Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Pug Versus Rottweiler: Introduction
- Pug versus Rottweiler: Overview
- Pug versus Rottweiler: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pug and the Rottweiler
- The Similarities Between the Pug and the Rottweiler
- Size (Weight and Height) of Pug versus Rottweiler
- Lifespan of Pug versus Rottweiler
- Temperament of the Pug Versus the Rottweiler
- Price of Pug versus Price of Rottweiler
- The Intelligence of the Pug versus the Intelligence of the Rottweiler
- The Popularity of Pug versus Popularity of Rottweiler
- Health Problems of Pug versus Health Problems of Rottweiler
- Tolerates Being Alone: Pug versus Rottweiler
- Do Pugs shed more than Rottweilers?
- Which one drools more, the Pug or the Rottweiler
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Pug or the Rottweiler?
- Does the Pug Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rottweiler?
- Do Pugs Bark and Howl? What about Rottweilers?
- Can Pugs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rottweilers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Pug vs. Rottweiler
- Can Pugs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rottweilers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pug or the Rottweiler?
- Are Pugs good family dogs? What about Rottweilers?
- How Kid-friendly are Pugs and Rottweilers?
- Is the Pug Easier to Train than the Rottweiler?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pug
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Rottweiler
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Pug versus Rottweiler. Which One is a Better Pet?
Pug Versus Rottweiler: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Pug 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 Pug 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 Pug and the Rottweiler.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pug 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 Pug 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 Pug 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 Pug or the Rottweiler.
Pug versus Rottweiler: Overview
A very important difference between the Pug and the Rottweiler is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Pug is a small-sized dog while the Rottweiler is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Pug belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
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.
Pug versus Rottweiler: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Pug 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 Pug and the Rottweiler
| Factor | Pug | Rottweiler |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder | 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 8 to 11 years |
| Weight | 14 to 18 pounds | 85 to 130 pounds |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 9.5 years |
| Average Price | $1620 | $1740 |
| Price Range | $1200 – $1875 | $1300 – $2000 |
| Temperament Score | 91.7 percent | 84.7 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 31 | 8 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 57 | 9 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Pug 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 Pug is 80 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Rottweiler is 69 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Pug is a better pet than the Rottweiler. So, you should get the Pug!
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 Pug and the Rottweiler so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pug and the Rottweiler
Below is a list of where the Pug and the Rottweiler are most different:
The Similarities Between the Pug and the Rottweiler
The Pug and the Rottweiler are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Pug and the Rottweiler are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Pug versus Rottweiler
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Pug and the Rottweiler.
Pugs weigh 14 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Pugs are 10 to 14 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 Pug versus Rottweiler
The lifespan of Pugs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pugs is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Rottweilers is between 8 to 11 years. The average lifespan of Rottweilers is 9.5 years.
Pugs live longer than Rottweilers.
Temperament of the Pug Versus the Rottweiler
The Pug has a better temperament than the Rottweiler.
This is because the temperament score for the Pug is 91.7 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 91.7 percent, the Pug 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 Pug and the Rottweiler by measuring the temperaments of 48 Pugs and 6012 Rottweilers.
Price of Pug versus Price of Rottweiler
The average price of the Pug puppy is $1620. The price of the Pug typically ranges from $1200 – $1875. However, the price of a Pug can be as low as $300 and as high as $6525. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 654 Pug 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 Rottweiler is more expensive than the Pug.
| Pug | Rottweiler | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1620 | $1740 |
| Price Range | $1200 to $1875 | $1300 to $2000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Pug and Rottweiler. For different price points, the charts show how many Pug puppies or how many Rottweiler puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Pugs. 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 Pug 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.
The Intelligence of the Pug versus the Intelligence of the Rottweiler
| Pug | Rottweiler | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 57 out of 130 dog breeds | 9 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 40 To 80 Repetitions! | Tend To Learn New Commands After Fewer Than 5 Repetitions |
Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.
According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.
This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.
To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.
Prof. Coren found that the Pug has an obedience intelligence rank of 57 out of 130 dog breeds. The Pug belongs to the `Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Pugs tend to learn new commands after 40 to 80 repetitions!.
The Rottweiler has an obedience intelligence rank of 9 out of 130 dog breeds. The Rottweiler belongs to the `Brightest Dogs` category. This means that Rottweilers tend to learn new commands after fewer than 5 repetitions.
The Rottweiler is more intelligent than the Pug.
However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.
