What are the differences between German Shepherds and Rottweilers?

Question

Does anybody know some major differences and similarities between German Shepherds and Rottweilers? Also, do you know any sites where I can find them?

Answer 1

I prefer the German Shepherd Dog. Here is a picture of two I found sitting in my living room:

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/7348/ursuspuppiessp9.jpg

Answer 2

The main thing that the two breeds have in common is that they were both created to be working breeds, and that means, they have energy and working ability that needs to be put to good use, and they are not happy just laying on the couch all day.

Rottweilers were originally bred to to pull carts, so they are a strong, powerful breed. German Shepherds were originally bred to be herding dogs (as their name suggests), and have a lot of energy and endurance that requires lots of exercise.

I also need to respond to someone above me who said that German Shepherds tend to be aggressive and dominant. It's very obvious that this person has never owned a German Shepherd, because German Shepherds are wonderful family dogs are not at all aggressive - however, their size, build and intelligence makes them very suitable for K-9 and protection work. However, K-9 dogs are not aggressive mean dogs - it's play to them.

Shepherds are extremely intelligent and they have a very strong pack instinct. They want to be with their humans all the time and do great around children as they are watchful and gentle. They do tend to be aloof around strangers (aloof meaning not terribly interested). However, that does not mean they're not suited to being around other people - there are many GSDs working as therapy dogs.

Because they are so intelligent, they're not a good dog for a beginner because raising and training a Shepherd successfully requires a knowledge of pack structure, leadership, and dog training. They will outsmart you given a chance. And if they know they can get away with something, they will.

Answer 3

German shepherds and rottweilers are just two different breeds of dogs, meaning that the dogs of one breed all have a similar set of characteristics, both physical and temperamental. German shepherds and rottweilers are both large, common breeds and are thus prone to a lot of health problems. But the individuals in a breed can also vary a lot according to individuals, so my descriptions below are just guidelines as to some common traits.

German shepherds tend to have a strong guardian instinct and can be very aggressive unless they have been carefully trained not to be. They can tend to be dominant and suspicious of strangers. While they might do well with people and animals that they are familiar with, they're likely to be more aloof with new persons. German shepherds are intelligent and versatile when it comes to training, but they need a firm owner who knows what they're doing. These dogs are very active and tend to be more quick and agile than the stockier rottweiler. They also have more of a natural build that makes them less prone to certain health problems, like ear infections, etc., but since they have been commonly inbred, they're still prone to a multitude of diseases.

Rottweilers have a thicker, stockier and less natural build than the German shepherd. They are extremely powerful dogs and should not be owned by a first-time dog owner. Some rottweilers have a very strong guardian instinct, and thus can be aggressive unless very well trained. While they will do well with people and animals they are raised with, they might not like new persons or animals, so the owner should be prepared for this.

Either way, if you haven't successfully trained at least a few dogs in the past, I wouldn't recommend either a rottweiler or a German shepherd. Both breeds commonly have domineering attitudes and need a firm, experienced owner. They are also both very powerful and tend to have guardian instincts, which means they may be aggressive unless the owner knows what they're doing.

Rather, I would look into a different breed of dog that is better for a first time owner, such as a Labrador retriever. Better yet, check out your local animal shelter. You'll find a variety of adult dogs there, and you'll get to see their personalities and sizes first-hand, so you know exactly what you're getting. Ask the staff to help you find a dog that matches your lifestyle.

Answer 4

they are both different type of dogs. Rottweilers have stub tail while german shepherds have bushy tail n has protective instincts rottweilers r really naughty they play a lot but both have to be trained

Answer 5

They are completely different breeds. Both are very intelligent breeds. You should check out the AKC website. There is some pretty useful info there: www.akc.org

I like both breeds... my preference of course is Rottweilers.

Answer 6

rotts dont have a tail have a small snout powerful jawsblack coat and tan over the mouth eyes and between the legs shepards are cowards but inteligent rott is veay possesssive of it place and equal to 10 human guards i have a male and female rott at home a year old babbys if you are looking for one rott contact me on [e-mail]

Answer 7

The dogs are only as mean as the trainer make them. I had both dogs I've found them both to be very loving and devoted dogs.

Answer 8

Totally different breeds.

Answer 9

Other than both of them being used for protection,they are nothing alike,except that they are obviously both dogs.

Answer 10

you can go to dogbreedinfo.com and i would also do some yahoo searches on both breeds.