Are you wondering if there’s a dog that looks like a Rottweiler? Don’t worry, we got your back.
The popular conception about Rottweilers is that they’re savages.
While there’s a good dose of hyperbole in this view, it is persistent and will not go away anytime soon.
So, your partner or family may not be open to getting a Rottie and you need alternatives. Perhaps you also don’t feel up to the task of training one for other factors like their size.
In this article, we’ll take a look at breeds of dogs that look like Rottweilers but aren’t.
For some of these Rottweiler look-alikes, the resemblance is physical. Others match in the personality. Then there are those who are almost twins of the Rottie.
As you read, you may discover a dog breed that’s right for you.
Breeds of Dogs that Look Like Rottweilers but Aren’t
1. Beaucerons
- Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
- Weight: 60 to 85 pounds
- Height: 25 and 28 inches
- Country of Origin: France
A Beauceron is a Rottweiler look-alike with a sensitive soul and high intelligence.
If you want a watchdog or a guard dog, the Beauceron checks both lists.
They are protectors and make sure you and your property are in good hands.
2. Doberman Pinscher
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years
- Weight: 60 to 80 pounds
- Height: 24 to 28 inches
- Country of Origin: Germany
With the same height and looks, the Doberman is like a sibling to the Rottweiler. They also share personality traits of loyalty and protectiveness.
Unfortunately, the Doberman has a notorious reputation that doesn’t do justice to a lot of amazing qualities.
Besides their elegant stature and athleticism, the courage they exhibit is admirable.
They’re also intelligent and make good guardians. The fear of them being wild stems from their fearless nature, as they don’t hesitate to ward off perceived danger.
3. Miniature Pinscher
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
- Weight: 8 to 11 pounds
- Height: 10 to 12 inches
- Country of Origin: Germany
If you’re not one for big dogs yet love the idea of a Rottweiler, why not consider the Miniature Pinscher?
They take up less space and don’t come with the challenge of training a huge pet.
Heralded as the ‘King of Toys’, the Miniature Pinscher is a confident breed with a spirit bigger than the size.
His curiosity, intelligence, courage, and wariness of strangers make him a good watchdog.
These qualities also make him tough to train, added to the fact that he is always on the move.
Experience is needed to own and train Pinschers as their intelligence can make them test boundaries.
4. Hovawart
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
- Weight: 55 to 110 pounds
- Height: 23 to 29 inches
- Country of Origin: Germany
With similar colors, the Hovawart is another good alternative to the Rottweiler. Their kindness and gentleness are appealing.
This ‘guardian of the estate’, as the name translates, is large, strong, and loving.
They are territorial as they had the role of guarding humans and property in times past. When a Hovawart barks, there is a reason.
They are as stubborn as they are gentle. They also boast of intelligence.
A dog with stubbornness and intelligence is definitely not for the inexperienced and faint of heart. Training them requires firm confidence and experience.
5. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
- Life Expectancy: 7 to 9 years
- Weight: 85 to 140 pounds
- Height: 23 to 28 inches
- Country of Origin: Switzerland
Besides some differences like coat color, the Great Swiss Mountain Dog is a dog that looks like a Rottweiler but is less vicious looking.
Going by the nickname ‘Swissy’, the Mountain Dog is a rare breed that’s gentle, confident, and stubborn. A large environment and experience are prerequisites to owning one.
Due to their stubbornness, new pet parents may find raising a Mountain Dog challenging.
6. Boerboel
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
- Weight: 110 to 200 pounds
- Height: 22 to 28 inches
- Country of Origin: South Africa
The Boerboel is a thicker lookalike of the Rottweiler and originated from South Africa. Back in the days, they protected farmlands against predators like lions.
The ‘farmer’s dog’, also known as the South African Mastiff, is an intelligent breed who’s ready to play and works for the satisfaction of his master.
They also are meek, at times, yet with a confidence that makes it a challenge to train them. They require a strong and bold master.
7. Great Dane
- Life Expectancy: 7 to 9 years
- Weight: 100 to 200 pounds
- Height: 26 to 34 inches
- Country of Origin: Germany
While the Great Dane isn’t much of a Rottweiler look-alike, they are similar in personality. Thus, they make the list of dogs that look like Rottweilers.
A gentle giant, Great Danes appeals to fans with their gentleness, affection, and love. They are equally intelligent, making for an interesting combination of brawn and brains.
A kid-friendly breed who’s also kind to smaller animals, Great Danes make good household pets and are rarely aggressive.
8. Boxer
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
- Weight: 60 to 70 pounds
- Height: 8 to 12 inches
- Country of Origin: Germany
The Boxer has a similar structure to the Rottweiler but is a lot more playful. You could consider the Boxer a funnier version of the Rottweiler.
They are gentle, patient, friendly, fearless, devoted with tons of energy. Little wonder they’re among the most popular dog breeds today.
While their size can be scary (if you think about it, that isn’t such a bad thing) you can’t judge this book by its cover.
