German Shepherds and Rottweilers are two of the most powerful, famous, and beloved dog breeds from the canine world. These canines belong to the working dog category and prove to be loyal companions for their pet parents and are natural protectors.
Both German Shepherds and Rottweilers are considered great guard dogs because of their size, loud bark, and high intelligence that allows them to differ between friend and foe and react accordingly.
In this article, we will be comparing the two breeds based on their life purpose, physical differences, exercise needs, training ability, grooming needs, and overall health to help you decide which breed is your perfect match.
Read on to learn more about these marvelous canines, explore various traits that make them differ from each other, and ways you can cater to their needs to ensure good behavior.
German Shepherd Dog Breeds vs. Rottweilers: Essential Qualities
Origin & Purpose
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are a large-sized dog breed from Germany. These working dogs were developed for herding and guarding sheep. Captain Max Von Stephanitz purchased a pup from a dog show named Hektor Linksrhen which he later named Horand who became the first German Shepherd because of its speed, intelligence, power, and stamina.
Their popularity decreased in late 1920’s after World War I but later increased around 1937 and 1938. They became the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. and were also recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are known to be the descendants of Mastiffs that existed in the Roman legions about 2000 years ago. These dogs accompanied war soldiers on their voyage and they used to make a stop in Rottweil, Germany. After the fall of the Roman empire, these canines became valuable working dogs of Germany.
Rottweilers were used as herding dogs and also for pulling carts laden with meat to the market to sell. After the sale, money was placed in a purse and hung around their neck to keep it safe from robbers. They became famous by the name Butcher’s dog of Rottweil, says the American Kennel Club.
Size & Physical Build
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are large, agile, and muscular canines that weigh 50-90 pounds and stand tall at 22-26 inches. They feature a robust, well-muscled body, a square muzzle, and large erect ears. They are fast, powerful, and agile on the go with an elongated and rectangular body. GSDs reach their full size around 2 years.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are a large dog breed with an imposing size, broad head, and wide set of eyes. They stand tall at 22-27 inches and weigh 80-135 pounds. Male Rotties are larger compared to females. They mature slowly and take up to 3 years to reach their robust body form.
Temperament & Personality
German Shepherd
Though their temperament varies from dog to dog, German Shepherds are bold, and alert dogs. They are gentle around family but reserved and protective of their family members around strangers. GSDs are great with kids but they must be trained and socialized from an early age and children must know how to behave around dogs.
These herding dogs have an eager to please attitude which makes training sessions much easier and fun. German Shepherds have natural protective instincts which is why owners must pay due attention to their training.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are hard working, sturdy, and alert canines. They are loyal dogs with a confident and courageous demeanor. Rotties are good natured, calm, and trustworthy with their own family but reserved and aloof around strangers.
These protection dogs have strong natural protective instincts and can be dominant which is why training and early socialization are a must. Given their bad reputation, Rotties are affectionate and goofy with small children and are ideal for a house with kids.
Exercise & Energy Levels
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are a herding dog breed which means they have high energy levels and love having a job or consistent activity to fulfill their energy needs. They are incredibly active canines and require at least an hour or two of daily exercise along with mental stimulation to keep them engaged and out of trouble.
These canines are best for active families who can handle their energy levels and provide them with activities and mental games that can keep them occupied. Without proper activity these dogs show unwanted and destructive behaviors.
Rottweiler
Rotties have medium-high energy levels considering they are a working dog breed. They need daily exercise and mental stimulation to burn off energy. This dog breed likes staying in the company of people and working out with them rather than being left alone at home.
Rotties can get difficult to handle and destructive if not given a proper outlet for pent up energy. They need at least an hour exercise that can be divided into walks, hikes, dog sports, and backyard playtime, says PetMD.
Training & Intelligence
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are highly intelligent dog breeds and have the ability to grasp commands and new tricks very quickly. It is recommended for dog owners to start training and socializing your GSDs from an early age so they are more tolerant of new faces, kids and other pets in the society.
