Dog breed comparison
American Pit Bull Terrier vs Rottweiler
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Rottweiler is the bigger breed, about 23 kg heavier on average. The American Pit Bull Terrier tends to live about 5 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | American Pit Bull Terrier | Rottweiler |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Terrier Dogs | Working Dogs |
| Size | Large | Very Large |
| Height | 17 to 19 inches | 22 to 27 inches |
| Weight | 30 to 85 pounds | 85 to 130 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 16 years | 8 to 11 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The American Pit Bull Terrier
Descended from the bull-and-terrier dogs of 19th-century Britain and Ireland, brought to the United States, where it was used as a farm and catch dog. It is recognised by the UKC but not the AKC.
Strongly people-oriented, it is one of the breeds most affected by breed-specific legislation, so check local rules and rental policies.
Health to watch
- Hip dysplasia
- Skin allergies
- Hypothyroidism
- Cerebellar ataxia
- Heart disease
The Rottweiler
Descended from Roman drover dogs; it is named after the German town of Rottweil, where it drove cattle and pulled butchers' carts. It later worked as a police and guard dog.
It is calm and confident with its family but protective with strangers.
Health to watch
- Osteosarcoma
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Subaortic stenosis
- Cruciate ligament injuries
- Bloat
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Drooling
The Rottweiler drools more than the American Pit Bull Terrier.
General health
The American Pit Bull Terrier tends to have fewer health problems than the Rottweiler.
Intelligence
The Rottweiler is quicker to learn than the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Good with children
The American Pit Bull Terrier is better with children than the Rottweiler.
Good with other dogs
The Rottweiler gets on better with other dogs than the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Friendly with strangers
The American Pit Bull Terrier is friendlier with strangers than the Rottweiler.
Which to choose
American Pit Bull Terrier or Rottweiler?
Choose the American Pit Bull Terrier if…
- You want a dog that drools less
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
- You want a dog that is better with children
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
Choose the Rottweiler if…
- You want a dog that is quicker to learn
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
Questions.
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Rottweiler bigger, and which lives longer?
The Rottweiler is the bigger breed, about 23 kg heavier on average. The American Pit Bull Terrier tends to live about 5 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Rottweiler?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Rottweiler?
The American Pit Bull Terrier is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Rottweiler can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the American Pit Bull Terrier and Rottweiler have?
The American Pit Bull Terrier is prone to hip dysplasia, skin allergies, hypothyroidism. The Rottweiler is prone to osteosarcoma, hip and elbow dysplasia, subaortic stenosis. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
