Did your Rottweiler get mistaken for another dog breed?
Or…
Did others think that your pooch was a Rottie?
Honestly, I’m also guilty of mixing them up.
So, I listed the dogs that anyone could assume to be a Rottweiler.
Keep reading to find out:
- 17 dogs that look like Rottweilers.
- What 2 dog breeds make a Rottie.
- The kind of dog that looks like a Rottweiler, but is smaller.
- And many more…
Table of contents
- 17 dogs that look like Rottweilers
- #1: Manchester Terriers
- #2: Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs
- #3: Hovawarts
- #4: Doberman Pinschers
- #5: Miniature Pinscher
- #6: Beaucerons
- #7: Cane Corsos
- #8: American Bull
- #9: The Tibetan Mastiffs
- #10: American Pitbull Terriers
- #11: German Pinschers
- #12: Appenzeller Sennenhunds
- #13: Bernese Mountain Dogs
- #14: Anatolian Shepherd Dogs
- #15: Dachshunds
- #16: Boxers
- #17: Slovensky Kopovs
- People also ask:
17 dogs that look like Rottweilers
Before we look at their twins…
Let me first describe Rottweilers.
So that I won’t have to repeat their qualities while I compare them to others. That said, here are the physical qualities of Rotties:
| Average height | 22 inches (55.88 cm) to 27 inches (68.58 cm) |
| Average weight | 80 lbs (36.28 kg) to 135 lbs (61.24 kg) |
| Average lifespan | 9 to 10 years |
| Breed group | Working group |
Now, I’ll provide the same information about the dogs below.
With that, you’ll clearly see their similarities and differences.
Which leads to you knowing how to tell the dogs apart.
#1: Manchester Terriers
| Average height | 15 inches (38 cm) to 16 inches (40.64 cm) |
| Average weight | 12 lbs (5 kg) to 22 lbs (10 kg) |
| Average lifespan | 15 to 17 years |
| Breed group | Terrier group |
If you put Manchester Terriers and Rottweilers side by side…
You’ll see how they actually differ from each other.
But if you were to see a Manchester Terrier alone…
You might think they’re a Rottweiler puppy.
Nope.
They’re a skinnier dog breed.
Plus, their snouts are longer due to their slim face.
These Terriers only happened to have the same black color and tan markings as a Rottie.
Fun fact: According to research, small dogs live longer. That’s because large dogs age quickly. Hence, Manchester Terriers have a longer lifespan compared to Rottweilers.
Similarities in attitude and temperament
- Playful.
- Adaptable.
- Protective.
- Affectionate.
- Good with children.
#2: Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs
| Average height | 23.7 inches (60.2 cm) to 28.5 inches (73.40 cm) |
| Average weight | 85 lbs (38.55 kg) to 140 lbs (63.50 kg) |
| Average lifespan | 8 to 11 years |
| Breed group | Working group |
These dogs are bigger than a Rottweiler.
Regardless, they can still be mistaken for one. But only at first glance.
Because despite having a black coat and tan markings…
They also have distinct white fur across their chest and face.
However, if we’re to count that out…
They definitely look similar to a Rottie.
Especially since the Greater Swiss Mountain dog has a square-shaped head.
And although their face is slimmer than a Rottweiler’s…
Their facial expressions are alike, especially with the matching tan eyebrows.
Moreover, their build is not far from a Rottweiler’s stance.
Similarities in attitude and temperament
- Loyal.
- Protective.
- Affectionate.
#3: Hovawarts
| Average height | 23 inches (58.42 cm) to 28 inches (71.12 cm) |
| Average weight | 65 lbs (29.48 kg) to 90 lbs (40 kg) |
| Average lifespan | 10 to 14 years |
| Breed group | Foundation Stock Service |
Think of a Rottweiler. Also, envision a Golden Retriever.
Put them together, and you get:
A Hovawart dog.
Now, these dogs are as slender and furry as a Goldie.
But they look more than a Rottweiler. Which is because of their black and tan coat.
However, once you get closer…
You’ll see that Hovawarts have a leaner body.
And their face is slimmer due to their small head.
Similarities in attitude and temperament
- Playful.
- Intelligent.
- Affectionate.
- Good with children.
#4: Doberman Pinschers
| Average height | 24 inches (61 cm) to 28 inches (71 cm) |
| Average weight | 60 lbs (27 kg) to 100 lbs (45 kg) |
| Average lifespan | 10 to 12 years |
| Breed group | Working group |
Although they’re taller and skinnier than Rottweilers…
Doberman Pinschers are also mistaken as Rotties.
I blame it on the dogs’ similar black coats. Plus, they both have tan markings around their muzzle and chest.
Moreover, some dog parents opt to have their Rottweiler’s ears cropped. However, that’s not part of their breed standard, according to AKC.
