Rottweiler vs Chihuahua
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Rottweiler
Working Group
Chihuahua
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Chihuahua Overview
Chihuahuas embody confidence in a tiny package, featuring a distinctive apple-shaped head, large expressive eyes, and erect triangular ears. Their compact bodies showcase graceful movements, while their personalities are marked by fierce loyalty and spirited determination. Available in both long and smooth coat varieties, these diminutive dogs carry themselves with remarkable poise and dignity despite their small stature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Rottweilers are less energetic than Chihuahuas, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Rottweilers require more grooming attention compared to Chihuahuas.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Rottweilers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Chihuahuas.
- Trainability: Chihuahuas may be slightly easier to train due to their Chihuahua's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Chihuahuas 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 Rottweiler and Chihuahua, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Rottweiler | Chihuahua |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 9-10 years | 14-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Rottweiler | Chihuahua |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-27 inches 56-69 cm | 5-8 inches 13-20 cm |
| Weight | 80-135 lbs 36-61 kg | 6-6 lbs 3-3 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Rottweiler | Chihuahua |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Loving, Confident Guardian | Charming, Graceful, Sassy |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Rottweiler | Chihuahua |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Rottweiler Temperament
The Rottweiler is known for being loyal, loving, confident guardian, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Chihuahua Temperament
The Chihuahua is characterized by being charming, graceful, sassy, 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 Rottweiler and Chihuahua, 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
Rottweiler
Rating: 3/5
Chihuahua
Rating: 1/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Rottweiler
Rating: 3/5
Chihuahua
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Rottweiler
Rating: 3/5
Chihuahua
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Rottweiler
Rating: 2/5
Chihuahua
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Rottweiler
Rating: 3/5
Chihuahua
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Rottweiler Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Rottweilers 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, Rottweilers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Chihuahua Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Chihuahuas 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, Chihuahuas require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Rottweiler Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Heart Problems
- Eye Issues
- Osteosarcoma
Chihuahua Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Heart Murmurs
- Hydrocephalus
- Dental Issues
- Hypoglycemia
Pros & Cons
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
Chihuahua
Pros
- Highly portable
- Long lifespan
- Minimal space requirements
- Strong loyalty to owners
Cons
- Fragile physique
- Can be yappy
- May be aggressive if not socialized
- Temperature sensitive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Rottweiler and Chihuahua, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.