If you are looking for a reliable family dog, you might consider either the Doberman Pinscher or the Rottweiler. However, it can be a difficult decision to make, especially because these two dog breeds seem to be very similar.

The Doberman Pinscher and the Rottweiler are two large working breeds of dogs which were both originally developed in Germany.

Both breeds make great guard dogs. Since they are both loyal to their families, they also make excellent family pets.

Both the Doberman and Rottweiler are strong and energetic dogs who tend to be aggressive, especially if not well trained while they are still puppies.

When we compare Rottweiler and Doberman, we see some clear differences when it comes to their physical characteristics and temperament.

Taking potential health issues into account is also important when choosing either a Doberman or Rottweiler dog.

This article explores all the similarities and the difference between Doberman and Rottweiler puppies or adult dogs to help you choose the right pet for you and your family.

So, read on!

Doberman Vs Rottweiler: Breed History

Both the Doberman and the Rottweiler were originally bred in Germany for working purposes.

Rottweilers were originally used for protecting and driving Roman herds around the town of Rottweil (hence their name). Over time, these dogs were also responsible for pulling meat carts around the country, until the practice was declared illegal.

Rottweiler

Due to their strength and intelligence, Rottweilers were commonly used in World War I and World War II. Today, they are commonly used in search and rescue missions, police work and as guide dogs and guard dogs around the country.

On the other hand, the Doberman Pinscher was originally used as a guard dog around 1890 by a famous local tax collector. The Doberman was chosen because he was powerful, loyal and fearless.

Doberman

As for the Doberman vs Rottweiler guard dog comparison, each of these breeds tend to be effective in this role.

Doberman Vs Rottweiler: Physical Characteristics

Size, Height and Weight:

When it comes to size comparison, both the Doberman Pinscher and Rottweiler are large breeds of dogs, but the Rottweiler tends to be slightly larger in size.

Generally speaking, the Doberman reaches a height of around 24 to 28 inches, while the Rottweiler reaches a height of around 24 to 25 inches.

As for the weight, however, Rottweilers are generally heavier than Doberman Pinschers. On average, Rottweilers will weigh anywhere between 80 and 130 pounds while the Doberman will weigh around 60 to 90 pounds.

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Coat Color:

This is another area where the Doberman Pinscher and the Rottweiler are very similar.

Rottweilers come in a wide range of colors, including brown, black, and brown & black. On the other hand, the Doberman comes in black, black & tan, and black & brown.

Both dogs have short coats, but the Doberman’s coat tends to be smoother.

Rottweiler Vs Doberman Temperament

The Doberman Pinscher enjoys the company of his family members. He is also a great family pet, especially if socialized and trained well from a young age. He is naturally more intelligent than the Rottie. Dobermans are more affectionate than Rottweilers and tend to enjoy training.

The Doberman is also more athletic than the Rottweiler and requires plenty of exercises to do well. Without enough exercises, your Doberman Pinscher puppy can develop destructive behaviors.

The Rottweiler is not as cuddly as the Dobie, but he will always come to his owner’s rescue if need be. He can act as a good watchdog and family pet, but he might not get along well with other people’s children.

On the other hand, he is less likely to become destructive even when left alone for considerable periods of time. This means that he is less vulnerable to separation anxiety. The Rottie will definitely bark to alert you whenever he sees a stranger, but he doesn’t bark excessively.

But Which Breed is More Dangerous?

Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Rottweiler carry a similar stereotype. In fact, their names alone are enough to invoke fear in many people.

Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Rottweiler have the potential to be friendly dogs or dangerous animals. It all boils down to proper training and socialization.

Irresponsible dog ownership, neglect or abuse of any of them can lead to a very dangerous dog. On the other hand, responsible ownership, proper training and early socialization can lead to a hardworking, loyal and friendly dog that you and your family will always love.

Doberman Vs Rottweiler: Children at Home

When it comes to choosing either a Doberman or a Rottweiler for a family with young children, none of these two dogs is sadly recommended to be around young children.

There are better options available for households where little children are present, whether they are purebred dogs or mixed breed dogs.

What about Other Pets?

