Quick Links: Table of Contents
- German Pinscher Versus Rottweiler: Introduction
- German Pinscher versus Rottweiler: Overview
- German Pinscher versus Rottweiler: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Pinscher and the Rottweiler
- The Similarities Between the German Pinscher and the Rottweiler
- Size (Weight and Height) of German Pinscher versus Rottweiler
- Lifespan of German Pinscher versus Rottweiler
- Temperament of the Rottweiler Versus the German Pinscher
- Price of German Pinscher versus Price of Rottweiler
- Adopting the German Pinscher versus Adopting the Rottweiler
- The Popularity of German Pinscher versus Popularity of Rottweiler
- Health Problems of German Pinscher versus Health Problems of Rottweiler
- Tolerates Being Alone: German Pinscher versus Rottweiler
- Do German Pinschers shed more than Rottweilers?
- Which one drools more, the German Pinscher or the Rottweiler
- Which is Easier to Groom, the German Pinscher or the Rottweiler?
- Does the German Pinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rottweiler?
- Do German Pinschers Bark and Howl? What about Rottweilers?
- Can German Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rottweilers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: German Pinscher vs. Rottweiler
- Can German Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rottweilers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Pinscher or the Rottweiler?
- Are German Pinschers good family dogs? What about Rottweilers?
- How Kid-friendly are German Pinschers and Rottweilers?
- Is the German Pinscher Easier to Train than the Rottweiler?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Pinscher
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Rottweiler
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: German Pinscher versus Rottweiler. Which One is a Better Pet?
German Pinscher Versus Rottweiler: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Pinscher and the Rottweiler? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the German Pinscher and the Rottweiler better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the German Pinscher and the Rottweiler.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Pinscher and the Rottweiler is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the German Pinscher and for the Rottweiler. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the German Pinscher and the Rottweiler.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the German Pinscher or the Rottweiler.
German Pinscher versus Rottweiler: Overview
Both the German Pinscher and the Rottweiler are similar in size. The German Pinscher and the Rottweiler are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, both the German Pinscher and the Rottweiler are Working Dogs. This means both the German Pinscher and the Rottweiler were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
German Pinscher versus Rottweiler: Comparison Table
The table below compares the German Pinscher to the Rottweiler based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the German Pinscher and the Rottweiler
| Factor | German Pinscher | Rottweiler |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 8 to 11 years |
| Height | 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder | 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 45 pounds | 85 to 130 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 9.5 years |
| Average Price | $2040 | $1740 |
| Price Range | $1150 – $2688 | $1300 – $2000 |
| Temperament Score | 91.9 percent | 84.7 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
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| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 135 | 8 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Pinscher in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Rottweiler. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the German Pinscher is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Rottweiler is 69 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the German Pinscher is a better pet than the Rottweiler. So, you should get the German Pinscher!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the German Pinscher and the Rottweiler so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Pinscher and the Rottweiler
Below is a list of where the German Pinscher and the Rottweiler are most different:
The Similarities Between the German Pinscher and the Rottweiler
The German Pinscher and the Rottweiler are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Pinscher and the Rottweiler are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of German Pinscher versus Rottweiler
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Pinscher and the Rottweiler.
German Pinschers weigh 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown. German Pinschers are 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Rottweilers weigh 85 to 130 pounds when fully grown. Rottweilers are 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of German Pinscher versus Rottweiler
The lifespan of German Pinschers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Pinschers is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Rottweilers is between 8 to 11 years. The average lifespan of Rottweilers is 9.5 years.
German Pinschers live longer than Rottweilers.
Temperament of the Rottweiler Versus the German Pinscher
The German Pinscher has a better temperament than the Rottweiler.
This is because the temperament score for the German Pinscher is 91.9 percent while the temperament score for the Rottweiler is 84.7 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 91.9 percent, the German Pinscher has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 84.7 percent, the Rottweiler has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the German Pinscher and the Rottweiler by measuring the temperaments of 37 German Pinschers and 6012 Rottweilers.
Price of German Pinscher versus Price of Rottweiler
The average price of the German Pinscher puppy is $2040. The price of the German Pinscher typically ranges from $1150 – $2688. However, the price of a German Pinscher can be as low as $500 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 10 German Pinscher puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Rottweiler puppy is $1740. The price of the Rottweiler typically ranges from $1300 – $2000. However, the price of the Rottweiler can be as low as $100 and as high as $4650. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 365 Rottweiler puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The German Pinscher is more expensive than the Rottweiler.
| German Pinscher | Rottweiler | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2040 | $1740 |
| Price Range | $1150 to $2688 | $1300 to $2000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the German Pinscher and Rottweiler. For different price points, the charts show how many German Pinscher puppies or how many Rottweiler puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of German Pinschers. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Rottweilers?
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the German Pinscher puppy or the Rottweiler puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Adopting the German Pinscher versus Adopting the Rottweiler
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many German Pinschers and many Rottweilers are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male German Pinscher named Remi that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable German Pinschers like Remi on pefinder.com.
Also, like German Pinschers, Rottweilers are also available for adoption. For example, Charlie is a Male Rottweiler that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Rottweilers like Charlie that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Skeeter is the name of another German Pinscher (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
You can find more German Pinschers and Rottweilers that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of German Pinscher versus Popularity of Rottweiler
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the German Pinscher and the Rottweiler over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Rottweiler is more popular with dog owners than the German Pinscher. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Rottweiler is 8 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the German Pinscher is 135 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of German Pinscher
Popularity of Rottweiler
| Year | German Pinscher Popularity Rank | Rottweiler Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 130 | 9 |
| 2014 | 141 | 10 |
| 2015 | 138 | 9 |
| 2016 | 146 | 8 |
| 2017 | 136 | 8 |
| 2018 | 134 | 8 |
| 2019 | 123 | 8 |
| 2020 | 139 | 8 |
Health Problems of German Pinscher versus Health Problems of Rottweiler
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the German Pinscher and the Rottweiler are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Rottweiler is prone to more genetic health problems than the German Pinscher.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Rottweiler than for the German Pinscher.
