DogMatchUp

Rottweiler vs Tornjak

Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.

Rottweiler
Large

Rottweiler

Working Group

Tornjak
Medium

Tornjak

Foundation Stock Service

Quick Comparison

Size

Rottweiler Large
Tornjak Medium

Lifespan

Rottweiler 9-10 years
Tornjak 12-14 years

Exercise Needs

Rottweiler 3/5
Tornjak 3/5

Grooming Needs

Rottweiler 3/5
Tornjak 3/5

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.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 9-10 years
Size: Large
Temperament: Loyal, Loving, Confident Guardian

Tornjak Overview

Majestic and powerful, the Tornjak exhibits a robust build with a thick double coat featuring distinctive markings. Standing between 58-71 cm at the shoulder, these dogs possess strong bones and well-developed musculature. Their alert expression, balanced proportions, and confident stance reflect their heritage as guardian dogs. The breed's weatherproof coat and sturdy frame enable exceptional endurance in various terrains.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Size: Medium
Temperament: Friendly, Courageous, Intelligent

Key Differences

  • Energy Level: Rottweilers are less energetic than Tornjaks, requiring less daily exercise.
  • Grooming: Rottweilers require less grooming attention compared to Tornjaks.
  • Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Rottweilers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Tornjaks.
  • Trainability: Rottweilers may be slightly easier to train due to their Rottweiler's higher intelligence ranking.
  • Living Situation: Tornjaks 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 Tornjak, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.

Basic Information

Feature Rottweiler Tornjak
Size Large Medium
Life Expectancy 9-10 years 12-14 years
Country of Origin Unknown Unknown
Breed Group Working Group Foundation Stock Service

Physical Characteristics

Feature Rottweiler Tornjak
Height
22-27 inches
56-69 cm
23-28 inches
58-71 cm
Weight
80-135 lbs
36-61 kg
62-110 lbs
28-50 kg
Coat Type Short, dense coat Short, dense coat
Coat Length Short Short
Shedding Seasonal Unknown

Temperament & Behavior

Feature Rottweiler Tornjak
Temperament Loyal, Loving, Confident Guardian Friendly, Courageous, Intelligent
Energy Level
3/5
3/5
Intelligence
2/5
1/5

Compatibility

Feature Rottweiler Tornjak
Good with Children
3/5
3/5
Good with Other Dogs
3/5
1/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
3/5

Temperament & Personality

Rottweiler Temperament

Loyal Loving Confident Guardian

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.

Tornjak Temperament

Friendly Courageous Intelligent

The Tornjak is characterized by being friendly, courageous, intelligent, 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 Tornjak, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:

Sociability with Strangers

Rottweiler
3/5
Tornjak
3/5

Good with Children

Rottweiler
3/5
Tornjak
3/5

Side-by-Side Trait Ratings

GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Rottweiler

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

Tornjak

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

Rottweiler

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

Tornjak

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 1/5

ENERGY LEVEL

Rottweiler

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Tornjak

Low High

Rating: 3/5

TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE

Rottweiler

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 2/5

Tornjak

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 1/5

GROOMING NEEDS

Rottweiler

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Tornjak

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Care & Maintenance

Rottweiler Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

3/5

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

3/5

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.

Tornjak Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

3/5

Tornjaks 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

3/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Tornjaks 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

Average Lifespan: 9-10 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Heart Problems
  • Eye Issues
  • Osteosarcoma

Tornjak Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 12-14 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Eye problems
  • Bloat
  • Heart issues

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

Tornjak

Pros

  • Excellent guardian
  • Loyal family companion
  • Weather-resistant coat
  • Intelligent
  • Good with children

Cons

  • Needs extensive space
  • Heavy shedding
  • Strong-willed nature
  • High exercise needs
  • Requires early socialization

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

Now that you've compared the Rottweiler and Tornjak, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.