German Shepherd vs Rottweiler: Which One Is Better For You?

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
--

When it comes to choosing between a Rottweiler or German Shepherd, many people are unsure of which breed would be better for them. Both dogs are similar in many ways, but there are a few key distinctions that can make one breed more suitable than the other.

In this article, we will look at the similarities and differences between these two breeds, and help you decide which breed is right for you.

German Shepherd vs Rottweiler

German Shepherd vs Rottweiler Temperament

For starters, Rottweilers have a more dominant temperament as compared to German Shepherds. They may be harder to train for newcomers, but with proper guidance, they can be just as obedient as any other dog.

On the other hand, both breeds share many similar qualities- such as their aloofness towards strangers- but Rottweilers are slightly easier to train than German Shepherds.

Rotties also tend to be a little calmer while German Shepherds are a bit more active. This difference is mainly due to the fact that Rottweilers were originally bred for working cattle while German Shepherds were bred for herding sheep. Consequently, Rottweilers usually require less exercise than their counterpart and can adapt well to an urban environment.

Lastly, Rotts can sometimes get goofy during playtime whereas German Shepherds can be serious when they need to be. However, this is not always the case and should not be taken as a hard and fast rule. At the end of the day, both breeds make excellent pets for families and individuals alike.

German Shepherd vs Rottweiler: Their Size

When it comes to size, the Rottweiler is larger than the German Shepherd. Although their weights and heights are roughly comparable, the agility and speed of the GSD are always greater. In fact, despite their size, Rottweilers are often considered “man’s best friend.”

Rottweilers are taller than German Shepherds. They weigh up to 45 lbs more than German Shepherds. However, because they’re less agile and slower, they aren’t as popular as German Shepherds.

German Shepherds are slightly smaller than Rottweilers but weigh between 50-70 pounds while Rottweilers typically weigh around 100 to 150 pounds.

German Shepherd vs Rottweiler As A Guard dog

When it comes to choosing a guard dog, many people are unsure whether to go with a Rottweiler or German Shepherd. Both of these dogs have a high potential for guarding duty because of their intimidating size and strength.

The Rottweiler is known for its strength, and ability to guard and herd livestock. They were originally bred as working dogs in the town of Rottweil, Germany.

The Rottie has a reputation as an antagonistic dog, with a bad rep perpetuated through the media and popular culture. Despite this reputation, the Rottie can make a good pet when exposed to early socialization and supportive training.

German Shepherds are also natural guard dogs who require proper socialization. They are one of the most versatile breeds out there and excel at many different things including police work, search-and-rescue, guide work for the blind, narcotics detection, and more.

German Shepherd vs Rottweiler Speed

When it comes to comparing Rottweilers vs German Shepherds, one of the main differences is their running speed. The Rottweiler is a slower runner than the German Shepherd, with a top speed of around 25 miles per hour (40 km/h). In contrast, the highest speed that a German Shepherd can reach is 30 miles per hour (48 km/h).

Rottweilers were traditionally used for driving cattle down long roads at a moderate pace. They are not as fast as German Shepherds, who were bred to herd livestock and circle around them. As such, Rottweilers run between 18 and 25 mph while German Shepherds can hit speeds up to 30 mph.

German Shepherd vs Rottweiler Lifespan

When you are looking for a large breed dog, you want one that will be with you for a long time. Large breeds such as the Rottweiler and German Shepherd have a relatively long life span. The Rottweiler’s lifespan is 9-11 years while German shepherds live 10 to 13 years.

There are many factors that contribute to the longevity of these breeds. Genetic diseases associated with the breed, lifestyle, care, and general health are just some of the things that play into how long your dog will live.

Both dogs are intelligent but the Rottweiler is considered easier to train by comparison due to their intelligence. They also need more exercise than German shepherds; twice per day at least. However, they are less energetic than German shepherds so they can adapt better to an apartment setting if needed. In the end, both breeds make great pets but it is important to do your research before deciding on which one is right for you

Rottweiler vs German Shepherd Shedding

When it comes to shedding, German Shepherds and Rottweilers are about the same. They both shed an average amount, so you’ll likely find hair all over your house no matter which one you choose. However, there are some things you can do to help minimize the amount of hair they leave behind.

