Seeing the bond between my Rottie and me, my cousin decided to get a rottweiler too. However, he couldn’t find a reputed Rottweiler breeder in his area. So he called me and asked for some alternate dog breeds that are similar to Rottweiler.
So I researched many dog breeds and finally came up with this list of 10 dog breeds that have a similar temperament, qualities, and personality to rottweilers.
1. Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs are a result of cross-breeding Mastiff and Bulldog. And rottweilers are known to be the descendants of early Mastiff dogs.
Bullmastiffs are large breed dogs standing at 27 inches at the shoulder. Just like Rottweilers, they are intelligent, smart, and loyal to their owners.
If you like rottweilers for their protective nature, then you would love Bullmastiffs. They are one of the best guard dogs, even better than rottweilers.
Apart from their Temperament, both breeds have a lot in common: muscular body, obedience, energy level, protectiveness, and strength.
| Rottweiler | Bullmastiff | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24 to 27 inches | 25 to 27 inches |
| Weight | 95 to 135 pounds | 110 to 130 pounds |
| Temperament | Loyal, Obedient, Intelligent | Loyal, Obedient, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | Moderate | Moderate |
| Life Span | 9-10 years | 7-9 years |
| Protectiveness | High | High |
2. Doberman Pinscher
Like Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers are known for their highly protective nature, making them fantastic guard dogs.
They are muscular, powerful, smart, and intelligent dogs. They have a high drive to please their owners, making them easy to train. Their on-point ears allow them to be alert all the time.
Their exact origin is unknown, but they result from cross-breeding many dog breeds, and surprisingly, one of them is a rottweiler.
| Rottweiler | Doberman Pinscher | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24 to 27 inches | 24 to 28 inches |
| Weight | 95 to 135 pounds | 75 to 100 pounds |
| Temperament | Loyal, Obedient, Intelligent | Loyal, Obedient, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | Moderate | High |
| Life Span | 9-10 years | 10-12 years |
| Protectiveness | High | High |
3. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgeback is an independent breed popular in Africa. They were used to track down lions, but now, they have become a popular choice for family dogs.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are affectionate dogs, just like our rottweilers. They may not be as protective as Rotties, but they can become good guard dogs.
| Rottweiler | Rhodesian Ridgeback | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24 to 27 inches | 25 to 27 inches |
| Weight | 95 to 135 pounds | 70-85 pounds |
| Temperament | Loyal, Obedient, Intelligent | Independent, affectionate, smart |
| Energy Level | Moderate | Moderate |
| Life Span | 9-10 years | 10-12 years |
| Protectiveness | High | Moderate |
4. German Shepherd
The list would be incomplete without mentioning this breed. German Shepherds may not look like Rottweilers, but they have quite a lot in common.
German Shepherds are large dogs who are strong, muscular, and courageous. In addition, they are super intelligent and obedient.
Due to their intelligence and high companionship, they are a top choice for police and military services.
Like Rottweilers, German Shepherds have a natural instinct to protect their owner and the territory from any threat. Thus, making them an ideal alternative to Rottweilers.
| Rottweiler | German Shepherd | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24 to 27 inches | 24 to 26 inches |
| Weight | 95 to 135 pounds | 65 to 90 pounds |
| Temperament | Loyal, Obedient, Intelligent | Loyal, Obedient, Super Intelligent |
| Energy Level | Moderate | High |
| Life Span | 9-10 years | 12-14 years |
| Protectiveness | High | High |
5. Hovawart
Hovawarts are a hairy version of Rottweilers. In fact, they both look quite similar. Both breeds have similar temperaments and skills.
Hovawarts were bred to guard livestock as well as their owner’s house. As a result, they are extremely intelligent and loyal to their owners.
While Rottweilers are known for their obedience, Hovawarts are known for their stubbornness. However, they have an independent and fun-loving personality.
