Dog Breeds That Share The Strength and Charm of Rottweilers

Quick Take

One breed on this list looks almost identical to a Rottweiler but outlives it by nearly a decade. See the long-lived lookalike →
Not every healthier alternative here actually escapes the health problems. Some come with their own costly trade-offs. Check the health trade-offs →
One Rottweiler lookalike tops out at just 16 inches tall, yet it still makes a compelling case for itself. Meet the compact contender →
The breed that most closely mirrors a Rottweiler's face isn't the one you'd guess from the markings. See the facial similarity →

Rottweilers are large, stocky dogs with dark coats and distinct markings. Males typically stand 24 to 27 inches tall and weigh between 95 and 135 pounds, while females stand 22 to 25 inches tall and weigh 80 to 100 pounds. Although these gentle giants make wonderful family pets, the Rottweiler’s health profile may deter some potential owners, primarily due to its shorter-than-average lifespan of 8 to 10 years and notoriously high rates of aggressive bone cancer (osteosarcoma). If you love the look and protective nature of a Rottweiler but want a longer-lived, healthier breed, or need a dog better suited to specific lifestyle factors such as lower exercise requirements or different shedding levels, continue reading to learn about similar breeds that may be right for you.

Doberman Pinscher

Doberman puppy studio photo — Like Rottweilers, Dobermans were bred as guard dogs.
©Fotoarta/iStock via Getty Images

Doberman Pinschers have similar dark fur and brown markings to Rottweilers and are also similar in size. They typically stand a couple of inches taller than Rottweilers but weigh less, at 60-100 pounds.

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

Beauceron

The stocky build of the Beauceron makes them more like Rottweilers than Dobermans. They also have short coats with the classic Rottie markings, though their fur is slightly longer than a Rottweiler’s and sheds more.

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

Hovawart

Havowart dog — Hovawarts have longer coats than Rottweilers.
©iStock.com/cynoclub

Hovawarts have Rottie-like markings on a beautiful mid-length coat. Hovawarts are about the same size as Rottweilers and are, on average, about an inch taller, but they weigh significantly less at 65-90 pounds.

While a Rottweiler’s height is balanced throughout the body, Hovawarts have long legs and a lankier appearance overall.

Manchester Terrier

Manchester terriers have similar coat colors and markings to Rottweilers, but their coat is much shorter. Manchester terriers shed, but they are considered low-to-moderate shedders. Because they possess a single, short coat, they do not experience the heavy seasonal shedding common in many other breeds.

Manchester terriers are slim dogs that stand 15-16 inches tall, much shorter than the Rottweiler’s 22-27 inches. They also have a longer lifespan, averaging 15-17 years.

Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan Mastiffs look very different from Rottweilers, with their markings being the only true similarity. This giant breed stands a minimum of 24-26 inches tall and weighs 70-150 pounds.

The Mastiff coat is long and sheds 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 seasons.

Boxer

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

Boerboel

Boerboels have a similar muscular build and short coat to Rottweilers, but they are much larger, weighing up to 180 pounds, and have slightly longer ears.

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

Bullmastiff

Another stocky breed, Bullmastiffs weigh 100-130 pounds on average. They tend to have shorter snouts than Rottweilers and more wrinkles on the face, which can lead to more health problems, similar to other brachycephalic (short-muzzled) breeds.

Bullmastiffs have a similar lifespan (8-10 years) to Rottweilers, however.

Cane Corso

Large and muscular, Cane Corsos resemble Rottweilers in build. They are about the same height as Rottweilers, and the breed standard does not specify weight restrictions. Their short coats come in a variety of colors and markings.

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 considered inhumane, so it’s best to avoid them.