Rottweiler vs Mastiff

Already selected. Please make another selection.

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
Already selected. Please make another selection.

Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
6 to 10 years
Size:

Extra Large

Maintenance Level:

Medium

Shed Level:

Low

Best For

Mastiffs are gentle giants with a calm demeanor and moderate exercise needs. These steadfast companions they make loyal family pets for those with lots of time for training—and who aren't afraid of a little (...

Mastiffs are gentle giants with a calm demeanor and moderate exercise needs. These steadfast companions they make loyal family pets for those with lots of time for training—and who aren't afraid of a little (ok, a lot) of drool.

Mastiff Temperament

Extreme loyalty and a courageous nature are the defining characteristics of a Mastiff’s temperament. While a Mastiff’s massive weight and height may put off some potential pet parents, this breed is quite friendly and makes an excellent family pet. If little ones are in your mix, know tha...

Extreme loyalty and a courageous nature are the defining characteristics of a Mastiff’s temperament. While a Mastiff’s massive weight and height may put off some potential pet parents, this breed is quite friendly and makes an excellent family pet. If little ones are in your mix, know that with early and consistent training, having a Mastiff with kids is very doable since barking and biting aren’t common to this breed. Their kindly personality extends to four-legged pals as well, which means you can often add this colossal canine to homes with cats and other dogs.

A Mastiff has competency in spades, thanks to their innate intelligence and eagerness to please. As a quick learner, the Mastiff thrives on service, perhaps because this working breed has a long history of guarding and fighting alongside soldiers in battle.

It may seem counterintuitive that such a large animal might not have deep energy reserves, but this is actually the case with the Mastiff dog breed. Slow and steady wins the race here, so low-key pup parents are often the best pairing for this majestic creature.

Mastiff 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
Viewing 1 / 2