The Rottweiler is a large and powerful breed of dog that has been bred for centuries for guarding and herding. While the Rottweiler is a single breed, there are two distinct types: the American Rottweiler and the German Rottweiler. While both types are intelligent, loyal, and strong, there are some differences between the two that should be considered when deciding which type is right for you. In this article, we will compare the American Rottweiler vs. the German Rottweiler to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
History and Origin
American Rottweiler: The American Rottweiler is a relatively new breed, having been established in the United States in the early 1900s. It is believed that the American Rottweiler was a cross between the German Rottweiler, the English Bulldog, and the Doberman Pinscher. The American Rottweiler was developed to be an all-around working breed, with a focus on herding, protection, and pulling.
German Rottweiler: The German Rottweiler is one of the oldest herding breeds and is believed to have originated in the Roman Empire. It is believed to have descended from the Italian Mastiff, which was used by the Roman Army as a herding and guard dog. The German Rottweiler was used mainly in Germany as a herding and guard dog, and eventually spread to other parts of Europe and the world. This breed is known for its strength and intelligence, and is often used as a working or guard dog today.
Physical Characteristics
Size: The American Rottweiler is slightly larger than the German Rottweiler, with the American Rottweiler typically reaching a height of 24-27 inches (61-68 cm) and weighing between 85 and 135 pounds (39-61 kg). The German Rottweiler is usually slightly smaller, reaching a height of 22-25 inches (56-63 cm) and weighing between 75 and 115 pounds (34-52 kg).
Head: The American Rottweiler usually has a slightly bigger and rounder head than the German Rottweiler.
Muzzle: The American Rottweiler usually has a slightly longer muzzle than the German Rottweiler.
Coat: The American Rottweiler has a thicker, more dense coat than the German Rottweiler, which has a softer, more silky coat.
Color: The American Rottweiler is typically black with tan markings, while the German Rottweiler can be either black with tan markings or brown with tan markings.
Temperament: The American Rottweiler is generally more laid back and calm than the German Rottweiler, which is more alert and active.
Shedding
The American Rottweiler sheds moderately throughout the year and more heavily during seasonal shedding periods. The coat is thick and will require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles.
The German Rottweiler, on the other hand, sheds very little throughout the year. Its coat is short and smooth, so it requires little in the way of grooming. This makes the German Rottweiler an ideal choice for people who don’t want to spend a lot of time dealing with shedding.
Hypoallergenic Quality
When it comes to hypoallergenic qualities, the German Rottweiler is the better choice of the two. The American Rottweiler has a short, dense coat that sheds profusely, while the German Rottweiler has a longer, thicker coat that is considered hypoallergenic. This means that the German Rottweiler is less likely to trigger an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to pet dander.
Temperament
The American Rottweiler and the German Rottweiler are both large, muscular breeds of working dogs that require plenty of exercise and attention. The primary difference between the two is their temperament.
American Rottweilers tend to be more protective and territorial than their German counterparts. They can also be more aloof and wary of strangers, making them better guard dogs. They are also known to be more independent and less responsive to commands, which can make them difficult to train.
German Rottweilers are often described as more even-tempered and less aggressive. They tend to be loyal, loving, and devoted to their families, yet still wary of strangers. They are also more eager to please and easier to train than the American Rottweiler.
Trainability
Both the American Rottweiler and the German Rottweiler are highly trainable breeds. Both breeds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and obedience.
When it comes to training, the American Rottweiler is considered to be the easier to train of the two breeds. They are very eager to please and respond well to consistent training methods.
The German Rottweiler is thought to be more challenging to train than the American Rottweiler. They can be strong-willed and independent, so it is important to use firm, consistent training methods with them. They are also more protective of their family than the American Rottweiler, so special attention must be paid to socialization and obedience training.
Health Issues
The American Rottweiler is a large breed of domestic dog that is descended from the German Rottweiler. Both breeds are highly intelligent and loyal, but they do have some differences in terms of their health issues.
American Rottweilers are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which is a genetic condition that affects the joints. This condition can cause pain and lameness. They are also more prone to obesity than the German Rottweiler.
The German Rottweiler is less likely to suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, but they are more prone to bloat, which is a serious and potentially fatal condition that affects the stomach. They are also susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and arthritis.
Overall, the American Rottweiler is more prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and obesity, while the German Rottweiler is more prone to bloat and joint problems. It is important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise program for either breed to help prevent these conditions.
Grooming Requirements
The American Rottweiler is a low maintenance breed with minimal grooming requirements. They require weekly brushing to keep their coats healthy and remove dead hair. They also need occasional bathing, nail trims and ear cleaning.
The German Rottweiler requires a bit more grooming than the American Rottweiler. This breed requires regular brushing to keep their coats healthy and to remove dead hair. They also need frequent bathing and nail trims. They also require regular ear cleaning and checking for ear mites.
Price Range
The price range for American Rottweilers typically ranges from $600 to $1,500. American Rottweilers are generally considered to be less expensive than their German counterparts due to their lack of pedigree.
The price range for a German Rottweiler typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,000. This is due to the pedigree and extensive breeding history associated with the German Rottweiler. German Rottweilers are typically of higher quality than their American counterparts.
Activity Level
The American Rottweiler is a large, powerful dog with an active and working nature. This type of Rottweiler is well-suited to a variety of activities, such as agility, obedience, and protection work. They are also good family dogs and can thrive in an active environment with plenty of daily exercise.
The German Rottweiler is a large and powerful breed that is known for its calm and loyal nature. This type of Rottweiler is better suited to an environment where they can have plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation, but their activity level is not as high as that of the American Rottweiler. They are good family dogs and can do well in activities such as herding, tracking, and protection work.
Exercise
American Rottweilers require an average amount of exercise to maintain their fitness and health. Depending on their age and size, they should receive anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour of daily exercise. This can include a long walk, a run in a fenced in area, or a combination of the two.
German Rottweilers require a bit more exercise than the American Rottweiler. These dogs are larger and more active, and should receive at least an hour of exercise daily. This can include agility training, running, fetch, or a combination of the two. German Rottweilers should also have access to a large, fenced in area to run and play in.
Popularity and Demand
The American Rottweiler is generally more popular than the German Rottweiler, due to its more even temper and friendlier nature.
The German Rottweiler is in higher demand than the American Rottweiler, as it is considered to be more of a working dog and is highly sought-after for its guard and protection skills.
Preferred Environment
American Rottweilers typically prefer a larger living environment with plenty of room to roam and play. They are active dogs and need sufficient exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
German Rottweilers tend to prefer a smaller living environment and may not need as much exercise as their American counterparts. They are calmer and quieter than American Rottweilers, and can do well in smaller living spaces.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the American Rottweiler and the German Rottweiler are similar in many ways, yet they have subtle differences that set them apart. Both breeds are loyal, intelligent, and courageous, and they make great loyal and loving companions. Ultimately, the choice will come down to personal preference and lifestyle. Whichever breed you choose, they will give you unconditional love and companionship.