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Rottweiler vs Labrador: What are the Pros and Cons

Rottweiler vs Labrador

Determining which dog to add to your family is often overwhelming. There are a variety of breeds, all with their own quirks and temperaments.

Have you always had a soft spot for the Labrador retriever or Rottweiler? Would you be able to pick between the two?

The Labrador retriever and the Rottweiler are two very different breeds. They have different personalities, coat maintenance, and health concerns, all of which are essential when deciding which dog to add as your next family member. In this guide, we hope to provide you with an informed decision.

Before comparing these two dogs, we must learn about the intricacies of each, breaking them down based on separate characteristics and categories. Let’s begin with the Labrador retriever.

The History of the Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Site, reveals the origins of this breed, which was actually in Newfoundland and not Labrador.

This took place in the 1500s where Labrador retrievers were used as hunting companions, bringing back ducks from the water in their soft mouths.

The Size and Lifespan of the Labrador Retriever

When considering the size of this breed, AKC states that the average weight for a male is approximately 65 to 80 pounds for males and 55 to 70 pounds for females. The average life span of a Labrador retriever is about 10 to 12 years of age.

Some Health Concerns with Labrador Retrievers

The health conditions of this breed can be a worry for most owners. Labrador Training HQ. lists a few of the most common potential health problems below.

  • Hip or elbow dysplasia.
  • Obesity is common in labs without proper nutrition and exercise.
  • Bloating occurs when food is eaten too quickly, resulting in the stomach to become twisted.
  • Ear infections.
  • Heart diseases.

The Coat Maintenance of a Labrador Retriever

The maintenance of a Labrador retriever’s coat, as suggested by Play Bark Run, requires weekly brushing. Their skin can be sensitive to allergens and shampoo, meaning that you should bathe them only once every few months.

The Temperament of the Labrador Retriever

The Labrador retriever is well-known for its loyalty and devotion, wanting to join you no matter what. They also make exceptional family dogs, being friendly to both strangers and children. They are an overall energetic and happy breed.

The Trainability of a Labrador Retriever

The Labrador was bred to work closely with people through the times where life was challenging. Due to their willing nature, this breed is easy to train and wants to please its owners.

The Activity Requirements of a Labrador Retriever

Labrador retrievers are a high-energy breed, making it a necessity to get them out daily. For an average-sized individual, an hour a day of activity should suffice. This will prevent unwanted destruction and keep them from becoming overweight.

The Rottweiler, also known as the “Rottie”, is a large, stocky dog. But, how does it stack up against the Labrador retriever

The History of the Rottweiler

Dog Time Magazine presents the uncertainties behind the history of this breed. Historians believe that they descended from Roman dogs, using them to move livestock.

Eventually, we do know that this breed transitioned from a cattle dog to an exceptional police aid in World War I.

The Size and Life Span of a Rottweiler

The AKC breed standard for Rottweilers is about 95 to 135 pounds for males and approximately 80 to 100 pounds in females. Being larger dogs, they are known to typically live for 9 to 10 years.

Some Health Concerns of Rottweilers

This breed of dog has a few health problems that should be taken into consideration. Dogz Health lists a few of these concerns below.

  • Rottweilers are prone to eye problems such as cataracts and PRA, or progressive retinal atrophy.
  • Joint problems include hip and elbow dysplasia.
  • Rottweilers are also susceptible to panosteitis, which is a disease that causes lameness in some larger dog breeds.
  • Circulatory system problems include aortic stenosis and Von Willebrand’s disease.
  • Cancer found in bones and the lymphatic system is more common in this breed.
  • Bloating where the stomach fills up with gas and becomes twisted.

The Coat Maintenance of a Rottweiler

According to Rottie Resource, a Rottweiler’s coat should be brushed daily and limited baths as they are prone to dry skin. Having a double coat, they shed moderately throughout the year and heavily twice a year.

The Temperament of a Rottweiler

This breed is loyal, loving, affectionate, devoted, and extremely protective. They are not easily trusting of strangers, taking a while to warm up.

They tend to get along with other pets in the home but can be reactive on walks if not socialized properly.

The Trainability of a Rottweiler

Rottweiler HQ remarks on how intelligent and loyal these dogs are, making them easier to train. When compared to other dogs, they do have a greater attention span, which was beneficial during the war.

The Activity Requirements of the Rottweiler

The importance of exercise in dogs, particularly the Rottweiler. This breed is extremely athletic, oftentimes needing more than two hours of physical activity per day.

This can be completed through running, hiking, swimming or playing fetch in the yard.

The Labrador retriever and Rottweiler hold a few similarities when it comes to their size and life span. They are also large dogs with a double coat, requiring special attention to any grooming and bathing requirements.

These breeds are also different in a few categories such as their temperament and exercise needs. The Labrador retriever only requires about an hour of physical exertion per day while the Rottweiler can never have enough, preferring at least two hours of playtime.

Also keep in mind that they act differently in their puppy stages, which you can find at Best Dogs. Use this source to examine which breed will be a better match, even during those younger years.

They are both great dogs that are loving and devoted. When considering which would make the best choice for your own lifestyle, be sure to take health concerns, life span, trainability, and general disposition into consideration.