Even after being guard dogs, Hovawarts have a strong drive to live in packs. They enjoy being with other dogs as well as their human companion.
| Rottweiler | Hovawart | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24 to 27 inches | 23 to 28 inches |
| Weight | 95 to 135 pounds | 65 to 90 pounds |
| Temperament | Loyal, Obedient, Intelligent | Extremely intelligent, Fun-loving, Loyal. |
| Energy Level | Moderate | High |
| Life Span | 9-10 years | 10-14 years |
| Protectiveness | High | Medium |
6. American Pit Bull
American Pitbull, aka. American Staffordshire is strong, courageous dogs. In fact, even stronger than Rotties.
Just like Rottweilers, Pitbulls are obedient, intelligent, and loyal. They, too, have muscular physic. However, Pitbulls are slightly more stubborn and much more people-friendly than rottweilers. That’s why they aren’t great guard dogs.
Even though Pit Bulls are categorized as terriers, they are half mastiff. That’s why Rottweilers and Pitbulls have so much in common.
| Rottweiler | American Pit Null | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24 to 27 inches | 17 to 19 inches |
| Weight | 95 to 135 pounds | 35 to 60 pounds |
| Temperament | Loyal, Obedient, Intelligent. | Loyal, Obedient, courageous, affectionate, stubborn. |
| Energy Level | Moderate | High |
| Life Span | 9 to 10 years | 8 to 15 years |
| Protectiveness | High | Low |
7. Akita
Akitas were bred to guard royalty and nobility in Japan. They are one of the most loyal dog breeds on earth. Remember Hachi from the movie Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, which is based on a true story? Well Hachiko was an Akita.
If the Guarding skill of Rottweilers entices you, then you will love Akita. Guarding is in their blood. They require little to no training to guard their human companions.
However, just like Rotties, they need proper socialization and training.
| Rottweiler | Akita | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24 to 27 inches | 25 to 27 inches |
| Weight | 95 to 135 pounds | 70 to 85 pounds |
| Temperament | Loyal, Obedient, Intelligent. | Loyal, Intelligent, stubborn, affectionate. |
| Energy Level | Moderate | Moderate |
| Life Span | 9 to 10 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Protectiveness | High | Extremely High |
8. Miniature Pinscher
If you like the coat color of Rottweiler’s, then Miniature Pinschers are the one for you. They are kinda like a smaller, thinner version of rottweilers. They kinda look like a miniature hybrid of Rottweiler and Doberman Pinscher.
In fact, experts believe that their ancestry may contain a mixture of a rottweiler, Black-Tan Terrier, and German Pinscher.
They are excellent guard dogs too. They are quite energetic, even more than rottweilers. They are intelligent and quite easy to train.
| Rottweiler | Miniature Pinscher | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24 to 27 inches | 10 to 12 inches |
| Weight | 95 to 135 pounds | 10 to 15 pounds |
| Temperament | Loyal, Obedient, Intelligent. | Loyal, Intelligent, affectionate. |
| Energy Level | Moderate | High |
| Life Span | 9 to 10 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Protectiveness | High | High |
9. Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiffs are one of the most mysterious dog breeds. No one knows about their history or origin. They are an ancient breed of Tibet.
They have been known as the Guardians of the Himalayas. They are strong and large dogs and have a broad face, somewhat similar to a rottweiler.
Even though Tibetan mastiff and Rottweiler both mastiffs, they have totally different personalities. Tibetan mastiffs are stubborn and difficult to train. They are not as friendly as rottweilers.
| Rottweiler | Tibetan Mastiff | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24 to 27 inches | 25 to 30 inches |
| Weight | 95 to 135 pounds | 100 to 160 pounds |
| Temperament | Loyal, Obedient, Intelligent. | Intelligent, stubborn, aloof. |
| Energy Level | Moderate | High |
| Life Span | 9 to 10 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Protectiveness | High | High |
Final Thoughts
So did you find an alternative breed similar to rottweiler? Let me know.
