Last Updated on April 24, 2024 by Dr. Julie
If you’re undecided between a Doberman and a Rottweiler, the debate of Doberman vs Rottweiler size might bring some peace of mind, especially if you have a limited amount of space in your home. Not all large dogs are the same and they can’t all fit in the same space. In today’s article, we’ll be comparing these two dogs, primarily their size, but also their behavior and other characteristics.
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Doberman vs Rottweiler Size
There are major differences when it comes to the size of these dogs. A male Rottweiler can weigh up to 135 pounds, this is especially common with dogs that exercise a lot and eat healthy dog food. It’s also common for older dogs, as they put weight on them more easily.
Dobermans, on the other hand, are much more slender and they rarely weigh over 100 pounds. That’s still pretty heavy for a dog, but it’s nowhere near Rottweilers. This makes Dobermans more slim and sleek looking, but Rottweilers are usually stronger.
When it comes to height, male Dobermans can grow to be 28 inches tall, with some extremely tall individuals surpassing that. Rottweilers are just a tad shorter, and that height difference is usually imperceptible.
So, to sum up, when it comes to height – they’re about the same height and you’ll only notice the difference if you have a ruler at hand. The major difference is in their weight, as these two breeds belong to two entirely different weight classes.
Physical Differences
Given that Rottweilers are so heavier, it’s no wonder that they’re much stronger than Dobermans. Their weight mainly consists of muscles, not fat. Dobermans, on the other hand, are much quicker and they can cover longer distances when running.
This shouldn’t take anything away from Rottweilers; keep in mind that Rottweilers, Dobermans, and German Shepherds are three service dogs of incredible physical capabilities, which makes them a favorite for the police and the army. They’re all great companions if you need a jogging partner.
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However, Dobermans are definitely quicker and they can probably run for longer. The latter, it must be noted, is more of a subjective quality, different for each dog, as stamina is something that’s acquired and developed with time.
The similarities between these breeds are staggering – they all need a lot of exercise, and they’re definitely not a good fit for you if you’re a laid-back individual. They need daily training, be it in form of walking, running, or playing catch.
Behavioral Differences
When it comes to behavior, they’re very similar. Both of these breeds are incredibly intelligent and they’re easy to train. They need a strong hand to teach them various commands and maneuvers, but they’re eager to learn and intelligent enough to understand everything.
Interestingly, dogs like these have not only a willingness to learn but an actual need. Like an itch in their brain that only training can scratch, both Dobermans and Rottweilers need constant training to stay calm. If you don’t provide that mental training, they’re going to start acting up.
It’s best to combine both training and physical exercise by playing catch or running courses.
They’re also both very protective – these dogs love their families and they were bred to protect their families. This means that they’ll be vigilant when it comes to new dogs and new people. However, if you introduce them properly, they’re not going to cause any trouble and there’s no reason to fear violence.
This is a common problem with both of these breeds – people believe in a myth about aggression, while in reality both Dobermans and Rottweilers are just very protective. However, if you don’t train them from a young age, they’re going to apply those protective instincts to every living being except for their owner.
Behavior like this can cause an incident, as it’s important to teach the dog to differentiate potentially dangerous individuals who are trying to them, you, or your family from people who don’t pose a threat.
Health Differences
Both of these breeds are generally healthy, but there are some things to look out for. Firstly, Rottweilers are slightly brachycephalic – however, it’s nothing compared to seriously brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs. They also have sensitive skin that you’ll have to look out for.
Dobermans don’t have sensitive skin, but they’re vulnerable when it comes to hip dysplasia and an illness that causes blood thinning and stops clotting, called the Von Willebrand’s disease.
Both breeds are usually very healthy and these illnesses are rare, so your vet will most likely pick them up if they do occur.
Read more about: Half Doberman Half Rottweiler: The Complete Guide
FAQ
Is Doberman stronger than Rottweiler?
No, Rottweilers are generally stronger as they pack much more muscle. A male Rottie can weigh up to 135 pounds, while a male Doberman usually weighs up to 100 pounds.
Which is faster - Doberman or Rottweiler?
Dobermans are much quicker than Rottweilers - their legs are usually an inch longer and they weigh 30 pounds less. They're also very agile and they have plenty of stamina, so they're a great jogging partner!
What is the best guard dog?
Both of these breeds are great guard dogs, and you should also consider German Shepherds. These three breeds, if trained from a young age, can become an impenetrable force protecting your home, because their protective instincts are second to none.
Which is more aggressive - Doberman or Rottweiler?
There's no clear answer to this - neither of these breeds are dangerously aggressive, they're both just protective and vigilant.
To Summarize
Both Dobermans and Rottweilers are a great choice for a guard dog, as well as a family dog, as they get on well with families. Regarding their size, Dobermans are usually slightly taller (but it’s such a tiny difference that you likely won’t notice it).
Rottweiler is, on the other hand, much heavier – as male Rotties weigh up to 135 pounds. Most of this weight is in muscles, which makes them incredibly powerful dogs. Dobermans weigh up to 100 pounds, so they’re weaker but much quicker and more agile.
Mentally, they’re very similar to one another and they’re very trainable dogs.