Looking for a reliable protector, watchdog, and guard dog in one? Among the few dog breeds that come to mind are the Doberman Pinscher and the Rottweiler. Both are alert, strong, and intimidating, making them great options. But which one’s a better breed for the job?
In terms of bite force, the Rottweiler rules with an average PSI of 328 per bite compared to the 200 PSI from a Doberman. But Dobies can run faster at 40 mph and chase the bad guys quickly while Rotties are a little behind at 25 mph. Yet, in the popularity category, Rotties have consistently outranked the Dobie over the years.
If you’re ready to dive into the world of dog ownership and thinking of getting either one of these breeds, our Doberman VS Rottweiler comparison can help you make a solid choice.
16. Bite Force
Both dogs are noted for their strong bite force. They are definitely not the kind of dogs you want to mess around with because of their powerful and even destructive bite!
Dobermans have a bite force of 200 PSI. In comparison, you can expect an average bite force of 328 PSI from Rottweilers.
15. Running Speed
Speed is an essential quality you want in an excellent guard dog. After knowing more about the build and body type of these breeds, it’s clear which one’s faster than the other.
Dobermans run at a maximum speed of 40 miles per hour because of their light and agile bodies. Rottweilers trail behind at 25 miles per hour since they are stockier and heavier.
14. Appearance: Height
Put these two breeds side by side with each other, and you will immediately notice a difference in their height. One is taller and leaner while the other one is chunkier and shorter.
Rottweilers are stocky and bulky dogs with an average height of 27 inches. As for Dobermans, they are slender, leaner and taller. They usually stand up to 28 inches at the shoulder.
13. Appearance: Weight
As we haven mentioned earlier, Rotties are chunkier and stockier than Dobermans. This breed is the heavier dog, weighing about 135 lbs max. That’s almost the weight of 4 microwaves!
Although Dobermans are taller, they are actually lighter than Rottweilers. Their average weight is 100 lbs, which also helps them to maintain their running speed (more on that in a second).
12. Appearance: Coat Color
Both Dobermans and Rottweilers are famous for their two color combinations – black and rust. But there are more colors for the other breed, which not many people know about.
For instance, Dobermans can come in three colors such as fawn, red, and blue. Rottweilers, however, only have one main color, which is black.
11. Shedding Level
Dobermans have sheer, short, and shiny coats. With the very minimal length of their coat, they are considered as low shedders. This is why allergy sufferers would find them ideal as pets.
But Rottweilers have longer coats – not by much, but still longer than a Doberman’s coat. With this in mind, they need more coat maintenance as they shed a bit more, as well. Shedding seasons are in fall and spring, so regular brushing especially during these times of the year is a necessity.
10. Diet
Both dog breeds are heavy eaters. After all, they are big, muscular and hardworking dogs that require quality food to keep up with their nutritional requirements.
The ideal food serving for both breeds is about 4 cups per day. Yet, this still depends on the dog’s lifestyle and metabolism rate. The less active the dog, the smaller the food portion must be to prevent weight issues.
9. Health Issue: Obesit
Speaking of weight, Rottweilers are more prone to obesity than Dobermans. In fact, Rotties that are given more food than they should receive can easily gain weight.
Dobermans are more agile and active, which makes them less prone to obesity. They are also naturally slender and leaner than a Rottweiler.
8. Health Issue: Von Willebrand’s Disease
Overall, both the Rottweiler and Doberman are generally healthy dog breeds. However, one is more prone to developing Von Willebrand’s Diseases, due to genetics.
The Doberman Pinscher is among the few dogs susceptible to this ailment. It is a serious health concern that can lead to a loss of blood due to an inability to clot properly.
7. Intelligence
Intelligence is one of the strongest suits of these dog breeds. No wonder the choice between Doberman VS Rottweiler is difficult if this is a quality you look for in a pet.
The Doberman ranks #5 while the Rottweiler ranks #9 based on the book, The Intelligence Of Dogs by Stanley Coren, a distinguished canine psychologist. These breeds are considered among the brightest dogs on the planet.
6. Temperament: Alertness
The Doberman and Rottweiler were both trained for protecting and working tasks. This is why they are impressive guard dogs and watchdogs.
Both are equally alert and can easily sense danger and anticipate threats. With their strong desire to protect their families, they are always alert and ready to chase away intruders.
5. Lifespan
With their lean and slender build, Dobermans live slightly longer than Rottweilers. Their life expectancy ranges from 10 to 12 years on average.
As for Rotties, they have a shorter lifespan because of obesity concerns and overall stocky build. They can live up to 10 years or sometimes shorter.
4. Price
When it comes to the price point, there is not a whole lot of difference between the Rottweiler and the Doberman. But one costs more when you look for a show-quality dog.
A Doberman puppy’s starting price is usually at $1,000 But you should be able to find one at $1,000. On the other hand, Rotties are cheaper and can cost you about $850 for a puppy. But show-quality Rotties are pretty expensive at about $4,000 per pup!
3. Popularity
In 2018, the Rottweiler ranks #8 in the list of the most popular dog breeds by the American Kennel Club.
On the other hand, the Doberman is in 17th place. Rotties have been consistently more popular than Dobies, according to the AKC’s ranking.
2. Appearance: Ears
The most striking difference between the Doberman Pinscher and the Rottweiler is their ears. Just take a look at their ears, and it becomes apparent to differentiate them.
Dobermans are noted for their pointy and thin ears that stick out all the time. This unique design is the outcome of ear-cropping practices. On the other hand, Rottweilers have large, drop ears and hardly ever stand upright.
1. Breed History And Origins
Since both breeds share a similar DNA, it is not surprising that they have the same guarding and protecting abilities. But in terms of history and origin, there are some differences between the two.
Dobermans were first developed in 1890 in Germany and designed as protector dogs. This breed was said to be a combination of the Rottweiler, Old Shorthaired Shepherd, Smooth-Haired German Pinscher, and the Black and Tan Terrier. Rotties date way back to the Roman Empire, so they’ve been around a lot longer than Dobies.
Related Questions
Do Rottweilers Get Along With Dobermans? Because of their similar instincts and behavioral tendencies, Rottweilers get along with Dobermans without any problem. Their playstyle is also generally similar, which adds to their ability to do well together.
Are Female Rottweilers Good Guard Dogs? Female Rottweilers have strong maternal instincts, which make them quite protective of their owners. This is why they can be good guard dogs. On the other hand, Male Rotties are bigger and can be more aggressive at times, so they are usually preferred over their female counterparts as guard dogs only when trained well.
Is It Better To Get A Male Or Female Doberman? Male Dobermans tend to bond quickly with the whole family. They are also calmer when neutered. As for females, they bond more with just one person, which makes them more protective of just a specific individual instead of the entire pack. If you prefer a smaller dog, a female Dobie is more reserved and easier to manage. But if you want a Doberman that is protective of the entire family, a male one will be ideal.
