Comparison of Doberman Pinscher and Rottweiler

Often confused for one another because of their similar coloring and use as watch dogs, Dobermans and rottweilers actually have quite a few differences. One such difference is their stature: while their heights are similar (around 25 to 30 inches tall), rottweilers are much heavier, weighing anywhere from 80 to 135 pounds, while Dobermans are in the range of 65 to 90 pounds. Both dogs are related as mastiffs, however, and are in the working dog group.

  1. Appearance

    • Dobermans and rottweilers sport similar coats: predominantly black with caramel-colored accents on the underside of their faces, stomachs and the bottoms of their legs. They also both have short, nub-like tails. Dobermans, however, are long and slender with a fast and graceful gait. Rottweilers are more muscular; the former cattle dogs are bred for endurance rather than speed. Dobermans are also known for their pointy ears, while a rottweiler has floppy ears that hang on the side of its head.

    Temperament

    • A Doberman pinscher, named for German tax collector Louis Dobermann, who developed the breed, is an intelligent, alert guardian that is also sensitive to its owner's wishes, though it can sometimes be domineering. A rottweiler is similarly loyal and alert, as well as being confident and bold. While the protective side of both dogs can make them wary around strange dogs or strange people, the rottweiler requires much more focused training and socialization to prevent over-protectiveness of their family or owner.

    Upkeep

    • Maintenance of both rottweilers and Dobermans require minimal coat care, plenty of time spent inside with the family and lots of daily exercise. Rottweilers, however, require obedience lessons as well as mental games. And while Doberman pinschers can live in essentially any climate, rottweilers prefer colder weather, as they can overheat easily.

    Health

    • The similarities end when to comes to the health concerns of Dobermans versus rottweilers. Doberman pinschers have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, and during that time Wobbler's Syndrome and cardiomyopathy may become major health concerns. Other minor concerns include narcolepsy, gastric torsion, demodicosis, osteosarcoma and occasionally albinism.

      Rottweilers, on the other hand, are expected to live eight to 11 years, and osteosarcoma, gastric torsion and elbow dysplasia are major health concerns. Occasionally rottweilers may have issues with cataracts and epilepsy.