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

Below are a few quick comparisons between the two breeds.
  • 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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Mastiff vs Rottweiler
Fawn Mastiff
Black & Tan Rottweiler
Breed NameMastiffRottweiler
General Details
Breed TypePurebredPurebred
Is Hypo­allergenicNoNo
Lifespan6-10 yrs.8-11 yrs.
Height27-32 in.22-27 in.
Weight120-220 lb85-130 lb
IntelligenceBelow AverageHigh
History
Origin CountryChina (Tibet)Germany
Origin Year700 BC100 AD
Temperament
Overall FriendlinessVery GoodVery Good
Family FriendlyVery GoodVery Good
Kid FriendlyVery GoodVery Good
Pet FriendlyBelow AverageBelow Average
Stranger FriendlyBelow AverageVery Good
Personality
  • Affectionate
  • Loving
  • Likes To Snuggle
  • Willing To Please
  • Protective
  • Aggressive
  • Loving
  • Stubborn
  • Willing To Please
  • Protective
Living Environment
ApartmentYesYes
IndoorYesYes
Small YardYesYes
Medium YardYesYes
Large YardYesYes
Temperature Tolerance ¹30°F to 80°F45°F to 80°F
Barks/HowlsBelow AverageVery Often
Exercise Needs
Energy LevelMediumLow-High
Exercise RequiredMediumMedium
Top Running Speed24 mph22 mph
StrengthVery HighVery High
Grooming Needs
Coat Main­tenanceMediumLow
SheddingMediumLow
DanderMediumLow
Drool AmountHighMedium

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.
Instincts & Behavior Comparison
Breed NameMastiffRottweiler
Breed Mentality
Dominant/AlphaNoNo
Family/PackYesYes
IndependentNoNo
Breed Focus
Distracted EasilyNoNo
AverageYesYes
Focused & PatientNoNo
Breed Instincts
AggressionBelow AverageHigh
Burrow/DiggingBelow AverageVery Low
ChasingBelow AverageBelow Average
Follow CommandsBelow AverageBelow Average
FightingAverageHigh
GuardingAverageHigh
HerdingBelow AverageVery Low
HuntingBelow AverageBelow Average
ProtectionHighHigh
Remove VerminVery LowBelow Average
SleddingAverageHigh
WatchAverageHigh
Health Comparison
Breed NameMastiffRottweiler
Lifespan
Lifespan6-10 yrs.8-11 yrs.
Common Health Issues
AllergiesNoYes
Aortic StenosisNoYes
BloatYesYes
CancerYesNo
CystinuriaYesNo
Elbow DysplasiaNoYes
Hip DysplasiaYesYes
HypothyroidismNoYes
OsteosarcomaNoYes
PanosteitisNoYes
Progressive Retinal AtrophyYesNo
SeizuresYesNo
Subvalvular Aortic StenosisNoYes
Appearance Comparison
Breed NameMastiffRottweiler
Coat
FurYesYes
Coat Type
Double CoatYesYes
Coat Texture
StraightYesYes
Coat Length(s)
ShortYesYes
Coat Color(s)
ApricotYesNo
BrindleYesNo
FawnYesNo
Black & MahoganyNoYes
Black & RustNoYes
Black & TanNoYes