Rottweiler Male vs Female [which one is a better pet]

There are physical and personality differences with the Rottweiler breed based on the dog’s gender. Most male Rottweilers are larger, stronger, and tend to act more dominant or aggressive than females. Both can make great pets with proper training and supervision.

Many differences between the male and female Rottweiler are common to any dog breed but some are Rottweiler specific.

If you find yourself asking whether you should get a male or female Rottweiler we will help you answer that question so keep reading!

There are several decision points for a responsible pet owner to consider before bringing home a Rottweiler. 

For instance, what is the size difference between the two? Are male or female Rottweilers more loyal? What are the personality traits of each one? Do female dogs make better family pets?

Your answers are below.

Rottweiler General Impressions

When talking about the gender differences between dogs, it’s a good idea to consider the natural instincts of each. 

My personal experience is that there is not a huge difference between the male or female Rottweiler as far as if they are a good pet.

Rottweilers are called the butchers bred because they were used to herd cattle to town for slaughter.

However, It is smart to learn about the difference between male and female characteristics of the Rottweiler breed before you get one.

Rottweiler Size Difference

There are some physical differences between male and female Rottweilers that are even noticeable at birth.

Male Rottweiler Size

A male Rottweiler puppy about eight weeks of age, that has been weaned, will weigh about 15 pounds.

Rottweiler puppies vary in size as they get older, but quickly their legs and body will grow so they no longer look like a chubby puppy. 

Male Rottweilers will grow to stand between 24 and 27 inches with a weight of 95 to 135 pounds, according to the American Kennel Club.

Female Rottweiler Size

Female Rottweilers, as puppies at eight weeks old, will weigh about 12 pounds.

At about six months of age, female Rottweiler puppies will increase their weaning weight, getting to about 23 inches tall and 23 pounds. 

Their legs will get longer and she may seem awkward, but don’t worry as this is just one stage of her growth.

Once they are fully grown, female rottweilers will have an average height between 22 to 25 inches and weigh between 80 and 100 pounds. 

How Loyal are Rottweilers?

Rottweiler loyalty is something you don’t have to worry about in your decision process. Rottweilers are very loyal, both male and female. 

Once they are comfortable with their owner and have a secure attachment, loyalty is a major trait that they both display.

It is recommended that you give them the proper care, training, along with plenty of attention. Keep in mind that poorly trained Rottweilers have been known to turn on their owners on rare occasions.

Since this dog breed relies on their pack, not only are they loyal to one person, but they are loyal to their entire family. 

Will Rottweilers Protect Their Owner?

Rottweilers will defend their family by any means. There really is not a whole lot of difference between a male or female Rottweiler concerning how protective they are.

Males, being larger in size, may be able to physically protect their families a little better. 

Are Female Rottweilers Good Guard Dogs?

If you are looking for a loyal and protective dog, the Rottweiler is a perfect choice. They have a long history of doing protection work for humans.

You don’t need to worry about the dog’s gender concerning being a guard dog. They are both great personal protection dogs!

Rottweilers have a long history as service dogs being used for police work and in the military. 

However, in recent times they have not been used much for this type of work as the German Shepherd has become more popular as police dogs.

Are Rottweilers Smart Dogs?

There have been arguments about whether the male or female Rottweiler is smarter. Both are intelligent dogs. 

Neither the male nor female breed is considered smarter than the other. It all comes down to their own experiences. 

The Rottweiler is a very intelligent dog breed but it’s up to the owner to provide the proper training and guidance. 

How Easy are Rottweilers to Train?

When it comes to training, neither sex is easier to train. It really depends on the individual dog’s unique personality or age, which may or may not get in the way of training. 

Training a Male Rottweiler

At a young age, male Rottweilers are very carefree and less focused so it could be harder to train them.

Even basic commands will require your patience. By the age of three or four, they will start to calm down and be easier to train. 

Their playfulness can be hard to work around in training because they will get distracted easily. It’s probably better to keep them on a leash when they are not yet trained while out in public. 

It can be stressful, as male Rottweilers may misbehave at times, but they really want to please their owners. Keep that in mind as you work with them.

Although they prefer to have fun, they will listen to their owner in order to make them happy if properly trained.

Training a Female Rottweiler

Female Rotties are easier to train at a young age since they are more focused and serious.

You may be able to train without a leash sooner than with a male because they learn quickly and are obedient. 

They are, however, more sensitive because of their motherly nature so their natural empathetic characteristics can be better than males at times during training.

Male vs Female Rottweiler Temperament

Rottweilers are calm, confident, and obedient dogs. To their family, they are very sweet, but when it comes to meeting strangers, they may be more cautious and distant. 

They are fun and playful but always alert to protect their owners, and themselves, from danger. They can also be really affectionate and try to sit on your lap.

Rottweilers become very attached to their owners. They may suffer from separation anxiety if kept alone for too long.

Rottweilers do get along well with other pets if properly introduced, however they may be more aggressive towards dogs of the same sex or smaller animals.

You will know very quickly if your Rottweiler is going to get along well with another animal once they meet each other.

