Golden Retriever VS Rottweiler: 19 Differences

However, they have several crucial distinctions. If you’re wondering – “golden retriever vs. Rottweiler – which is better?”, consider your temperament and lifestyle.

One breed is goofier and more friendly with strangers, while another is more alert, calm, and independent. Perhaps, you can already guess which one is which.

The dog’s purpose also matters. Both breeds make wonderful family dogs, but one is better suitable for guarding property and another one for emotional support.

Size & Weight

Golden retrievers are slightly smaller than Rottweilers. Males reach 23-24 inches in height, and females 21-22.5 inches. Adult golden retrievers weigh 55-75 pounds, although many dogs of the breed have an extra weight due to a lack of exercise.

Rottweilers range from 22 to 27 inches in height depending on the sex and lineage and weigh 80 to over 120 pounds. They are massive, blocky dogs with athletic build.

Shedding

Golden retrievers are heavy shedders. They shed year-round as their hair goes through its natural cycle and have intense shedding periods in spring and autumn when they change their fur completely.

Rottweilers have short fur, but that doesn’t mean they don’t shed. Like goldens, Rottweilers are seasonal shedders, but shedding is less noticeable because of the hair length and color. Many Rottweilers have seasonal allergies that contribute to shedding.

Personality

When choosing between golden retriever vs. Rottweiler temperament, consider whether you want a credulous, goofy, affectionate dog or a loyal, independent, and alert one.

Goldens are natural-born extroverts that are quick to make friends with strangers and will never miss a chance to play. They remain puppies at heart even at old age and are very attached to their owners.

Rottweilers are loyal and protective dogs with independent nature. They are aloof with strangers and, overall, very cautious. However, they are affectionate and gentle with their family members and can be sensitive.

Rottweilers have a mixed reputation. Some people believe they are aggressive and mean towards other dogs and people, but this isn’t true for most Rottweilers. Usually, aggression and behavior problems are acquired.

Child-Friendliness

Golden retrievers are perfect family dogs. They are patient, gentle, and affectionate with kids. Furthermore, goldens don’t bark much and won’t wake up a baby. However, they make better companions for older kids who can play with the dog.

Rottweiler may not be the first breed that comes to mind when you think of a family dog, but they are wonderful with kids. They are great playmates, patient, and very protective of their little owners.

Pet-Friendliness

Golden retrievers get along well with any other animal, whether dog, cat, or rat. They are rarely aggressive and have a low prey drive, so they won’t intentionally hurt a smaller animal.

However, some goldens may be overly jealous of the owner’s attention. Rottweilers are surprisingly good with cats, better than most guard dog breeds.

Tension may arise between Rottweilers and dogs of the same sex, but they generally get along with other canines. Because of a high prey drive, a Rottweiler may not be the best choice for households with small pets.

Barking Level

Golden retrievers aren’t barky. They sometimes bark, like any other dog, but they don’t do it out of boredom. Although Rottweilers have a guarding heritage, and most guard dogs are barky, they are calm and quiet.

Rottweilers only bark when they sense danger or are overly excited. Both breeds are suitable for people who prefer silence.

Intelligence & Trainability

Canine intelligence is measured based on how quickly a dog memorizes commands, how often it obeys orders, how well it communicates with people, and how well it resolves complex tasks that require non-standard thinking.

Golden retrievers and Rottweilers excel at every parameter. Goldens are ranked fourth on the most intelligent dog breed list, and Rottweilers hold the ninth position.

Both are above-average smart and easy to train. They are rarely stubborn, but Rottweilers are more free-minded.

Common Behavior Problems

Golden retriever behavior problems are related to their affectionate, outgoing, and energetic nature.

Under-socialized goldens often suffer from separation anxiety and phobias. Goldens that aren’t getting enough exercise may behave destructively, chewing on things and digging on the floor.

Many golden retriever puppies pull on the leash and jump on people. Such habits should be discouraged from an early age. Rottweilers may also develop separation anxiety because they form strong bonds with their owners.

Some Rottweilers are aggressive towards other dogs or strangers, particularly under-socialized or previously abused dogs. Destructive behavior is widespread in under-stimulated Rottweilers.

