Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Harrier Versus Rottweiler: Introduction
- Harrier versus Rottweiler: Overview
- Harrier versus Rottweiler: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Rottweiler
- The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Rottweiler
- Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Rottweiler
- Lifespan of Harrier versus Rottweiler
- Adopting the Harrier versus Adopting the Rottweiler
- The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Rottweiler
- Health Problems of Harrier versus Health Problems of Rottweiler
- Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Rottweiler
- Do Harriers shed more than Rottweilers?
- Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Rottweiler
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Rottweiler?
- Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rottweiler?
- Do Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Rottweilers?
- Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rottweilers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Rottweiler
- Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rottweilers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Rottweiler?
- Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Rottweilers?
- How Kid-friendly are Harriers and Rottweilers?
- Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Rottweiler?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Rottweiler
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Harrier versus Rottweiler. Which One is a Better Pet?
Harrier Versus Rottweiler: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier and the Rottweiler.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier or the Rottweiler.
Harrier versus Rottweiler: Overview
Both the Harrier and the Rottweiler are similar in size. The Harrier and the Rottweiler are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Harrier belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
On the other hand, the Rottweiler belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs 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.
Harrier versus Rottweiler: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Harrier 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 Harrier and the Rottweiler
| Factor | Harrier | Rottweiler |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 8 to 11 years |
| Height | 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder | 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 60 pounds | 85 to 130 pounds |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 9.5 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1300 – $2000 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1740 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 183 | 8 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Harrier 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 Harrier is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Rottweiler is 69 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Harrier is a better pet than the Rottweiler. So, you should get the Harrier!
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 Harrier and the Rottweiler so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Rottweiler
Below is a list of where the Harrier and the Rottweiler are most different:
The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Rottweiler
The Harrier and the Rottweiler are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Harrier and the Rottweiler are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Rottweiler
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Harrier and the Rottweiler.
Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 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 Harrier versus Rottweiler
The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Rottweilers is between 8 to 11 years. The average lifespan of Rottweilers is 9.5 years.
Harriers live longer than Rottweilers.
Adopting the Harrier versus Adopting the Rottweiler
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Harriers 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 Harrier named Pilot that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Harriers like Pilot on pefinder.com.
Also, like Harriers, Rottweilers are also available for adoption. For example, Zeus is a Male Rottweiler that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Rottweilers like Zeus that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Bailey is the name of another Harrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Arwen is an adorable Male Rottweiler on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Harriers and Rottweilers that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier. 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 Harrier is 183 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Harrier
Popularity of Rottweiler
| Year | Harrier Popularity Rank | Rottweiler Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 173 | 9 |
| 2014 | 181 | 10 |
| 2015 | 183 | 9 |
| 2016 | 186 | 8 |
| 2017 | 183 | 8 |
| 2018 | 189 | 8 |
| 2019 | 186 | 8 |
| 2020 | 190 | 8 |
Health Problems of Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Rottweiler than for the Harrier.
2 health tests are recommended for Harrier while 5 tests are recommended for the Rottweiler.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Harriers and in Rottweilers.
Harrier Health Problems
Harriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Harrier 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 Harrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Harrier 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 Harriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Harriers 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 Harriers 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 Harrier Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Harrier ranks 76 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 375 Harriers, 58 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Harriers, and how common these diseases are in Harriers 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 Harrier and in Rottweiler and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Harrier and the Rottweiler:
| Disease | Harrier Rank | Rottweiler Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 76 out of 198 dog breeds | 37 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 3 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Shoulder problems | Not Common | 3 out of 22 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 14 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 27 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 45 out of 49 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 47 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 47 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 77 out of 115 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: Harrier versus Rottweiler
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Rottweilers do not like to be left alone.
Do Harriers shed more than Rottweilers?
Harriers shed moderately.
Rottweilers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Rottweiler
Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Rottweilers have a very high tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Rottweiler?
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Rottweilers are very easy to groom.
Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rottweiler?
Harriers 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 Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Rottweilers?
Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Rottweilers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rottweilers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Rottweilers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Rottweiler
Harriers 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 Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rottweilers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Harriers 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 Harrier or the Rottweiler?
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Rottweilers do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Rottweilers?
Harriers 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 Harriers and Rottweilers?
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Rottweilers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Rottweiler?
Harriers are not easy to train.
Rottweilers are very easy to train.
Is the Harrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Rottweiler?
Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Rottweilers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Harrier or the Rottweiler?
Harriers are OK for new dog owners.
Rottweilers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Harrier 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 Harrier:
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 Harrier and how the Rottweiler compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Harrier and of the Rottweiler to other breeds:
Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Harrier versus Westiepoo Harrier versus Valley Bulldog Harrier versus Australian Kelpie Harrier versus Karelian Bear Dog Harrier versus Bedlington Terrier Harrier versus Shiloh Shepherd Harrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier Harrier versus Black and Tan Coonhound Harrier versus West Highland White Terrier Harrier versus Boykin Spaniel Harrier versus Airedale Terrier Harrier versus Catahoula Bulldog Harrier versus Pomsky Harrier versus Samoyed Harrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever Harrier versus Irish Terrier Harrier versus Bulldog Harrier versus Afador Harrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Harrier versus Sheepadoodle Harrier versus Sheepadoodle Harrier versus Akita Harrier versus Aussiedoodle Harrier versus Akbash Harrier versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rottweiler Versus Other Dog Breeds
Rottweiler versus Sealyham Terrier Rottweiler versus American Eskimo Dog Rottweiler versus Miniature Pinscher Rottweiler versus Airedale Terrier Rottweiler versus Skye Terrier Rottweiler versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Rottweiler versus Pomchi Rottweiler versus American Pit Bull Terrier Rottweiler versus Mastiff Rottweiler versus Tibetan Spaniel Rottweiler versus Alaskan Klee Kai Rottweiler versus Mastiff Rottweiler versus Weimaraner Rottweiler versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Rottweiler versus Australian Terrier Rottweiler versus Lhasapoo Rottweiler versus Australian Shepherd Rottweiler versus Spanish Mastiff Rottweiler versus Basenji Rottweiler versus Afghan Hound Rottweiler versus Xoloitzcuintli Rottweiler versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Rottweiler versus Bernese Mountain Dog Rottweiler versus Carolina Dog Rottweiler versus Great Dane
Conclusion: Harrier 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 Harrier and the Rottweiler better suits you and your family.