Rottweilers vs English Mastiffs: What's the Difference

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Posted Oct 19, 2024

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Black Rust Rottweiler Showing Tongue Lying on Concrete Pathway
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Rottweilers and English Mastiffs are two powerful breeds that often get lumped together, but they're not exactly the same thing. Rottweilers are a distinct breed with a rich history and unique characteristics.

One of the main differences between the two breeds is their size. Rottweilers typically weigh between 85-130 pounds, while English Mastiffs can weigh up to 230 pounds. That's a big difference!

Their origins also set them apart. Rottweilers originated in Germany as drover dogs, while English Mastiffs have their roots in England, where they were bred for guarding and fighting.

While both breeds are known for their strength and loyalty, their temperaments are slightly different. Rottweilers are often described as confident and courageous, while English Mastiffs are known for their calm and gentle nature.

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Physical Characteristics

Rottweilers typically weigh between 80 to 120 pounds and stand between 22 to 27 inches tall.

Their heads are particularly large and have tightly positioned ears that hang slightly. Their muzzles are strong and square.

Rottweilers have a medium-length coat that's shiny and black with rust markings on the legs, chest, and face.

English Mastiffs, on the other hand, can weigh over 200 pounds and stand up to 30 inches tall.

Physical Characteristics

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Rottweilers typically weigh between 80 to 120 pounds and stand 22 to 27 inches tall.

Their large heads have tightly positioned ears that hang slightly, and their strong, square muzzles are accompanied by loose lips.

Male Rottweilers can be dominant and aggressive, but proper training and socialization can help.

Bull Mastweilers, on the other hand, are stocky and heavily built, with a significant physique that can vary in color.

Their coats are short to medium-length and dense, coming in a variety of colors including black & tan, black & rust, fawn, and red.

A Bull Mastweiler's appearance can be quite different from their parent breeds, with some inheriting a sleeker and more athletic build.

Here's a comparison of the physical characteristics of Rottweilers and Bull Mastweilers:

English Mastiffs, by comparison, can weigh over 200 pounds and stand up to 30 inches tall.

Their coats are longer and can come in a range of colors including light brown, orange-brown, and striped.

Both Rottweilers and English Mastiffs have distinctive head shapes, with Rottweilers having round heads and Mastiffs having square heads.

Rottweilers' ears stand up when they listen, while Mastiffs' ears stay flat.

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English Mastiff Visual Differences

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English Mastiffs have huge faces with wrinkles and saggy skin. Their massive size is a notable characteristic, with some weighing up to 230 pounds. They have big bones and wide chests that make them look impressive. Their calm demeanor is also a defining feature, as they seem to be in charge without doing much.

Health and Care

Rottweilers and Mastiffs are both large breeds that require regular veterinary care to stay healthy. Routine exams are essential for keeping this breed healthy.

Their potential for health problems is a concern, with Rottweilers being prone to many issues, including hip dysplasia, heart conditions, and bloat. These conditions can cause pain and trouble walking, and in some cases, can be life-threatening.

Rottweilers need at least 60 minutes of exercise every day to stay engaged and prevent unwanted behaviors. A lack of mental stimulation can lead to boredom and destructive behavior.

As a hybrid dog, the Mastweiler could inherit any health conditions that are common in either parent breed. This includes allergies, inherited eye issues, and obesity.

Some common health issues in Rottweilers and Mastiffs include:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Heart conditions
  • Bloat
  • Joint problems like arthritis
  • Eye issues like progressive retinal atrophy
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Aortic Stenosis
  • Allergies, including contact dermatitis
  • Gastric Dilation and Volvulus

Regular veterinary care, including check-ups and preventive care, can help catch problems early on and keep your furry friend healthy and happy.

Behavior and Training

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Rottweilers are smart and eager to please, making them quick learners of new commands. Positive reinforcement is the recommended training method for all dogs, as it provides consistent and long-lasting behavioral memory.

They need early socialization, consistent leadership, and basic training classes to grow into well-mannered adults. Rottweilers are highly trainable and love having a job to do.

Both Rottweilers and Mastiffs can be stubborn, so trainers need to be calm but also show they're the boss. This approach helps them learn well and be friendly.