If you are considering adding either a Rottweiler or a Doberman Pinscher to a home where there are other pets present, there’s some good news for you. Both of these dogs are known to get along well with other pets, especially if socialized from a young age.

If you properly socialize your Doberman Pinscher or Rottweiler dog with other pets and teach them how to interact with each other, you’ll soon be happy to see how sociable and friendly each of these two pups are with cats and other pets.

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Doberman Pinscher Vs Rottweiler: Training

When it comes to training, both the Doberman Pinscher and the Rottweiler are easygoing dogs who learn and start obeying commands in no time.

Contrary to popular belief and despite the fact that both dogs look tough, both the Rottie and the Dobie are generally easy to train. This means that they can be good choices for first-time dog owners.

Doberman Vs Rottweiler: Exercise Requirements

Both the Rottweiler and the Doberman have strong, athletic bodies. For that reason and many others, including the fact that both breeds fall under the working group of dogs, both dogs should get enough exercises on a daily basis to remain happy and healthy.

Doberman Vs Rottweiler: Grooming and Care

When it comes to grooming, there’s not much of a Doberman and Rottweiler difference. Both of these dogs will require an almost similar amount of time and effort for various grooming practices.

The best thing is that both the Rottweiler and the Doberman require little grooming work. Moderate brushing is recommended for both breeds since neither of them is known to be a heavy shedder.

Both the Doberman and the Rottweiler are moderate shedding dogs, so it is a good idea to brush their coat two to three times each week.

Both dogs will also need to eat a reasonable amount of high quality dog food each day to maintain a healthy weight. A Rottweiler’s diet must be particularly monitored to prevent obesity.

Both breeds should also be exercised regularly to keep them happy and healthy.

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Doberman Vs Rottweiler: Life Expectancy

Unfortunately, neither Dobermans nor Rottweilers are known for their longevity.

Rottweilers have an average lifespan of around 8 to 10 years while Dobermans tend to live 10 to 13 years.

If lifespan is a major factor when choosing between the two dogs, then you should go for the Doberman Pinscher since they tend to outlive Rotties by a few years.

However, keep in mind that these are average figures and many factors might actually cause many Rottweilers to outlive some Doberman Pinschers by a couple of years.

No matter which of these two breeds you ultimately decide to add to your family, you should keep in mind that both tend to have less than average lifespans.

Doberman Vs Rottweiler: Health Problems

When you’re considering purebred dogs, it’s highly recommended to research the breed’s potential health problems.

Responsible breeders will produce health certificates of each parent dog. This shows that they have been screened and cleared of genetic health issues.

Both Dobermans and Rottweilers are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. While this condition cannot be prevented, it can be managed by providing a well balanced diet.

Doberman Pinschers are prone to bloat, Von Willebrand’s disease, cardiomyopathy, Addison’s disease and eye disorders.

Rottweilers are also susceptible to cardiomyopathy, Addison’s disease, and Von Willebrand’s disease. Other health concerns include hypothyroidism, progressive retinal atrophy and obesity.

Rottweiler or Doberman Which is Better?

When looking to buy a new puppy, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

Both the Rottweiler and Doberman Pinscher have many admirable physical characteristics and personality traits, which would make each of them an excellent family companion.

But if you’ve read our Doberman Vs Rottweiler comparison guide carefully, you should be able to choose the best breed for your lifestyle and needs.

No matter which of these two breeds you ultimately decide to go with, make sure to get your puppy from a reputable breeder out there.

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Doberman Vs Rottweiler Facts – Which Breed Should You Choose?

When choosing between a Doberman and a Rottweiler for a family pet, keep in mind the potential traits of each breed, including their pros and cons.

Keep in mind that both of these dogs are excellent guard dogs who are known for their loyalty and fearlessness. So, they both need proper socialization and training done in a positive and consistent manner.

Both dogs require a lot of exercises and mental stimulation on a daily basis, but the Doberman Pinscher tends to be more energetic.

Dobermans are particularly prone to separation anxiety and therefore, they are ideal for homes where there are active family members to keep them company.

In the end, the choice is yours to make. Hopefully, the above comparison between Doberman Pinscher and Rottweiler will help you choose the best dog for your lifestyle and preferences.