Rottweilers have a short coat, so they don’t shed as much as German Shepherds. If you’re looking for a dog that doesn’t leave a lot of hair around your house, the Rottweiler may be a better choice for you. However, even this breed will shed some hair, so be prepared to deal with it.

German Shepherds are known for their dense coats, which means they tend to shed more than other breeds. While there’s not much you can do to stop them from shedding altogether, there are some tools and techniques that can help keep the loose hair under control. For example, using a bristle brush can make a big difference in keeping their coats neat and trim.

Origin: German Shepherd vs Rottweiler

The German Shepherd is a breed of dog that originated in Germany. The breed’s history dates back to the late 1800s when it was used as a working dog for herding and guarding livestock.

The Rottweiler is also a breed of dog that originated in Germany. However, the first Rottweilers came to the United States in the late 1920s with German emigrants. However, since then, the Rottweiler has become one of America’s most popular breeds

Which One is Better With kids?

Which breed of dog is better when it comes to being good with kids? This is a question that many people have and the answer may surprise you. While there are some general things that can be said about both breeds, it ultimately depends on the individual dog’s temperament and personality.

rottweiler with kids

Rottweilers are more dominant than German Shepherds and they need an experienced owner who knows how to handle them. They can be harder to manage for inexperienced owners, while the German Shepherd is easier to manage for less experienced owners.

However, socialization from a young age helps both breeds be good family dogs. It is easier if the dogs grow up together with the family.

Both breeds are very gentle and can be quite good companions with children. But Rottweiler may likely be more gentle with children than a German Shepherd.

The Rottweiler is too large to play with toddlers and may accidentally knock them over, while the German Shepherd is not so gentle either. You should always be observant when your child interacts with any dog in order to ensure their safety.

Which One Can Get Along Better With Other Dogs?

Determining how well a dog will get along with other dogs is important when choosing a pet. Some breeds are better socialized than others and it is important to remember that each individual dog has an effect on the level of socialization. The Rottweiler is a larger and more powerful dog, with a higher potential for exercise.

They require early training and socialization if they are going to be around other animals. On the other hand, the German Shepherd is typically better with children than the Rottweiler, but both are good family dogs.

The bark of the German Shepherd can be heard from further away than that of the Rottweiler. Additionally, the Rottweiler is known for its high shedding coat and high bite force. The German Shepherd is an excellent companion dog with a gentle temperament.

Rottweiler vs German Shepherd: Which One is Smarter?

Many people are curious about the intelligence of different breeds of dogs. Some people might be wondering if a Rottweiler is more intelligent than a German Shepherd. The answer to this question is that it really depends on the individual dog.

Both breeds are very smart, but the GSD might need more time for mental exercises than the Rottweiler does. This doesn’t mean that one breed is smarter than the other- just that their intelligence might be expressed differently. It’s important to keep in mind that both breeds require plenty of exercises each day in order to avoid mischief. An hour of exercise per day should be enough for these high-energy dogs.

German Shepherd vs Rottweiler Personal Protection Training

When it comes to personal protection training, both the Rottweiler and the German Shepherd are excellent breeds. However, the level of training required for each breed varies from individual to individual. Some Rottweilers may be easier to train than some German Shepherds, and vice versa. It really depends on your own personal experience and preferences as to which dog you think would make a better protector.

Keep in mind that a dog’s personality is by far the biggest factor in determining what type of protection training is best for them. There are many breeds that would be a good match with your lifestyle and goals, like the Australian Shepherd, Husky, or Doberman. But at the end of the day, it’s up to you which breed you choose.

The German Shepherd is more outgoing than the Rottweiler, while the latter is calmer overall. This can often play into people’s decision-making process when choosing between these two breeds. Personal preferences often play a role in which type of dog someone chooses as their companion animal or protector

The Rottweiler vs German Shepherd: Their Exercise Needs

When it comes to the Rottweiler vs German Shepherd debate, one of the most important factors to consider is their exercise needs. Both breeds need daily physical exercise, long walks, mental stimulation, and plenty of playtimes. However, the Rottweiler requires more activity than the German Shepherd.

