Dog breed comparison
Rottweiler vs German Shepherd Dog
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Rottweiler is the bigger breed, about 10 kg heavier on average. The German Shepherd Dog tends to live about 3 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Rottweiler | German Shepherd Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Working Dogs | Herding Dogs |
| Size | Very Large | Large |
| Height | 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder | 22 inches to 26 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 85 to 130 pounds | 75 to 95 pounds |
| Life span | 8 to 11 years | 10 to 14 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.
Drooling
The Rottweiler drools more than the German Shepherd Dog.
General health
The German Shepherd Dog tends to have fewer health problems than the Rottweiler.
Energy
The German Shepherd Dog has more energy than the Rottweiler.
Exercise needs
The German Shepherd Dog needs more exercise than the Rottweiler.
Easy to train
The German Shepherd Dog is easier to train than the Rottweiler.
Good with children
The German Shepherd Dog is better with children than the Rottweiler.
Which to choose
Rottweiler or German Shepherd Dog?
Choose the Rottweiler if…
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You want a dog that sheds less
Choose the German Shepherd Dog if…
- You want a dog that drools less
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
Questions.
Is the Rottweiler or the German Shepherd Dog bigger, and which lives longer?
The Rottweiler is the bigger breed, about 10 kg heavier on average. The German Shepherd Dog tends to live about 3 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Rottweiler or the German Shepherd Dog?
The German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog?
The German Shepherd Dog 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?
The Rottweiler sheds less than the German Shepherd Dog. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
