Dog breed comparison
Rottweiler vs Doberman Pinscher
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Rottweiler is the bigger breed, about 17 kg heavier on average. The Doberman Pinscher tends to live about 2 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Rottweiler | Doberman Pinscher |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Working Dogs | Working Dogs |
| Size | Very Large | Large |
| Height | 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder | 24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 85 to 130 pounds | 60 to 80 pounds |
| Life span | 8 to 11 years | 10 to 13 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.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Barking
The Rottweiler barks more than the Doberman Pinscher.
First-time owners
The Doberman Pinscher suits first-time owners better than the Rottweiler.
Energy
The Rottweiler has more energy than the Doberman Pinscher.
Exercise needs
The Rottweiler needs more exercise than the Doberman Pinscher.
Easy to train
The Doberman Pinscher is easier to train than the Rottweiler.
Good with children
The Rottweiler is better with children than the Doberman Pinscher.
Which to choose
Rottweiler or Doberman Pinscher?
Choose the Rottweiler if…
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want a dog that is better with children
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
Choose the Doberman Pinscher if…
- You want a dog that barks less
- You want a dog that suits first-time owners better
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
Questions.
Is the Rottweiler or the Doberman Pinscher bigger, and which lives longer?
The Rottweiler is the bigger breed, about 17 kg heavier on average. The Doberman Pinscher tends to live about 2 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Rottweiler or the Doberman Pinscher?
The Doberman Pinscher is generally easier to train than the Rottweiler. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Rottweiler or the Doberman Pinscher?
The Rottweiler is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Doberman Pinscher 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.