Exercise Needs

Neither golden retrievers nor Rottweilers are born for a calm life on the couch. Goldens need at least an hour of exercise daily, and Rottweilers need at least two hours. Otherwise, they may gain weight and develop behavior problems.

The exercise duration depends on its type. Some activity types, such as swimming or running, are more energy-consuming than walking, so the exercise session can be shorter.

Grooming Needs

When it comes to golden retriever vs. Rottweiler grooming needs, the latter is a clear winner. Golden retrievers have long fur that requires daily brushing and bathing at least every four weeks.

Dogs with double fur should never be shaved, but goldens will benefit from feather trimming. Rottweilers don’t need daily brushing – brushing the dog weekly is enough. Rottweilers need a bath about once in six to eight weeks.

Lifespan

Golden retriever life expectancy is 10-12 years, which is standard for medium-sized dogs. Rottweilers have an average lifespan of 8-10 years. That’s a pity, but Rottweilers make up for the short lifespan with their wonderful personalities.

Health Issues

Golden retrievers are prone to progressive retinal atrophy, hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, skin problems, epilepsy, and some respiratory issues. Over 60% of goldens have some form of cancer throughout their lifetime.

Because golden retrievers have drop ears and love swimming, they are susceptible to ear infections. Goldens that aren’t getting enough exercise often become obese because the breed is highly food-motivated.

Rottweiler health problems include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, aortic stenosis, hip and elbow dysplasia, osteochondrosis, cancer, and allergies, particularly seasonal environmental allergies.

Rottweilers are at a lower risk of ear infections because of their anatomy.

Price

Golden retrievers and Rottweilers lie within the same price range. Puppies from a reputable breeder cost $1,500-$2,500 on average, although some may be significantly cheaper or more expensive than that.

Rescue golden retrievers and Rottweilers may be available for under $500, while service dogs that receive special training cost over $20,000.

Suitability for Inexperienced Dog Owners

Golden retrievers are among the best dogs for first-time owners. Although they are high maintenance in terms of grooming and exercise, their trainability and kind nature make up for it.

Rottweilers aren’t the worst option for inexperienced owners either because these dogs are very intelligent and obedient.

However, they require more extensive training and socialization. Owners should be aware of the responsibility of owning such a strong dog.

Suitability for Apartments

Golden retrievers and Rottweilers can thrive in an apartment setting, provided the owner exercises the dog sufficiently. Because these dogs are relatively quiet, they are unlikely to bother the neighbors.

Suitability as Service Dogs

Golden retrievers are among the most popular service dog breeds, and it’s no wonder.

They are crazy intelligent, obedient, and sociable, so they don’t pose a threat to people around them. Goldens are perfect therapy dogs because of their love for people.

Rottweilers, too, make excellent service dogs. They will do anything for their favorite human and are intelligent enough to perform the most complex commands.

However, they don’t make equally good therapy pets because they are less tolerant of strangers.

Both dogs are strong enough to push a wheelchair, carry grocery bags, and otherwise help people with mobility issues. However, both breeds need proper socialization to avoid anxiety and aggression.

Suitability as Guard or Protection Dogs

Golden retrievers can serve as protection dogs because they are loyal to their owners and very confident. However, they are too friendly towards strangers and quiet to be guard dogs. Goldens don’t care about the property as much as about people.

Rottweilers are natural-born guard dogs. Protectiveness and alertness are deeply rooted in their genes, so they will never let a stranger close to their property or owner.

While they don’t bark much, they can easily scare an intruder with a single “woof.”

Suitability as Hunting Dogs

Golden retrievers were historically used to retrieve waterfowl, thus the breed’s name. They are skilled swimmers and have excellent work ethics. Apart from retrieving, these dogs can be used for tracking animals.

Rottweilers, too, are commonly used by hunters to track or chase smaller animals. With proper training, a Rottweiler can also be taught to retrieve prey.

Rarity

Golden retrievers are in the top three of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. and worldwide. Rottweilers jumped from 12th position in 2014 to eighth in 2018, so the breed is gaining popularity.

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