Breed comparison
German Shepherd Dog vs Rottweiler
German Shepherd or Rottweiler? Both are big, loyal, protective working breeds that suit experienced owners, so people serious about a guardian dog often weigh them against each other. The short answer: the German Shepherd is the more energetic, trainable and vocal dog with a much heavier shedding habit, while the Rottweiler is the heavier, calmer-indoors one with an easier coat and a shorter typical life. Both need early socialization, consistent training and a plan for their size. Neither is a casual choice, and both score 2 out of 5 for first-time owners.
Photo: gomagoti · CC BY-SA 2.5 · via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Dr. Manfred Herrmann Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub … · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
| German Shepherd Dog | Rottweiler | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Large |
| Height | 22–26 in (56–66 cm) | 22–27 in (56–69 cm) |
| Weight | 50–90 lb (23–41 kg) | 80–135 lb (36–61 kg) |
| Life span | 12–14 years | 9–10 years |
| Group | Herding | Working |
| Coat | Medium-length double coat (a long-coated variety also exists) | Short, dense, coarse outer coat with an undercoat on the neck and thighs |
| Lower-allergen coat | No | No |
| Energy level | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Good with kids | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly to strangers | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| Tolerates being alone | ||
| Good for first-time owners | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Barking | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Trait scale 1–5. Shedding, grooming, barking and drooling: 5 = more. Highlighted rows are where the two breeds differ.
The key differences
Size
The two stand about the same height, with the German Shepherd at 22 to 26 in (56 to 66 cm) and the Rottweiler at 22 to 27 in (56 to 69 cm). The weight gap is bigger. The German Shepherd weighs 50 to 90 lb (23 to 41 kg), while the Rottweiler weighs 80 to 135 lb (36 to 61 kg), so a big male Rottweiler can outweigh a big Shepherd by about 45 lb (20 kg). Rottweilers also look blockier and more heavily built.
Energy and exercise
The German Shepherd scores 5 out of 5 for energy and for exercise, and PetMD suggests one to two hours of exercise a day plus mental stimulation. The Rottweiler scores 3 for energy and 4 for exercise, and PetMD recommends at least 60 minutes a day plus mental work. Both get bored and destructive without enough to do. Neither suits apartment living (2 out of 5 for both).
Coat and grooming
The German Shepherd has a medium-length double coat that sheds heavily all year and scores 5 out of 5 for shedding and 3 for grooming. PetMD recommends frequent brushing with a pin brush. The Rottweiler's short coat scores 1 out of 5 for grooming and 3 for shedding, although PetMD notes it still sheds year-round. Rottweilers also drool a little more (3 versus 2).
Temperament and training
Both score 5 out of 5 for watchdog instinct and 2 out of 5 for friendliness with strangers, and neither is a first-timer breed (2 out of 5). The German Shepherd is the more trainable of the two (5 versus 4) and the better family dog on our meters (4 versus 3 for kids, and 3 versus 2 for other dogs). It also barks more (4 versus 2). PetMD says Rottweilers may bark in unfamiliar situations and describes a wide range of personalities, from clownish to reserved.
Health and life span
Our profiles list 12 to 14 years for German Shepherds and 9 to 10 for Rottweilers, and both score 2 out of 5 for health. PetMD lists hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, bloat, allergies, heart disease and pancreatic insufficiency for the Shepherd. For the Rottweiler it lists hip and elbow dysplasia, cruciate ligament rupture, bone cancer, bloat, entropion, a heart condition called subaortic stenosis and obesity.
Cost and care
Both are expensive dogs to keep well. The Rottweiler eats more because it is heavier, and the Shepherd needs more vacuum bags and brushes. Plan on strong gear, training classes and a secure fence for either breed. Weight control matters for both, and PetMD lists obesity among the Rottweiler's concerns.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the German Shepherd if you want a highly trainable, versatile and vocal partner for an active household, and you can live with heavy shedding and the joint and spine risks that come with the breed. Choose the Rottweiler if you want a heavier, steadier and quieter guardian with an easier coat, and you accept a shorter typical life and a bigger bone-and-joint risk. For either breed, buy from a breeder who health tests both parents, socialize from the first week home and plan on firm, reward-based training for life. Meeting adult dogs from your breeder's line shows you what you will be living with.
German Shepherd Dog profile Rottweiler profile
Frequently asked questions
Which is bigger, a German Shepherd or a Rottweiler?
The Rottweiler is heavier, at 80 to 135 lb (36 to 61 kg) against 50 to 90 lb (23 to 41 kg). Their heights are very close.
Which sheds more, a German Shepherd or a Rottweiler?
The German Shepherd, at 5 out of 5 for shedding against 3 for the Rottweiler. The Shepherd's double coat also needs much more brushing.
Which is better with kids, a German Shepherd or a Rottweiler?
On our meters the German Shepherd scores 4 out of 5 for kids and the Rottweiler 3. Socialize early and supervise play with either breed.
