Rottweiler vs Parson Russell Terrier
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
Parson Russell Terrier
Terrier 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.
Parson Russell Terrier Overview
Parson Russell Terriers embody athletic grace with their balanced, square-built frames and intelligent expressions. Distinguished by a predominantly white coat with tan or black markings, they possess strong, muscular bodies built for agility and endurance. Their alert carriage and keen eyes reflect their sharp intelligence and fearless nature, while their compact size belies their tremendous stamina and working ability.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Rottweilers are less energetic than Parson Russell Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Rottweilers require less grooming attention compared to Parson Russell Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Rottweilers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Parson Russell Terriers.
- Trainability: Parson Russell Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Parson Russell Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Parson Russell Terriers 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 Parson Russell Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Rottweiler | Parson Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 9-10 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Rottweiler | Parson Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-27 inches 56-69 cm | 13-14 inches 33-36 cm |
| Weight | 80-135 lbs 36-61 kg | 13-17 lbs 6-8 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Rottweiler | Parson Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Loving, Confident Guardian | Friendly, Clever, Athletic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Rottweiler | Parson Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Parson Russell Terrier Temperament
The Parson Russell Terrier is characterized by being friendly, clever, athletic, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Rottweiler and Parson Russell Terrier, 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
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Rottweiler
Rating: 3/5
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Rottweiler
Rating: 3/5
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Rottweiler
Rating: 2/5
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Rottweiler
Rating: 3/5
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
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.
Parson Russell Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Parson Russell Terriers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Parson Russell Terriers 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
Parson Russell Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Lens luxation
- Ataxia
- Deafness
- Glaucoma
- Patellar luxation
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
Parson Russell Terrier
Pros
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Excellent exercise companion
- Compact size
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong prey drive
- Can be stubborn
- May be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Rottweiler and Parson Russell Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.