4 health tests are recommended for German Pinscher while 5 tests are recommended for the Rottweiler.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in German Pinschers and in Rottweilers.
German Pinscher Health Problems
German Pinschers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing German Pinscher puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a German Pinscher puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your German Pinscher breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen German Pinschers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for German Pinschers here.
Rottweiler Health Problems
Rottweilers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Rottweiler puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Rottweiler puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Rottweiler breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Rottweilers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Rottweilers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in German Pinschers and Rottweilers
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the German Pinscher Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the German Pinscher ranks 11 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 77 German Pinschers, 2 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in German Pinschers, and how common these diseases are in German Pinschers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Rottweiler Breed is Elbow problems.
This is because the Rottweiler ranks 3 out of 144 dog breeds for Elbow problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 22339 Rottweilers, 8667 of them had Elbow problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Rottweilers, and how common these diseases are in Rottweilers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in German Pinscher and in Rottweiler and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the German Pinscher and the Rottweiler:
| Disease | German Pinscher Rank | Rottweiler Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 11 out of 71 dog breeds | 27 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 15 out of 159 dog breeds | 47 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 56 out of 115 dog breeds | 77 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 95 out of 144 dog breeds | 3 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 110 out of 182 dog breeds | 14 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 196 out of 198 dog breeds | 37 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Shoulder problems | Not Common | 3 out of 22 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 45 out of 49 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 47 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 121 out of 145 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: German Pinscher versus Rottweiler
German Pinschers can be left alone only for a short time.
Rottweilers do not like to be left alone.
Do German Pinschers shed more than Rottweilers?
German Pinschers shed moderately.
Rottweilers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the German Pinscher or the Rottweiler
German Pinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Rottweilers have a very high tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the German Pinscher or the Rottweiler?
German Pinschers are very easy to groom.
Rottweilers are very easy to groom.
Does the German Pinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rottweiler?
German Pinschers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Rottweilers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Do German Pinschers Bark and Howl? What about Rottweilers?
German Pinschers bark and howl, but not very much.
Rottweilers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can German Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rottweilers Tolerate Cold Weather?
German Pinschers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Rottweilers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: German Pinscher vs. Rottweiler
German Pinschers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Rottweilers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can German Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rottweilers Tolerate Hot Weather?
German Pinschers can tolerate hot weather.
Rottweilers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Pinscher or the Rottweiler?
German Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.
Rottweilers do not get along well with other dogs.
Are German Pinschers good family dogs? What about Rottweilers?
German Pinschers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Rottweilers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are German Pinschers and Rottweilers?
German Pinschers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Rottweilers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the German Pinscher Easier to Train than the Rottweiler?
German Pinschers are very easy to train.
Rottweilers are very easy to train.
Is the German Pinscher Better for Apartment Owners than the Rottweiler?
German Pinschers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Rottweilers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Pinscher or the Rottweiler?
German Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.
Rottweilers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Pinscher
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Pinscher that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the German Pinscher:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Rottweiler
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Rottweiler that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Rottweiler:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the German Pinscher and how the Rottweiler compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the German Pinscher and of the Rottweiler to other breeds:
German Pinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds
German Pinscher versus Great Dane German Pinscher versus Maltese German Pinscher versus Shihpoo German Pinscher versus Flat-Coated Retriever German Pinscher versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde German Pinscher versus Borzoi German Pinscher versus English Toy Spaniel German Pinscher versus Akbash German Pinscher versus Saluki German Pinscher versus American Foxhound German Pinscher versus Borzoi German Pinscher versus Harrier German Pinscher versus Glen of Imaal Terrier German Pinscher versus French Bulldog German Pinscher versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever German Pinscher versus Cavachon German Pinscher versus Mastiff German Pinscher versus Doberman Pinscher German Pinscher versus Kerry Blue Terrier German Pinscher versus Dutch Shepherd German Pinscher versus Afador German Pinscher versus Shiloh Shepherd German Pinscher versus Hovawart German Pinscher versus Newfoundland German Pinscher versus Plott
Rottweiler Versus Other Dog Breeds
Rottweiler versus Pyrenean Shepherd Rottweiler versus Bernese Mountain Dog Rottweiler versus Black Mouth Cur Rottweiler versus Lowchen Rottweiler versus Lhasapoo Rottweiler versus Cavapoo Rottweiler versus Border Collie Rottweiler versus Cesky Terrier Rottweiler versus Kooikerhondje Rottweiler versus Standard Schnauzer Rottweiler versus Beagle Rottweiler versus German Wirehaired Pointer Rottweiler versus Standard Schnauzer Rottweiler versus Norwegian Buhund Rottweiler versus Brussels Griffon Rottweiler versus King Shepherd Rottweiler versus Saint Berdoodle Rottweiler versus Akbash Rottweiler versus Irish Setter Rottweiler versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Rottweiler versus Dogue de Bordeaux Rottweiler versus Goldador Rottweiler versus Saint Berdoodle Rottweiler versus Bearded Collie Rottweiler versus Stabyhoun
Conclusion: German Pinscher versus Rottweiler. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the German Pinscher and the Rottweiler better suits you and your family.