The Popularity of Pug 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 Pug 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 Pug. 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 Pug is 31 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Pug
Popularity of Rottweiler
| Year | Pug Popularity Rank | Rottweiler Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 31 | 9 |
| 2014 | 33 | 10 |
| 2015 | 33 | 9 |
| 2016 | 32 | 8 |
| 2017 | 31 | 8 |
| 2018 | 28 | 8 |
| 2019 | 31 | 8 |
| 2020 | 29 | 8 |
Health Problems of Pug 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 Pug 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 Pug is prone to more genetic health problems than the Rottweiler.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Pug than for the Rottweiler.
7 health tests are recommended for Pug while 5 tests are recommended for the Rottweiler.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Pugs and in Rottweilers.
Pug Health Problems
Pugs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pug 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 Pug puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pug 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 Pugs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pugs 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 Pugs 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 Pug Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Pug ranks 1 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 942 Pugs, 676 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pugs, and how common these diseases are in Pugs 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 Pug and in Rottweiler and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Pug and the Rottweiler:
| Disease | Pug Rank | Rottweiler Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 1 out of 198 dog breeds | 37 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Necrotizing Meningoencephalitis problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Tracheal Hypoplasia problems | 1 out of 4 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 2 out of 144 dog breeds | 3 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 14 out of 70 dog breeds | 47 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | 14 out of 40 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 32 out of 145 dog breeds | 121 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 60 out of 182 dog breeds | 14 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Shoulder problems | Not Common | 3 out of 22 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 |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 77 out of 115 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: Pug versus Rottweiler
Pugs do not like to be left alone.
Rottweilers do not like to be left alone.
Do Pugs shed more than Rottweilers?
Pugs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Rottweilers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Pug or the Rottweiler
Pugs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Rottweilers have a very high tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Pug or the Rottweiler?
Pugs are very easy to groom.
Rottweilers are very easy to groom.
Does the Pug Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rottweiler?
Pugs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Pugs Bark and Howl? What about Rottweilers?
Pugs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Rottweilers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Pugs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rottweilers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Pugs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Rottweilers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Pug vs. Rottweiler
Pugs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Rottweilers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Pugs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rottweilers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Pugs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Rottweilers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pug or the Rottweiler?
Pugs get along very well with other dogs.
Rottweilers do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Pugs good family dogs? What about Rottweilers?
Pugs 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 Pugs and Rottweilers?
Pugs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Rottweilers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Pug Easier to Train than the Rottweiler?
Pugs are fairly easy to train.
Rottweilers are very easy to train.
Is the Pug Better for Apartment Owners than the Rottweiler?
Pugs adapt very well to apartment living.
Rottweilers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Pug or the Rottweiler?
Pugs are very good for new dog owners.
Rottweilers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pug
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Pug 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 Pug:
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 Pug and how the Rottweiler compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Pug and of the Rottweiler to other breeds:
Pug Versus Other Dog Breeds
Pug versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Pug versus Norwich Terrier Pug versus Australian Kelpie Pug versus English Setter Pug versus Dogue de Bordeaux Pug versus Frenchton Pug versus Norwich Terrier Pug versus Barbet Pug versus English Setter Pug versus Basset Hound Pug versus Welsh Terrier Pug versus Silky Terrier Pug versus Bichon Frise Pug versus Field Spaniel Pug versus Akita Pug versus Pekingese Pug versus Pomeranian Pug versus Bullmastiff Pug versus Puggle Pug versus Xoloitzcuintli Pug versus Papillon Pug versus Pomeranian Pug versus German Pinscher Pug versus Sloughi Pug versus Bordoodle
Rottweiler Versus Other Dog Breeds
Rottweiler versus Pyrenean Mastiff Rottweiler versus Estrela Mountain Dog Rottweiler versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Rottweiler versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Rottweiler versus Newfoundland Rottweiler versus Airedale Terrier Rottweiler versus Komondor Rottweiler versus Bouvier des Flandres Rottweiler versus Irish Setter Rottweiler versus Jack Russell Terrier Rottweiler versus Harrier Rottweiler versus Bordoodle Rottweiler versus Kerry Blue Terrier Rottweiler versus Newfoundland Rottweiler versus English Setter Rottweiler versus Scottish Terrier Rottweiler versus Sealyham Terrier Rottweiler versus Biewer Terrier Rottweiler versus Belgian Sheepdog Rottweiler versus Boxer Rottweiler versus English Setter Rottweiler versus Boxerdoodle Rottweiler versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Rottweiler versus Chihuahua Rottweiler versus Spanish Mastiff
Conclusion: Pug 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 Pug and the Rottweiler better suits you and your family.