparison.
Rottweiler dogs are easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Mastiff dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Rottweiler or German Shepherd or Mastiff?
Rottweiler dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Mastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Rottweiler or German Shepherd or Mastiff? 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.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Mastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Rottweiler or German Shepherd or Mastiff? Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff behavior/temperament comparison:
Independent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Loyal
Fearless
Good-natured
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Cheerful
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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Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Mastiff dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff?
Average: Rottweiler 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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High: Mastiff dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff social needs comparison:
Rottweiler dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Mastiff 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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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Mastiff 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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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Their prey drive is low.
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Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff playfulness comparison:
Average: Rottweilers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Mastiffs are not the most playful dog breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff?
Low: The Rottweiler barks none to minimal.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low: The Mastiff barks none to minimal.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Rottweiler or German Shepherd or Mastiff?
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.
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 Mastiff indoors.

Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff 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.
Mastiff 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 or Mastiff?
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 German Shepherd vs Mastiff Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Rottweiler or German Shepherd or Mastiff?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Rottweiler bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Mastiff bite force: The Strongest.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

High 🔼

The Rottweiler has a high chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Mastiff has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff mouthiness comparison:
Rottweiler 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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Mastiff dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff health comparison. Which is the healthier: Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff?
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.
Mastiffs are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff 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
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Seizures
Cystinuria
Veterinarian Visits
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 German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Mastiff should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff lifespan comparison. How long do Rottweiler, German Shepherd and Mastiff breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
8-12 years
The average lifespan of Rottweiler: 10 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Mastiff: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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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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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Mastiff can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Rottweiler or German Shepherd or Mastiff? Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff energy level comparison:
Rottweiler dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Mastiff dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Rottweiler or German Shepherd or Mastiff? 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.
Mastiff dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Rottweiler or German Shepherd or Mastiff?
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.
Mastiff dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.

Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Rottweiler or German Shepherd or Mastiff?
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. 8 to 10 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 vs Mastiff weight gain potential comparison:
High: The Rottweiler 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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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Mastiff's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff coat comparison:
Dense Fuzzy Dense
Colors
What are the original Rottweiler, German Shepherd and Mastiff color?
Black
Tan
Rust
Mahogany
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Fawn
Brindle
Apricot
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Rottweiler or German Shepherd or Mastiff? Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff grooming comparison:
Effortless: The Rottweiler requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Easy to groom: The Mastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Rottweiler or German Shepherd or Mastiff? Rottweiler or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Rottweiler dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Mastiff dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Rottweiler or German Shepherd or Mastiff?
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.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff?

Medium

The Rottweiler has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the 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.
See more.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Mastiff is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
See more.

Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff 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.
Mastiff dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Rottweiler or German Shepherd or Mastiff? Which dog is more friendly?
Rottweiler dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Rottweiler or German Shepherd or Mastiff?
Rottweiler dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Mastiff dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Rottweiler or German Shepherd or Mastiff?
Rottweiler dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Mastiff dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Rottweiler or German Shepherd or Mastiff?
Rottweiler dogs are not dog-friendly.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff?
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.
Yes
Mastiff 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.
No
Mastiff 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.
Mastiffs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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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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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Rottweiler or German Shepherd or Mastiff? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
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.

Not really

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

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff?

Not really

Rottweiler breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Mastiff breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
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.
See more.

Not really

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

Yes

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

Not really

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

Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Rottweiler and German Shepherd and Mastiff have?
8-12 puppies 6-10 puppies 3-5 puppies

Rottweiler vs German Shepherd vs Mastiff 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. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working 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. Not recognized by FCI.
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
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

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