Doberman vs Rottweiler - Dog Breed Comparison

Lets start with the visual differences. For me personally, these two dogs are easy to distinguish apart, especially thanks to their different body types. It is true, that both are big and powerful, but Rottweilers are considerably heavier and bulkier dogs, they are built more like a tank. On the other hand, the Doberman is on average slightly taller, but much more slender and they have more sleek appearance. You can see the size comparison on the screen right now. In general, the Rottweiler has more mastiff like appearance, while the Doberman is more compact and many people will agree, that they are much more elegant and noble looking dogs.
The body type is not the only visual difference. The Rottweiler has much bigger head with a square muzzle, compared to the longer muzzle of Doberman. Both breeds have naturally dropped ears, but especially in some countries, most Dobermans will have cropped ears, which is another major difference.
The coat color is another difference in appearance. It is true, that majority of Rotties and Dobies have black and tan coats, but Dobermans can also be in red and tan and unofficially in blue and tan, all black, red, white or blue.
Now lets jump into temperament comparison. Again, there are many similarities and both dogs are known for their loyalty, intelligence, courage and independence. But there are many differences and it is important to know them before choosing one of these dogs.
Of course, this is a generalization and dogs temperament is individual and vastly depends on early socialization, but in general, the Doberman is more alert and much more suspicious around strangers. That definitely does not mean that Rottweiler will welcome anyone into your home, but they are more chill around other people. Dobies seems to be always guarding, watching and checking its surroundings, while the Rottweiler is little bit more laid back and relaxed.
Both breeds share the history of working guarding dogs, but are they good companions? Well, of course they can make wonderful family companions. The Rottweilers are little bit more docile and cuddly, while the Doberman is more energetic, lively and playful and they are better choice for active people and active families.
Of course, none of these two dogs is a good choice for novices, due to their enormous strength and protectivness. But in the right hands, they can make superb companions.
The reason for some of the similarities is in the origin of both dogs. The Rottweiler is much older breed, with its ancestry dating back to Roman dogs that were brought to the area of todays Germany, where they were crossed with local dogs, especially around the southern Germany town Rottweil, hence the breeds name Rottweiler.
The Doberman is a much more recent development from about the turn of the 20th century. The foundation of the Dobe is the German Pinscher, but other breeds were added into the mix and next to Beauceron and Weimaraner, one of the breeds that was used in the creation of Doberman is the Rottweiler.
Last, but not least, lets compare the health of both breeds. Both dogs are prone to some more or less serious health problems. Both can suffer from joint problems such as hip dysplasia and they are both at risk of suffering gastric torsion. The Doberman is in danger of von Willebrand’s disease or cardiomyopathy but in general, Dobermans tend to outlive the heavier Doberman. The average lifespan of Dobie is around 11 years while the average lifspan of Rottie is only around 9 years.