The German Shepherd is more energetic than the Rottweiler, but as they are both working dogs, they need a lot of exercises. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leaving either breed without exercise can result in destructive behaviors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Rottie might look calm with an average energy level, but it may not be satisfied until it gets at least 30 minutes to an hour of exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It depends on the energy level, however, as some Rotties have low energy and will cope with a 10 or 20 minutes walk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The German Shepherd needs up to an hour of exercise, and even more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A walk is just a warm-up for this breed, and it enjoys activities that get it pumping, like fetch and agility. Both breeds should be exercised mentally too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Temperament<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The German Shepherd and Rottweiler are both strong, loyal, and protective. However, they don’t behave the same. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Rottweiler tends to be more playful with its family members than the German Shepherd, which shows its affection more quietly. The GSD plays, too, just not as silly as the Rottie. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both tend to be aloof towards strangers but should not be shy, anxious, or fearful as those are behavioral problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are also self-assured and may want to be in charge if you do not assert your leadership role. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

People assume the Rottweiler is more aggressive, even enough to attack its owner. While this isn’t always true, it calls for caution on your part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do not get a Rottweiler pup from a questionable source, like a puppy mill or a backyard breeder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An ill-bred Rottie will have personality issues that should best be avoided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You also should have the experience to train one. The same applies to the GSD. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trainability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both breeds are trainable, but they are not suitable for first-timers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the Rottweiler is loyal and devoted to its family, it also has a dominant side and won’t hesitate to take over if you’re not firm enough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rottie owners need to be very experienced but not harsh while training. A wild Rottie is dangerous and can overcome its owner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The German Shepherd is more willing to please and learns faster, but its independent spirit can also make it challenging to train. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With both breeds, you should start early and be consistent. As worker dogs, having a routine helps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can’t afford to be inconsistent and sloppy, lest you confuse your pet dog. Put a schedule in place, and try to train it at the same time every day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rottweilers love food a lot, so motivating them with treats can keep them interested in the training. Treats also help it learn faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The German Shepherd is more motivated by praise because of its eagerness to please and, overall, considered easier to train than the Rottweiler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It also tends to learn faster, but that’s not a stringent rule as individual differences matter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Health and Life Expectancy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both breeds are healthy, but their lifespan differs. Because the Rottweiler is bigger, it has a shorter life expectancy compared to the German Shepherd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is expected to get up to 10 years, while the German Shepherd can live to 14 years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rottweilers and German Shepherd are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, the latter even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can be genetic and also caused by other conditions which can be avoided with the right diet. Proper breeding can as well reduce the chances of these dysplasias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Rottweiler is prone to cardiac issues like cardiomyopathy and subaortic stenosis, as well as eye diseases like Progressive Retinal Atrophy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The German Shepherd suffers from degenerative myelopathy, bloating, and allergies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coat and Grooming<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The German Shepherd and Rottweiler have similar grooming needs, except when the GSD has long hair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In that situation, the coat requires more brushing. Both breeds shed, but it tends to be more obvious with the German Shepherd, especially the long-haired variant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The shorter-haired German Shepherd and the Rottweiler should be brushed a few times each week. When shedding, it gets to daily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They also have a similar bathing requirement, a minimum of one every 8 weeks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Rottweiler drools, and that’s a habit that should be put into consideration when choosing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other hygiene needs are just the same. Brush its teeth regularly, clip its nails and clean the ears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of the Rottweiler’s droopy ears, it is more vulnerable to ear infections, but the German Shepherd isn’t exempt. Be observant while grooming for any signs of infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feeding <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rottweilers eat a lot more than the German Shepherd, and as we mentioned above, they are lovers of food. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Rottie adult needs around 4 to 5 cups a day, while the German Shepherd’s feeding requirement is 2.5 and 3.5 cups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are general recommendations, however, as other factors like size should be counted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both breeds need to be fed high-quality meals filled with protein, and the kibble should be suitable for large dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age matters, too, as puppies have different diet requirements. These dogs are workers, and feeding can be a good opportunity to challenge them mentally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rather than give them food, have them work for it. Both breeds will enjoy the challenge, especially when it is very interesting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Origin and AKC Recognition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Rottweiler and the German Shepherd are both from Germany, but the Rottie came into existence before the GSD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd before the Rottweiler and was classified under the Herding Group, while the Rottweiler came under the Working Group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Currently, the German Shepherd is more popular than the Rottweiler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides the period when the Rottweiler almost got extinct, another hindrance to the breed’s popularity is the stereotype of it as dangerous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n