Have you ever seen a dog and thought, “Wow, that looks just like a Rottweiler!” only to find out it’s a completely different breed? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! It’s pretty amazing how some dog breeds can look so much like Rottweilers, right?
So in this article, I will share 7 Rottweiler Look-Alikes:
1. Beauceron
These dogs are also known as the Berger de Beauce or the Bas Rouge, which means “red stockings” in French because of their cute red markings on their legs. They’re a large breed, usually weighing between 70 to 110 pounds, and they have a strong, athletic build.
Beaucerons were originally bred in France, and they’re kinda like a mix between a Rottweiler and a German Shepherd. They are herding and guard dogs, so they’re super smart and protective of their families.
Their high energy levels and intelligence mean they need lots of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy, so they’re best suited for families who love being active and spending time outdoors.
One thing that’s unique about Beaucerons is their double dewclaws on their back legs. It’s actually a breed requirement! These extra toes might seem a bit weird, but they’re said to help the dogs with their agility and grip when working in rough terrain.
Beaucerons are loyal, loving, and great with kids. Just make sure to socialize them early on, so they can grow up to be friendly and confident dogs.
2. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog originally come from the Swiss Alps, where they were bred as all-around farm dogs. They’re one of the oldest Swiss dog breeds, and they’re actually related to the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Saint Bernard.
Swissies are large dogs, weighing between 85 to 140 pounds, and they have a strong, muscular build that makes them perfect for working.
One of the most striking things about Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs is their beautiful tricolor coat. It’s short and dense, which helps them stay warm in cold weather. They have a black base color with white and rust markings, which gives them a similar appearance to Rottweilers.
Swissies are known for being friendly, gentle, and great with kids, making them awesome family pets. They’re also pretty laid-back, but they still need daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They love going for walks, playing in the yard, or even joining you on a hike.
3. Appenzeller Sennenhund
Appenzeller Sennenhund, another Swiss breed that resembles the Rottweiler. They’re a bit smaller than the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, usually weighing between 48 to 70 pounds. But don’t let their size fool you – these dogs are strong, energetic, and ready for action!
Appenzellers were originally bred for herding and guarding livestock, which means they have a strong work ethic and need plenty of exercise.
They’re super smart and learn quickly, making them great at activities like agility, herding, and even obedience training. If you’re an active family who loves spending time outdoors, an Appenzeller Sennenhund might be the perfect fit for you.
One thing that’s cool about Appenzellers is their striking tricolor coat, which has a similar color pattern to Rottweilers and Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs. They have a thick, double coat that helps protect them from the elements, so they’re well-suited for life in the great outdoors.
When it comes to personality, Appenzellers are known for being loyal, fearless, and good-natured. They can be a bit stubborn at times, but with consistent training and early socialization, they’ll grow up to be well-behaved and loving companions.
4. Doberman
These impressive dogs were developed in Germany during the late 19th century by a tax collector named Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann. He wanted to create a loyal, protective, and intelligent companion to accompany him on his rounds – and that’s precisely what he got!
Dobermans are medium to large-sized dogs, usually weighing between 60 to 100 pounds, and they have a sleek, muscular build that gives them an air of elegance and strength.
Their coat is short and smooth, with the most common color being black and tan, which is similar to the Rottweiler’s markings. However, Dobermans can also come in other colors like blue, red, and fawn with rust markings.
One of the most distinctive features of Dobermans is their ears. Many Dobermans have their ears cropped, which makes them stand upright and pointy.
This practice is controversial, and some people choose to leave their Dobermans’ ears natural, which gives them a softer, more floppy appearance. Their tails are often docked as well, but this is also becoming less common as people opt for a more natural look.
5. Boxer
These dogs were originally bred in Germany for a variety of tasks like hunting, guarding, and even pulling carts. Boxers are medium to large-sized dogs, usually weighing between 50 to 80 pounds, and they have a strong, muscular build that makes them great at their jobs.
One thing that sets Boxers apart from Rottweilers is their coat color, which can be fawn or brindle with white markings. But, they do share that same square head shape and muscular body with Rotties. Boxers have a short, smooth coat that’s easy to care for and doesn’t require much grooming.
Boxers are known for their playful, goofy personalities, and they absolutely love being around their families. They’re great with kids and other pets, making them a popular choice for families. However, they do have a protective side, and they won’t hesitate to defend their loved ones if they feel threatened.
6. Cane Corso
This breed originates from Italy and is sometimes called the Italian Mastiff. They’re large, powerful dogs, usually weighing between 90 to 120 pounds, and they have a muscular, athletic build that gives them an imposing presence.
Cane Corsos have a short, dense coat that can come in a variety of colors, including black, gray, fawn, and even brindle. While they don’t have the same black-and-tan markings as Rottweilers, their body shape and size are quite similar.
These dogs were originally bred for guarding property and hunting large game-like wild boar. Today, they make great family pets and guard dogs, thanks to their loyal, protective nature.
Cane Corsos are intelligent and easy to train, but they do need consistent leadership and early socialization to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved adults.
Also Read: 9 Dog Breeds Similar to Rottweilers.
7. Black Russian Terrier
Black Russian Terrier developed in Russia during the Cold War and was originally used for military and police work. They’re large dogs, weighing between 80 to 130 pounds, and they have a powerful, muscular build that makes them well-suited for their jobs.
One thing that sets Black Russian Terriers apart from Rottweilers is their coat, which is longer and wavier. However, their black color and strong bodies give them a similar appearance to Rotties. They’re also intelligent and protective, just like Rottweilers, making them excellent guard dogs and loyal companions.
Black Russian Terriers are known for their calm, confident demeanor, and they can be quite affectionate with their families.
They do need regular grooming to keep their coats healthy, and they require consistent training and socialization to ensure they grow up to be well-rounded dogs.
Final Thoughts
It’s crazy how similar they can be, huh? I hope you enjoyed learning about these awesome pups as much as I did. If you know any other Rottweiler Look-Alikes do let me know in the comments down below. Have a nice day.