9. German Shepherd
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
- Weight: 75 to 95 pounds
- Height: 1ft 10 to 2 ft 2 inches
- Country of Origin: Germany
We move on to the next Rottweiler look-alike, a comrade known as the German Shepherd who was raised as a herder.
The German Shepherd is reserved but loyal and accomodating to family.
They don’t do well in isolation and boredom, so you need to be a major part of their lives to keep them company and make them productive.
They tend to be withdrawn around strangers, but if you train them early and well, they will show good manners. They get protective as well, a remnant from their herding days.
10. Tibetan Mastiff
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
- Weight: 75 to 160 pounds
- Height: 2ft to 2 ft 2 inches
- Country of Origin: Tibet
The Tibetan Mastiff is another huge breed after the Great Dane and has a close resemblance to the Rottweiler.
This regal dog comes with many pros. They display love, gentleness, and patience.
Add to the qualities courage and loyalty and you know why someone would consider this giant. They’re quiet and unique.
There are some cons to consider, though. Obedience doesn’t come easy to the Tibetans because they are independent animals who prefer going their own way.
They also have escapist tendencies, so ensure your yard is well fenced. They’re not used to noise as well. Social butterflies with tons of loud visitors should avoid this breed.
11. American Bully
- Life Expectancy: 8 to 12 years
- Weight: 70 to 120 pounds
- Height: 13 to 21 inches
- Country of Origin: United States
The American Bully has similar coat markings with the Rottweiler, that’s why they are here.
The name notwithstanding, the American Bully is an extroverted creature who spreads happiness everywhere.
To the family, they are loyal and need affection as much as they give. They obey easily as their priority is pleasing their master.
12. Bullmastiff
- Life Expectancy: 8 to 10 years
- Weight: 100 to 130 pounds
- Height: 24 to 27 inches
- Country of Origin: England
The Bullmastiff has a big frame, similar to that of the Rottweiler. He also shares the fearlessness and protectiveness of a Rottie.
The main good qualities they have are fearlessness and confidence. They’ve got plenty of love for their family, but are guarded around strangers.
Rarely do they bark, a trait that earned them the name “silent watchers”. Bullmastiffs make good guardians who prefer the indoors.
13. Manchester Terrier
- Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
- Weight: 12 to 22 pounds
- Height: 15 to 16 inches
- Country of Origin: England
The Manchester Terrier is smaller and more playful than the Rottweiler. They’re a great choice for families who love having fun together.
They come with many good qualities. This breed is known to be social and not fit for isolation.
They make good companions and are not really aggressive—though you should beware if you have smaller pets.
However, their stubbornness and unwillingness to follow instructions can be tasking for the owner, especially a new pet parent.
It takes time and effort to train a Manchester Terrier into becoming a well-mannered dog you’re proud to show off to your friends.
14. Cane Corso
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
- Weight: 90 to 120 pounds
- Height: 1 ft 11 to 2 ft 3 inches
- Country of Origin: Italy
The ‘bodyguard dog’ has a similar frame to the Rottweiler and offers the same companionship value.
The Cane Corso is loyal, fierce, and observant. They love to work, so keep them busy. They are confident as well—a trait that makes them the bodyguards they are.
Meanwhile, the confidence comes with a dose of bossiness, and they may want to call the shots if you’re not ready to.
You have to be confident and not have anyone in your household who’s afraid of dogs.
15. American Pit Bull Terrier
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
- Weight: 30 to 85 pounds
- Height: 17 to 19 inches
- Country of Origin: United States
The last breed on our list of dog breeds similar to Rottweiler is the Pit Bull Terrier, a dog with a build and reputation similar to the Rottweiler.
The Pit Bull Terrier is wonderful with children, outgoing, and eager to please.
Size notwithstanding, they don’t make good guard dogs because they are not turned off by strangers.
However, what they lack in wariness, they make up in courage. Engaging a Pit Bull in a battle is unwise, especially when it comes to their family. You’re sure to lose the fight.
Rottweiler Look Alike FAQs
What kind of dog looks like a mini Rottweiler?
The Manchester Terrier is a smaller dog breed that resembles the Rottweiler in both looks and temperament. They come in two sizes—standard, about 22 pounds, and toy, about 12 pounds.
What are the different breeds of Rottweilers?
There are three types of Rottweiler Dog Breeds. They are the American Rottweiler, German Rottweiler, and the Roman Rottweiler.
The major difference between the German and American Rottweiler is in their appearance. While the Roman Rottweiler is an abnormally large dog breed not recognized by the AKC and ADRK.
Is there a mini Rottie?
Miniature Rottweilers are usually just over a foot tall in full standing height when fully grown and between 30 to 60 pounds in weight. They have a dual coat that has an outer and an undercoat.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the top 15 dogs that look like rottweilers but aren’t.
Despite their reputation that doesn’t define them, Rottweilers gained their popularity as police dogs
With a plethora of choices, getting the dog of your dreams should be easy. Make further research on the dog you’re interested in to be sure you can cope with them.
Training the Rottweiler and his friends is like an adventure with storms and sunny days. The way you handle the storm determines how the sunny days will be.
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