Rottweilers learn new things quickly when trained early, and they thrive on daily exercise such as walking, jogging, and swimming with their owners. They're excellent workers in tracking, obedience, and herding.

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Care and Feeding

Rottweilers require at least 60 minutes of exercise every day to stay happy and healthy. This can be broken down into shorter sessions, but they need consistent physical activity to prevent unwanted behaviors.

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Their diet is also crucial, with both Rottweilers and Mastiffs needing good food that's right for their size and activity level. Rottweilers should eat enough to stay muscular but not get fat, with lots of protein and some fats and carbs.

Here are some key feeding facts to keep in mind:

To keep track of your dog's weight and health, regular vet visits are essential. Your vet can help you determine the right amount and frequency of feeding for your Rottweiler or Mastiff mix.

Care of Bullmastiff Mix

The Bullmastiff Mix is a wonderful companion, but it does require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Aim for 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise to keep your furry friend entertained and exercised.

You'll need to brush your Bullmastiff Mix regularly to prevent matting and tangling of their coat. Moderate shedding is a characteristic of this breed, increasing during shedding seasons.

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A Bullmastiff Mix typically lives for 7 to 10 years, so you can look forward to a long and loving relationship with your pet. With proper care, they can thrive and bring joy to your life.

Their temperament is one of their best qualities, making them affectionate, agreeable, intelligent, and loyal. They even make great family protectors, always on the lookout for their loved ones.

Early training is crucial for a Bullmastiff Mix, as they can be strong-willed at times. But with patience and consistency, you can teach them to behave and respond to commands.

Feeding

Feeding your Rottweiler or English Mastiff requires careful consideration. They need food that's right for their size and activity level.

Rottweilers should eat enough to stay muscular, but not get fat, with lots of protein and some fats and carbs.

English Mastiffs need more food, but not too many calories, so they don't get overweight.

Both dogs need food that's good for their joints, like stuff with glucosamine or chondroitin, because they can have joint problems.

Overfeeding big dogs can make them sick with things like diabetes or heart problems.

Going to the vet often can help keep track of your dog's weight and health, and vets can tell you how much and how often to feed your dog based on their breed.

Grooming

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Rottweilers need regular brushing to keep their coat shiny and healthy. Brush them once or twice a week to remove dead hair and dirt.

Their short coat is black with tan to mahogany accents, but it sheds a lot, so regular brushing is a must.

To prevent shedding around the house, use a firm bristle brush for the best results.

Both Rottweilers and English Mastiffs need nail care to avoid discomfort when walking. Clip their nails once or twice a month or as needed.

Cleaning their ears weekly is also important to prevent infections, paying attention to signs of wax buildup or irritation.

Rottweilers are intelligent dogs and can easily become bored, so regular grooming is essential to keep them engaged and prevent unwanted behaviors.

Brushing their teeth a few times a week is crucial to keep their mouths healthy and stop bad breath.

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History and Origin

The Rottweiler breed has a rich history that spans centuries, tracing back to ancient Rome where they were used as drover dogs to herd livestock and pull carts. Their strength and intelligence made them valuable assets to butchers, who used them to carry meat.

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The Rottweiler's name comes from the German town of Rottweil, where they worked as cattle dogs and police dogs. They were also used as guard dogs due to their intimidating presence.

In the United States, the Rottweiler gained popularity at the beginning of the 20th century, and it was recognized by the American Kennel Club in the 1930s. Today, it ranks eighth on AKC's list of most popular dog breeds.

History of the Breed

The Rottweiler breed has a rich history that dates back to ancient Rome, where they were used as drover dogs to herd livestock and pull carts.

Rottweilers got their name from the German town of Rottweil, where they worked as cattle dogs and police dogs. They were known for their strength and were trained for various jobs, including carrying meat and serving as guard dogs.

The breed's hard-working nature made it popular in the States at the beginning of the 20th century, and it was recognized by the American Kennel Club in the 1930s.

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The Rottweiler's ancestry can be traced back to the Mastiff, and they share a similar purpose of protecting and controlling livestock. This shared history is a testament to the breed's effectiveness as a working dog.

In Germany, Rottweilers were known as the Rottweiler Metzgerhund, or Butcher's Dog of Rottweil, due to their role in protecting and moving herds and meat.

English Mastiff History

English Mastiffs have a noble personality, which is a result of their calm nature.