The Rottie may be content with a 10- to 20-minute walk, but the German Shepherd will need at least an hour of activity. They both need regular mental stimulation as well; otherwise, they can become destructive or restless. So whether you have a lot of space for your dog to run around or live in a smaller apartment, make sure you are providing enough exercise for your furry friend!

German Shepherd vs Rottweiler: Health Issues

Both the German Shepherd and Rottweiler are prone to certain health problems. The most common health problem for the German Shepherd is hip dysplasia, while the Rottweiler is more likely to overheat. Additionally, both breeds are at risk for bloat, although the Rottweiler has a shorter muzzle and is more likely to overheat.

Other health problems that may occur in either breed include allergies, progressive retinal atrophy, and various types of cancer. It’s important to be aware of these potential risks before you decide which breed of dog is right for you.

Rottweiler vs German Shepherd: Prices

When it comes to price, the Rottweiler is more expensive than the German Shepherd. This is due to Rottweiler’s popularity and demand. You will pay more for a Rottweiler from a reputable breeder, but you also need to think about the ongoing costs of owning both breeds.

The price for a Rottweiler or German Shepherd puppy can vary depending on the breeder, but a good healthy Rottweiler pup will usually cost around $1500-3000. Conversely, a German Shepherd Puppy usually costs around $500 -$1,500.

A Rottweiler will cost more than a German Shepherd during the lifetime of the dog. The two breeds have similar characteristics, with both being active and having a strong work ethic.

The main difference between them is that the Rottweiler is an excellent guard dog while the German Shepherd requires at least basic training. Both breeds are trainable and require lots of socialization before they can handle personal protection roles in a family setting.

Rottweilers are known for their large, aggressive nature while German Shepherds are typically more precise but not as physically imposing as Rottweilers. As such, breed prices reflect these differences in temperament and size.

Rottweiler vs German Shepherd Nutrition

When it comes to the Rottweiler versus German Shepherd debate, there is one clear difference: the Rottweiler will eat more than a German Shepherd. This isn’t too surprising when you consider that the Rottweiler was bred as a working dog, while the German Shepherd is usually considered a pet.

That said, you still need to be careful about what you feed your dog. Both breeds are intelligent and need high-quality food depending on their size, age, and energy levels. You should also take into account the breed type–the GSD is more likely to just beg for food while the Rottweiler needs to be trained and offered its food as a treat.

One factor that may surprise people is that there can be variations in intelligence levels among different dogs of the same breed. In fact, studies have shown that GSDs score higher on tests than other dog breeds of the same type. So if you’re looking for an especially smart dog, then the German Shepherd may be right for you!

Rottweiler vs German Shepherd: Bite Strength

The Rottweiler has a stronger bite force than the German Shepherd does.

Rottweilers have a bite force of 328 psi while German Shepherds have a bite force of 238 psi. Rottweilers are known for their muscular build and strength, making them good guard dogs. On the other hand, German Shepherds are popular police dogs because of their agility, intelligence, and obedience.

In the 1980s, there was a major stigma against the Rottie because of their strong bites which led to people believing they were vicious animals. Pit bulls are most prone to biting and because of this reputation, they often get a bad rap. The Rottweiler has a similar build as pit bulls and this may be why they suffer from such a negative image.

People judge by looks, with the Rotty looking more aggressive on the outside of its body. However, appearances can be deceiving and in reality, the GSD is just as ferocious as any other dog breed out there

Which one is better for you?

When it comes to choosing between a German Shepherd and a Rottweiler, both breeds have their own unique benefits that you should consider before making your decision. Both dogs are good choices, but only if they receive the proper training and socialization.

If you want a dog that will be better for your children then the Rottweiler is a better choice since they are more gentle and affectionate with children. It is also easier to train them as compared to German Shepherds.

However, if you want a dog that is more protective and loyal, then the German Shepherd will be your best choice.

Final Thought on Rottweiler versus German Shepherd

At the end of the day, both breeds are great dogs. It really depends on what you are looking for in a pet. If you want a dog that is more affordable and doesn’t require as much maintenance, then the Rottweiler is a good option.

However, if you want a dog with more potential career opportunities, then the German Shepherd is better suited for you. No matter which breed you choose, make sure to provide your pet with plenty of love and training!