Mastiff vs Rottweiler
Compare the Mastiff to the Rottweiler. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Mastiffs and Rottweilers.
Quick Summary
- Owner Experience - Both the Mastiff and Rottweiler are not recommended for new or inexperienced owners.
- Children - Both the Mastiff and Rottweiler are great with children.
- Grooming - Both breeds have low maintenance coats, but the Rottweiler is easier to groom.
- Barking - The Rottweiler bark/howls frequently. The Mastiff has an average level of barking.
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| Breed Name | Mastiff | Rottweiler |
| General Details | ||
| Breed Type | Purebred | Purebred |
| Is Hypoallergenic | No | No |
| Lifespan | 6-10 yrs. | 8-11 yrs. |
| Height | 27-32 in. | 22-27 in. |
| Weight | 120-220 lb | 85-130 lb |
| Intelligence | Below Average | High |
| History | ||
| Origin Country | China (Tibet) | Germany |
| Origin Year | 700 BC | 100 AD |
| Temperament | ||
| Overall Friendliness | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Kid Friendly | ||
| Pet Friendly | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Personality | ||
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| Living Environment | ||
| Apartment | Yes | Yes |
| Indoor | Yes | Yes |
| Small Yard | Yes | Yes |
| Medium Yard | Yes | Yes |
| Large Yard | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature Tolerance ¹ | 30°F to 80°F | 45°F to 80°F |
| Barks/Howls | ||
| Exercise Needs | ||
| Energy Level | Medium | Low-High |
| Exercise Required | Medium | Medium |
| Top Running Speed | 24 mph | 22 mph |
| Strength | Very High | Very High |
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Coat Maintenance | Medium | Low |
| Shedding | Medium | Low |
| Dander | Medium | Low |
| Drool Amount | High | Medium |
¹This is estimated min/max temperature range for a healthy adult dog. Dogs that live indoors, puppies, seniors, unwell dogs, and/or dogs with improperly groomed coats may overheat sooner and get cold more quickly.
| Breed Name | Mastiff | Rottweiler |
| Breed Mentality | ||
| Dominant/Alpha | No | No |
| Family/Pack | Yes | Yes |
| Independent | No | No |
| Breed Focus | ||
| Distracted Easily | No | No |
| Average | Yes | Yes |
| Focused & Patient | No | No |
| Breed Instincts | ||
| Aggression | Below Average | High |
| Burrow/Digging | Below Average | Very Low |
| Chasing | Below Average | Below Average |
| Follow Commands | Below Average | Below Average |
| Fighting | Average | High |
| Guarding | Average | High |
| Herding | Below Average | Very Low |
| Hunting | Below Average | Below Average |
| Protection | High | High |
| Remove Vermin | Very Low | Below Average |
| Sledding | Average | High |
| Watch | Average | High |
| Breed Name | Mastiff | Rottweiler |
| Lifespan | ||
| Lifespan | 6-10 yrs. | 8-11 yrs. |
| Common Health Issues | ||
| Allergies | No | Yes |
| Aortic Stenosis | No | Yes |
| Bloat | Yes | Yes |
| Cancer | Yes | No |
| Cystinuria | Yes | No |
| Elbow Dysplasia | No | Yes |
| Hip Dysplasia | Yes | Yes |
| Hypothyroidism | No | Yes |
| Osteosarcoma | No | Yes |
| Panosteitis | No | Yes |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy | Yes | No |
| Seizures | Yes | No |
| Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis | No | Yes |
| Breed Name | Mastiff | Rottweiler |
| Coat | ||
| Fur | Yes | Yes |
| Coat Type | ||
| Double Coat | Yes | Yes |
| Coat Texture | ||
| Straight | Yes | Yes |
| Coat Length(s) | ||
| Short | Yes | Yes |
| Coat Color(s) | ||
| Apricot | Yes | No |
| Brindle | Yes | No |
| Fawn | Yes | No |
| Black & Mahogany | No | Yes |
| Black & Rust | No | Yes |
| Black & Tan | No | Yes |