Male Rottweiler Temperament

Male rottweilers mature slower than females. Once they are around three or four years of age, they will have grown out of their puppy stages. That’s around the time they will mature and start behaving. 

Male Rottweiler’s personalities are known to be more goofy and active. They are quick to adjust to a new environment, whereas females are more cautious. 

Male Rotties are fun and excitable which may lead to messiness with more to clean up. They will track in dirt, especially after playing outside with other pups. 

Male Rotties are more affectionate than females, which may lead to them feeling easily rejected. They need a lot of positive attention.

In order to discipline them, it is a good idea to use hand signals for them to follow your orders.

Male Rottweilers bond well with humans. They are very loving to their family because they see their family as their pack.

They may seem to enjoy their home and be very friendly because of this.

Female Rottweiler Temperament

Female Rottweilers can be more serious and reserved than male Rotties. Since they mature faster, they can be more easily trained in their puppy years. 

By the age of two, they will begin to act more like adults, unlike male Rotties who take twice as long. Female Rotties are perfect for owners who want to focus on training and discipline.

Female Rotties are generally calm, but they can be wary around humans. They can also get aggressive around strangers in certain circumstances.

Female Rotties are sensitive and a bit more timid than males. 

They don’t get along as well with other dogs in comparison to male Rottweilers. They do not have the most balanced temper because of their sensitivity.

Female Rottweilers are more alert than male Rottweilers, especially about their own bodies. When they know they will be getting messy, they will clean themselves. 

Female Rottweilers may not be as family-friendly as they will choose their human.

They are territorial and careful dogs and more likely to be fond of only one person in the family rather than the pack. 

 

Rottweiler Health Issues

The Rottweiler dog breed is naturally at risk of some health problems, including but not limited to:

• Obesity
• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Heart Failure
• Heat Stroke

Both male and female Rottweilers should have health exams once per year to see if they are having any problems. 

Female Rottweilers will be very obedient, but mostly towards that one person, they are most fond of.

A health issue can occur which may need immediate attention, so it’s always a good idea to stay on top of their medical needs. 

If you notice anything wrong health-wise with your Rottweiler, consult a professional immediately. 

Male Rottweiler Health Concerns

Male Rottweilers are more prone to injuries and joint issues due to their larger size.

They also tend to have a shorter average life span in comparison to female Rotties. 

Training your Rottweiler irregularly can also cause more strains. Having your dog complete long, difficult tasks can result in its body being weakened.

There have also been studies showing that male Rottweilers are more prone to diseases that affect their shoulder joints.

This could be due to a rapid growth rate and it’s important to have your Rottweiler’s body and bones examined by a veterinarian from time to time.

Female Rottweiler Health Concerns

Female Rotties have smaller bodies and are lighter in weight. They may have longer lifespans since generally, they don’t experience as much physical exertion as their male counterparts. 

Although health exams are still necessary for female Rottweilers, they tend to be less prone to injuries, breathing problems, or cardiovascular diseases. 

Did You Know? Rottweilers get their name from the German city of Rottweil.

Rottweiler Spraying

Like any dog breed, the Rottweiler dog will feel the need to “mark their territory,” or in other words, spray. This occurs in both male and female Rottweilers.

In some cases, your Rottweiler will spray when they are nervous or introduced to a new thing. 

Rottweilers may also get uncomfortable with a new object and spray it so they can have a familiar scent.

Overall, spraying is a typical thing for a dog, but it’s always a great thing to know about before making up your mind. 

Female Rottweiler in Heat

Like every dog breed, female Rotties go into heat every four to six months.

Their first heat cycle can start as early as six months of age, but normally it will start around 12 to 18 months. 

The heat cycle can last between five and nine days. This is also known as the estrus stage of their cycle and it’s the time the dog is ready to breed. 

You will notice both behavioral and physical changes in your dog. The dog may become “flirty” and will want to show itself off to other dogs. 

Like any female dog breed, they will bleed. If you are worried about the blood, there is a remedy for this. Doggy diapers!

The doggy diapers have a strap that is adjustable, like regular diapers. You will just need to look for one that fits your dog comfortably. You can buy them in pet stores or online.

Are Male or Female Rottweilers Better?

There is an obvious difference between male and female Rottweilers, but they both make excellent pets with proper training and care.

Generally speaking, Rottweilers are big, strong dogs with loving personalities. Rottweilers are very loyal and will protect their family no matter what. 

Choosing the gender of Rottweiler you decide to get, is really a personal preference. 

Keep in mind that most of the differences between male and female Rottweilers are subtle. Spending some time to have a good understanding of the breed is important before you get one though. 

Rottweiler owners have a duty to train their dog properly because they are larger dogs and very strong. They are not a good choice to be around young children in my opinion.

If you don’t know what to do, seek out a reputable breeder or dog trainer in your area for guidance. 

Giving your Rottweiler lots of affection is also required for them to be a good pet. 

A great resource to learn more about the difference between male and female Rottweilers is the American Rottweiler Club website.