Rottweiler vs Doberman Pinscher

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Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
9 to 10 years
Size:

Large

Maintenance Level:

Medium

Shed Level:

Medium

Best For

A popular working breed, Rottweilers do best with experienced pet parents who can provide early training and socialization. These robust, large-sized dogs thrive in homes with active individuals or families, appreciating both mental and physical...

A popular working breed, Rottweilers do best with experienced pet parents who can provide early training and socialization. These robust, large-sized dogs thrive in homes with active individuals or families, appreciating both mental and physical challenges.

Rottweiler Temperament

Rottweilers are powerful and intelligent dogs who benefit from early training and socialization. They are easy to train and eager to please their families, but are also strong-willed and may seem aloof to the outside world. Originally descending from the mastiffs of the Roman legions, Rottweilers have been valuable...

Rottweilers are powerful and intelligent dogs who benefit from early training and socialization. They are easy to train and eager to please their families, but are also strong-willed and may seem aloof to the outside world.
Originally descending from the mastiffs of the Roman legions, Rottweilers have been valuable companion animals and working dogs for centuries. This is just as true today as it was years ago—families that are willing to put in the time to train and socialize their Rottweiler will be rewarded with an intensely loyal and energetic dog.

In fact, Rottweilers are much more emotionally needy than many people assume. This dog has a fearsome reputation, but in reality, Rottweilers are obsessed with their people and want to be around them all the time. Rottweilers who are isolated from people or kept alone may begin to exhibit unwanted behaviors when they do finally get access to people.

Rottweilers were originally bred to be protectors. Combined with their great strength, this makes it especially important that Rottweilers are properly trained and socialized. Once socialized, Rottweilers can easily get along with other dogs and young children. Like any dog, Rottweilers who are poorly trained, subjected to harsh discipline, or isolated are more likely to exhibit unwanted fear-based behaviors, including biting and aggression.

One especially interesting features of these dogs is their vocalization. Rottweilers aren’t known for excessive barking (although of course they can and will bark), but they do have a deep rumble that sounds almost like a growl. Some pet parents think of this rumbling sound as “talking.” This “Rottie rumbling” is almost like the purring of a giant cat and often means your Rottweiler is happy and content, particularly during belly rubs.

Rottweiler Traits

Friendliness
Exercise Needs
Health Issues
Barking Tendencies
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Training Needs
Good With Kids
Good With Cats
Good As A Service Dog
Good For Apartments & Small Homes
Biting Tendencies
Energy Level
Good With Other Dogs
Playfulness
Sensitive to Cold Weather
Sensitive to Warm Weather
Good For First Time Pet Parents
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Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
10 to 12 years
Size:

Large

Maintenance Level:

Medium

Shed Level:

Low

Best For

Dobermans are best for homes where they can be the center of attention—they love their people and want to be with them all the time. Also, an active lifestyle suits the Doberman's need for...

Dobermans are best for homes where they can be the center of attention—they love their people and want to be with them all the time. Also, an active lifestyle suits the Doberman's need for exercise.

Doberman Pinscher Temperament

Dobermans are well known for their intimidating demeanor. They are highly intelligent, athletic and alert—all things that make them great guard dogs, which is what they were bred to do. And Dobies take their job as guard dog extraordinaire very seriously. This drive, along with their imposing physical app...

Dobermans are well known for their intimidating demeanor. They are highly intelligent, athletic and alert—all things that make them great guard dogs, which is what they were bred to do. And Dobies take their job as guard dog extraordinaire very seriously. This drive, along with their imposing physical appearance, has earned them a reputation of being notoriously protective. But when the pup parent provides the proper training, socialization and structure, these dogs are also a loving member of the family.

You’ll soon discover that, along with their formidable presence, Dobermans possess a deep devotion to their people. In fact, they bond so deeply with their humans and are so dedicated to their families, these affectionate dogs are sometimes referred to as “Velcro dogs.”

In addition to their work as guard dogs, Dobermans have a long history as police and military dogs, dating back to the early 20th century. Dobermans even assisted U.S. Marines during World War II. Today, Dobermans work as therapy, service and emotional support animals.

Doberman Pinscher Traits

Friendliness
Exercise Needs
Health Issues
Barking Tendencies
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Training Needs
Good With Kids
Good With Cats
Good As A Service Dog
Good For Apartments & Small Homes
Biting Tendencies
Energy Level
Good With Other Dogs
Playfulness
Sensitive to Cold Weather
Sensitive to Warm Weather
Good For First Time Pet Parents
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