They're known for being gentle giants, but it's worth noting that they still require good training.

Their calm demeanor makes them a great fit for families who want a laid-back pet.

English Mastiffs are often associated with the Roman Empire, but it's not clear how they were used during that time.

Their calm and gentle nature makes them a great addition to many households.

People who are looking for a more relaxed pet may find English Mastiffs to be a great fit.

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Breed Overview

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The Rottweiler breed has a rich history, dating back to ancient Rome, where they were used as drover dogs to herd livestock and pull carts. They got their name from the German town of Rottweil, where they worked as cattle dogs and police dogs.

Rottweilers are a large breed, weighing between 80-135 pounds, and standing between 22-27 inches tall. Female Rottweilers are typically smaller than males. Their lifespan is typically 9-10 years with proper care.

Here are some key characteristics of the Rottweiler breed:

  • Protective, intelligent, loyal, easy-going temperament
  • Short fur and wide-set eyes
  • Can be a mix of Rottweiler and any type of Mastiff, such as an English Mastiff or Bullmastiff

As a large and active breed, Rottweilers require regular exercise and training to keep them happy and healthy.

In This Article

Rottweilers are a large dog breed with a broad head, short fur, and wide-set eyes.

They're part of the working group and are thought to be descendants from mastiffs of ancient Rome.

This breed stands 22–27 inches tall and weigh 80–135 pounds.

Female Rottweilers are typically smaller than males.

The typical Rottweiler lifespan is 9–10 years with proper care.

Breed Overview

Close-Up Shot of a Rottweiler Looking at Camera while Standing on a Grassy Field
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The Bullmastiff Rottweiler Mix, also known as the Mastweiler, is a large and powerful dog breed. They can weigh anywhere from 80 to 135 pounds and stand 23 to 27 inches tall.

This breed is a cross between a Rottweiler and a Mastiff, and their size demands a firm touch with handling and training. They are best suited for experienced owners who can provide the necessary care and attention.

Mastweilers are known for their protective and loyal nature, making them great family guard dogs. They are also intelligent and easily trainable, but can be strong-willed at times.

Here are some key characteristics of the Mastweiler breed:

Mastweilers are generally healthy dogs, but their lifespan can vary from 7 to 10 years with proper care. They require regular exercise, including 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise, and a balanced diet to maintain their overall health.

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Temperament and Intelligence

Rottweilers and Mastiffs are both known for their strong temperaments, but they can vary greatly from one dog to another. Each dog is an individual, and breed only makes up about 9% of any dog’s overall behavior.

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Rottweilers are generally quiet, gentle, and calm dogs, and they follow their pet parents around the house, desiring close companionship. They can be good with kids if they grow up with them, but they need to be taught to be nice when they're young.

Mastweilers, being a hybrid of the two breeds, have a temperament that's often calmer and sweeter than the more dominant Rottweiler. They're watchful, loyal, and protective of their families and property.

Bullmastiffs, in particular, are known to be gentle dogs who can't handle a harsh word. They're extremely attached to their owners and have plenty of emotional intelligence.

Early socialization and training are crucial for these dogs, especially due to their size, to ensure they know how to behave and respect their place in the family. They can be strong-willed and stubborn at times, but their strong will to please and obedience can make them trainable.

Mastweilers are intelligent dogs, but they can be hard-headed and unmotivated to learn sometimes. They're best for experienced, patient owners who can provide the necessary guidance and attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Rottweiler a Mastiff breed?

Yes, the Rottweiler breed originated from the mastiffs of the Roman legions, inheriting their strength and robust nature. This heritage is a key part of the Rottweiler's identity as a powerful working breed.

What two breeds make a Rottweiler?

Rottweilers originated from the breeding of mastiff-like cattle-herding dogs with local sheepdogs in Germany. This unique combination of breeds resulted in the distinctive Rottweiler we know today.

Shawna Welch

Writer

Shawna Welch is a versatile and engaging writer with a passion for exploring complex topics in an approachable way. With a keen interest in animal behavior, Shawna has developed a niche expertise in canine behavioral issues, shedding light on common problems and offering actionable advice for pet owners. Her writing style is characterized by clarity, empathy, and a commitment to accuracy, making her a trusted voice in the field.