Rottweiler Alternatives: 10 Breeds That Share Their Strength and Charm

#1: Doberman Pinscher

Doberman pinschers have similar dark fur and brown markings to Rottweilers and are of a similar size as well. They do stand a couple of inches taller than Rottweilers, and they weigh less at 60-100 pounds compared to the Rottweiler’s 80-135 pounds.

Dobermans are lithe and deep-chested, so their body shape is much different from the stocky Rottweiler.

#2: Miniature Pinscher

If you’re looking for that Rottie look in a small breed, you might like a miniature pinscher. Like Dobermans, they have lithe bodies and appear much less sturdy than Rottweilers.

However, they have very similar markings on their short coats. Miniature pinschers stand 10-12.5 inches tall and weigh just 8-10 pounds.

Like Rottweilers, miniature pinschers are playful, active, and affectionate.

#3: Beauceron

The stocky build of the Beauceron makes them more alike to Rottweilers than the previous two on our list. They also have short coats with the classic Rottie markings, though their fur is slightly longer than a Rottweiler and sheds more.

Though they’re around the same height, female Beaucerons may stand a couple of inches taller, on average, than female Rottweilers.

#4: Hovawart

Hovawarts have Rottie-like markings on a beautiful mid-length coat. They’re about the same size as Rottweilers at around an inch taller on average.

While a Rottweiler’s height is balanced throughout the body, Hovawarts have long legs and a lankier appearance overall. They weigh much less at 65-90 pounds.

#5: Manchester Terrier

Larger than miniature pinschers, Manchester terriers have similar coat colors and markings on a short coat. They’re slim dogs and stand 15-16 inches compared to the Rottweiler’s 22-27 inches.

They also live longer than Rotties, averaging 15-17 years.

#6: Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan mastiffs look very different to Rottweilers, with their markings being the only true similarity. This giant breed stands a minimum of 24-26 inches tall with no upper height limit and weighs 70-150 pounds.

Their coats are long and shed profusely, while Rottweiler coats are relatively low maintenance. While both breeds should be brushed once weekly, Tibetan mastiffs will take much longer and a missed grooming session will result in painful matting. Tibetan mastiffs also require more frequent grooming during their shedding season.

#7: Boxer

Boxers tend to be shorter and weigh less than Rottweilers. Their heads are most similar in structure to Rotties, with big eyes, short snouts, and triangular ears. They’re both muscular working dogs with strong protective instincts.

#8: Boerboel

Boerboels have the same muscular builds and short coats as Rotties. They’re much larger than Rotts, weighing up to 200 pounds, and their ears are a bit longer.

Like Rottweilers, Boerboels are affectionate, protective, and eager to please.

#9: Bullmastiff

Another stocky breed, Bullmastiffs weigh 100-130 pounds on average. They tend to have shorter snouts than Rottweilers and more wrinkles in the face, which can lead to more health problems (though all brachycephalic breeds are at risk of these).

Bullmastiffs do tend to have shorter lifespans, living 7-9 years compared to Rottweilers at 9-10 years.

#10: Cane Corso

Large and muscular, cane corsos look pretty similar to Rottweilers. Their coats are short with a variety of colors and markings. They’re about the same height as Rottweilers with no weight restrictions according to breed standard.

Like Rottweilers and many others on this list, cane corsos often have cropped ears and docked tails. However, these surgeries are done purely for cosmetic reasons and are inhumane–so it’s best to avoid the practice.