Are you considering adopting a new canine pet as your family companion? You may have considered adopting a Rottweiler or a German Shepherd dog but are confused about breeding which canine would be more useful and better. Don’t worry. You have landed in the right place. Our detailed guide on Rottweiler vs German Shepherd will help you compare the two and make you decide better.
Both Rottweiler and German Shepherd come from royal families and are guard dogs and the best options to breed. They both are loving, protective, and powerful dogs, even though both breeds have suffered from bad reputations and have been showcased as violent dogs due to their bigger muscular body structure and intimidating stature. They are extremely loving, protective, and adorable. Though powerful and muscular, they can melt into mush when you pet them. They need proper upbringing, care, and attention. When they get all, they come as the best canine breeds of all. They are highly trainable with their owners. They need to socialize, love, and care in a caring home. Besides, the popular myth Rottweiler and German Shepherd are easygoing, affectionate pups. They are known to be very great with kids because of their protective, affectionate nature.
Choosing between these two might seem like a minefield as they have similar characteristics. They also make a popular crossbreed. Let’s compare them!
Rottweiler
Rottweilers belonged to the Roman lineage and were used to pull carts, herd cattle, and guard homes. They have also been used as service and guard dogs. Rottweilers are extremely enthusiastic and always keen to learn, and the best thing about them is that they love to work. They possess a stronger, muscular build and lots of energy. Also, they don’t need a lot of exercise to be fit and active; one hour a day is enough for them. While the male Rottweilers live around 9 to 10 years, female Rottweilers live up to 14 years.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are traditionally herdings dogs but have plenty of military experience. German Shepherds are intelligent, brave, and confident dogs always keen to learn new things and please their owners. German Shepherds are also commonly known as police dogs.
This canine breed is a very fast learner and always stays motivated. They love to get praised. They play, exercise, and stay lively as they have lots of energy to invest. This canine breed comes in black and tan, blue, white, and black color variations. They are healthy dogs and live around for 7 to 10 years.
Also Read:- German Rottweiler Pups: Everything You Need To Know About Them
Rottweiler Vs. German Shepherd: Size And Structure
Rottweilers are taller and heavier than German Shepherds. The average Rottweiler male is around 110 to 135 pounds. Females are smaller and range from 75 to 110 pounds. While male German shepherds are around 65 to 90 pounds, females range between 50 to 70 pounds. Sometimes a gentle Rottweiler seems smaller than a rambunctious German Shepherd.
The Rottweiler possesses a square and stocky pooch. They have a big square head proportional to their body. German Shepherds have a longer athletic body which makes them a perfect choice for the world of policing.
Rottweilers have a thick, dense, shiny, and soft texture and short to medium-length double coats. In contrast, the German Shepherd possesses four types of coats, short, medium, and long, all with an undercoat. Sometimes the long coat is without an undercoat.
Rottweilers possess the traditional tan and black coat with the traditional Rottie markings. In contrast with Rottweilers, German Shepherds can be found in a wider range of colors, blue, black, white, and tan.
Rottweiler Vs. German Shepherd: Strength
Both Rottweiler and German Shepherds canines are strong, muscular, and powerful. But Rottweilers possess slightly more strength than German Shepherds. They have a more muscular, heavier body as they were used to carrying and pulling weight. In contrast, the German shepherds are supple.
The bite force of a Rottweiler is 328psi. In comparison, the bite force of a German Shepherd is id 238psi. Don’t get intimidated because both canines are bred and trained properly to not be aggressive and be protective.
Rottweiler Vs. German Shepherd: Brain Power
Both Rottweilers and German Shepherds are highly intelligent canines. German Shepherd is the third most intelligent and smartest dog breed after the Border Collies and the Poodle. They have a very high pace of learning. They can learn new commands only after five repetitions and respond accurately almost 95% of the time, whereas Rottweiler ranked ninth on the list. While both canines are smart, the German Shepherds tend to learn more quickly as compared to Rottweilers.
Both canine breeds are intelligent and sharp learners, thus proudly ranking in the top ten smartest dogs list.
Rottweiler Vs. German Shepherd: Temperament
Any dog can behave aggressively if not trained properly. Just like humans, dogs also need a good upbringing as well as training. Both canine breeds have a bad reputation for being aggressive, which is not true at all. Calling aggressive is truly unfair. Their huge body structure among canines is also why people find them aggressive. The German Shepherd’s sharp teeth and bark and Rottweiler’s intimidating stature may look scary, but both these canines are extremely loving and protective. They just required proper training.
Rottweiler Vs. German Shepherd: Health
Rottweilers and German Shepherds are healthy dogs but share a few health concerns. The common health issue that affects the Rottweilers the most is hip and elbow dysplasia. It is a condition where the ball and socket on the hip do not sit properly. It is known to cause discomfort and pain and sometimes lead to surgery. Rottweilers are also prone to cardiac issues such as cardiomyopathy and subaortic stenosis. Therefore it is important to keep their heart-healthy.
Hip Dysplasia is a common concern amongst German Shepherds. In fact, they are the most affected canine breeds. So ensure to keep your German Shepherd’s bones, muscles, joints, and hip healthy if you bring one to your home. Also, make sure to provide them with a firm dog bed. You can use glucosamine supplements too.
Another common health concern amongst the German Shepherds is degenerative myelopathy, a progressive spinal disease that can attack from the age of eight years.
Rottweiler Vs. German Shepherd: Who Are The Best Choice For Cops?
While both Rottweilers and German Shepherds have been used for police services, the better choice is German Shepherds. They are not only smart and intelligent, but they are sharp learners and love to work hard. They are very poised, so they usually stay calm under pressure.
Rottweilers are also intelligent and smart canines, but they are not as athletic as the German Shepherds. Also, they do not possess the same endurance and calmness while serving the police. German Shepherds and Rottweilers have a keen sense of smell, but German Shepherds are more accurate.
Final Thoughts On A Rottweiler Vs. German Shepherd: Which Dog Should You Get Home?
Both Rottweilers and German Shepherds are very much similar dog breeds. They are protective, loyal, as well as affectionate dogs. Both the dogs are protective in nature and are excellent guard dogs. While both are intelligent and smarter, the Rottweiler is quite easier to train. Also, they possess a calm, poised character.
If you are considering bringing a family pet that will be highly protective and loyal to the end, both Rottweilers and German Shepherds are a perfect choice. Just ensure to offer them love, training, exercise, chances to play, and mental stimulation. And to get a Rottweiler home, contact Vom Hause Stan to receive a purebred Rottie.