German Spitz vs Rottweiler
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
German Spitz
Foundation Stock Service
Rottweiler
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
German Spitz Overview
German Spitz dogs showcase a distinctive fox-like face with alert, pointed ears and a luxurious double coat that forms a striking ruff around the neck. Their compact yet sturdy build combines elegance with strength, featuring a well-proportioned body and characteristic plumed tail carried high over the back. These spirited companions display remarkable agility and grace in movement, embodying their lively and attentive nature.
Rottweiler Overview
Powerful and muscular, Rottweilers showcase a robust, balanced build with a broad head and strong jaws. Their black coat with mahogany markings complements their confident stance and alert expression. Distinguished by their natural guarding instincts, these dogs combine strength with remarkable agility, displaying a calm yet watchful demeanor that reflects their working heritage.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: German Spitzs are less energetic than Rottweilers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: German Spitzs require more grooming attention compared to Rottweilers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, German Spitzs tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Rottweilers.
- Trainability: Rottweilers may be slightly easier to train due to their Rottweiler's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: German Spitzs adapt better to apartment living, while Rottweilers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the German Spitz and Rottweiler, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | German Spitz | Rottweiler |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 9-10 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | German Spitz | Rottweiler |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm | 22-27 inches 56-69 cm |
| Weight | 24-26 lbs 11-12 kg | 80-135 lbs 36-61 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | German Spitz | Rottweiler |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Devoted, Lively, Attentive | Loyal, Loving, Confident Guardian |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | German Spitz | Rottweiler |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
German Spitz Temperament
The German Spitz is known for being devoted, lively, attentive, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Rottweiler Temperament
The Rottweiler is characterized by being loyal, loving, confident guardian, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the German Spitz and Rottweiler, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
German Spitz
Rating: 3/5
Rottweiler
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
German Spitz
Rating: 4/5
Rottweiler
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
German Spitz
Rating: 3/5
Rottweiler
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
German Spitz
Rating: 1/5
Rottweiler
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
German Spitz
Rating: 4/5
Rottweiler
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
German Spitz Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
German Spitzs require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, German Spitzs require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Rottweiler Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Rottweilers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Rottweilers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
German Spitz Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Eye Problems
- Dental Issues
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Murmurs
Rottweiler Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Heart Problems
- Eye Issues
- Osteosarcoma
Pros & Cons
German Spitz
Pros
- Highly adaptable
- Excellent watchdog
- Affectionate with family
- Low maintenance cost
Cons
- Can be vocal
- Suspicious of strangers
- Regular grooming needed
- Strong prey drive
Rottweiler
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Excellent guard dog
- Intelligent
- Good with family
- Trainable
- Strong work ethic
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Can be stubborn
- Requires firm training
- May be too powerful for novice owners
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the German Spitz and Rottweiler, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.