Training as a puppy helps to ensure your German Shepherd remains well-behaved and obedient. You might wanna consider positive reinforcement and treat/reward based training for these canines to prevent their independent behavior to show up.
These canines have a high prey drive thus keeping them on a leash and in a secured fenced yard is recommended. Don’t be shy in asking help from professionally trained coaches to train your dogs.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers tend to respond well to basic training. It is recommended to start training and socialization as a puppy to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved canines. Rotties are headstrong and stubborn which is why training is very important for these dog breeds.
They benefit from positive reinforcement training and their intelligence allows them to learn new tricks well and quickly. You may start agility training from 18 months. Rotties have a high prey drive and are known for their nose work which is why keeping them on leash is recommended to keep in control.
Grooming Frequency
German Shepherd
German Shepherds have a medium length double coat with a thick undercoat which sheds a lot. Weekly brushing is recommended to prevent heavy shedding but you might still find loose hair on your clothes and furniture. This routine grooming can help to reduce hairfall during shedding season.
Their coat is resistant to debris and dirt which is why bathing them once a month is more than enough to keep their coat healthy. Regular trimming of nails and brushing their teeth once a week is recommended to ensure optimal dental hygiene.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers have a short double coat which does not shed heavily. Weekly brushing and regular bathing is recommended for these canines to keep it looking neat and shiny. These canines shed very moderately year round but might shed profusely in spring and fall which is seasonal shedding.
Their teeth must be brushed regularly to ensure dental hygiene. Nails must be trimmed to prevent painful breakage and cracking.
Health & Life span
German Shepherd
German Shepherds have a life expectancy of 9-10 years which can be increased if they are taken care of properly. These protection dogs may seem sturdy and strong but they are prone to various health issues. It is recommended for pet owners to invest in pet insurance when bringing home a German Shepherd puppy.
They are prone to health issues like joint issues, degenerative myelopathy, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bone cancer, heart issues, and various allergies. It is recommended to provide these canines with a nutritional diet which is well-suited for medium-large sized dogs along with regular vet checkups to rule out symptoms that may lead to health problems.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers have a life expectancy of 9 years which is less as compared to a German Shepherd. According to Pawlicy Advisor, female Rotties live for about 9.5 years and male Rottweilers may live 10 months more on average.
Much like other dog breeds, these canines are prone to various health problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia, various types of cancers such as bone, liver, spleen, etc., heart diseases, eye infections, and osteochondrosis.
These common concerns can occur at any point in their life and vet checkups can be very expensive. The first thing you do when bringing home a Rottweiler is to invest in good pet insurance. Pet parents must also be considerate of their meals to not overfeed them as they can become overweight easily. Provide them with proper meals to ensure a healthy weight.
German Shepherd vs. Rottweiler: Which one is best for you?
When we talk about German Shepherd vs. Rottweilers and which one is the ideal breed for you to bring home, it mainly depends on various aspects. These include your lifestyle, experience with dogs, and things you expect from these dogs.
Both these canines are strong and excellent guardians but they have distinctive differences in temperament, exercise needs, training, and work ethic which sets them apart from each other. They both are loyal and extremely protective breeds when it comes to their families.
They are highly intelligent, eager to please, and quick to learn, which makes them ideal working dogs for police and military work, service work, protection work, etc.
If you’re looking for a dog with a calm demeanor, energetic, and easily trainable, German Shepherds are your ideal match.
However, if you require a powerful, confident, strong guard dogs with a steady temperament, these ancient Rome dogs are the ideal canines for you.
Conclusion
German Shepherds and Rottweilers are both exceptional breeds with a history of working as loyal protection dogs and herding livestock. These canines get along well with their own family but are reserved around strangers which is why they require consistent training to ensure good behavior.
Both German Shepherds and Rotties are great dogs but the one you choose depends solely on you. One thing that is recommended is to ensure you get a dog from a reputable breeder to prevent major health concerns.
