Rottweiler vs Saint Bernard

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.

Would you ever expect your personal bodyguard to be mistaken for a floofy teddy bear? Probably not, but you should. (Because: safety first. And also because: adorable.) Saint Bernards’ gentle, calm demeanor with a dash of playfulness are a natural fit for homes with older children, other dogs and even friendly felines. They’ll also mesh with younger children, but littler kiddos will need extra supervision to ensure they can respect your pup’s boundaries.

A Saint Bernard dog doesn’t always comprehend just how big they are, which can cause some consternation and tears when playing with tipsy tots or unstable adults (or tipsy adults, for that matter). Training for both humans and the dog is a must to be sure nobody accidentally gets knocked over during backyard romps or in-home zoomies. Saints are friendly dogs (and they swear they didn’t mean to knock you down! They thought you were trying to start a game of tag!) and will stay that way with a loving home and positive reinforcement-based training. In general, Saints are not known to bite, but it’s always important to properly socialize and train any dog. Socializing your Saint Bernard puppy before 20-24 weeks of age allows your outgoing pup to learn good manners and blossom as a beloved family pet.

If it looks like you’re going to do something fun, Saints will want to join you, no questions asked. They’re in the car before you can even find your keys, ready for a nature trail adventure or a Sunday drive through the country. Whatever their human is doing, they want to mirror the activity or supervise from a cozy spot next to your feet.

If you have a job you need doing, give it to a Saint, and they will be more than happy to check it off your to-do list. Saint Bernards are a working breed who love to help people. Give them a chore, like helping feed livestock on a farm or serving as a door greeter at your small business, and they’ll be happy campers. Saints are eager to please. You’ll know the Saint Bernard is in their element when they can’t stop the drool from flowing and their tail from wagging.