In contrast…
Most Doberman Pinschers have cropped ears. And that’s to follow AKC’s breed standard.
That said, let me show you how much these 2 look alike:
Similarities in attitude and temperament
- Playful.
- Protective.
- Affectionate.
#5: Miniature Pinscher
| Average height | 10 inches (25.4 cm) to 12 inches (30.5 cm) |
| Average weight | 8 lbs (3.63 kg) to 10 lbs (4.5 kg) |
| Average lifespan | 12 to 16 years |
| Breed group | Toy group |
If Rottweilers are gym bags or large pieces of luggage…
Miniature Pinschers are small handbags.
But the 2 still look similar.
You might even mistake a Miniature Pinscher for a Rottie puppy.
However, that’s only if the Mini Pin comes in the same black and tan coat combo.
But they lose their resemblance to Rottweilers if they’re not similarly colored.
Similarities in attitude and temperament
- Playful.
- Protective.
- Adaptable.
- Affectionate.
You might also want to know: 9 Alarming Reasons Why Your Rottweiler Is So Skinny
#6: Beaucerons
| Average height | 24 inches (61 cm) to 27.5 inches (70 cm) |
| Average weight | 70 lbs (31.75 kg) to 110 lbs (50 kg) |
| Average lifespan | 10 to 12 years |
| Breed group | Herding group |
In French, ‘Beau’ means ‘handsome.’
And Beaucerons are indeed charming.
What’s more, they’re often mistaken for a Rottweiler. That’s if they have black coat color. Then, they have tan markings around the muzzle, chest, ears, and eyebrows.
Moreover, both dogs have a compact build.
However, Beaucerons are slimmer than Rotties. And their face is more of a v-shape than a Rottie’s square face.
Similarities in attitude and temperament
- Playful.
- Protective.
#7: Cane Corsos
| Average height | 23.5 inches (60 cm) to 27.5 inches (70 cm) |
| Average weight | Proportionate to height |
| Average lifespan | 9 to 12 years |
| Breed group | Working group |
Cane Corsos have the closest build to a Rottweiler.
Moreover, their box-shaped face resembles a Rottie.
The only things Cane Corsos miss are the tan markings and ear shape.
For one, a Corso’s coat comes in black color. But it won’t be mixed with the color brown.
Moreover, their ears are shorter and slimmer. And they’re erect, compared to a Rottweiler’s droopy ears.
Similarities in attitude and temperament
- Playful.
- Affectionate.
- Open to strangers.
#8: American Bull
| Average height | 13 inches (33 cm) to 20 inches (50 cm) |
| Average weight | 44 lbs (20 kg) to 132 lbs (60 kg) |
| Average lifespan | 8 to 13 years |
| Breed group | Companion group |
First of all, American Bullies come in different sizes. Moreover, their colors vary as well.
Among their many variations…
Some American Pitbull looks so much like a Rottweiler.
Those Bullies have the same build and color as the latter.
And that makes people think the Bully is a Rottie.
However, the former is more compact than a Rottweiler. Plus, their ears are smaller.
Similarities in attitude and temperament
- Adaptable.
- Highly trainable.
#9: The Tibetan Mastiffs
| Average height | 24 inches (61 cm) to 26 inches (66 cm) |
| Average weight | 70 lbs (31.75 kg) to 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| Average lifespan | 10 to 12 years |
| Breed group | Working group |
If Rottweilers come with long and dense fur…
They’ll look more similar to a Tibetan Mastiff.
Regardless, the latter is still usually mistaken for a Rottie. Especially those that come in black and tan colors.
This is due to their similar large body structure and their boxy face.
Moreover, the dogs have the same facial features.
Similarities in attitude and temperament
- Protective.
- Affectionate.
- Moderate energy level.
You might also be interested in: Lion vs Rottweiler: Who Would Win A Fight?
#10: American Pitbull Terriers
| Average height | 18 inches (43 cm) to 21 inches (53 cm) |
| Average weight | 30 lbs (13.6 kg) to 60 lbs (27.2 kg) |
| Average lifespan | 8 to 15 years |
| Breed group | Terrier group |
The American Pitties can come with tan markings and black coat.
And that’s when they resemble a Rottweiler.
Then, it doesn’t help that the canines have a similar face and body structures.
Similarities in attitude and temperament
- Playful.
- Highly trainable.
#11: German Pinschers
| Average height | 17 inches (43 cm) to 20 inches (50.8 cm) |
| Average weight | 25 lbs (11.34 kg) to 45 lbs (20.41 kg) |
| Average lifespan | 12 to 14 years |
| Breed group | Working group |
Want a pocket-sized Rottie?
Well, German Pinschers aren’t the same…
But the 2 do look alike.
The resemblance is due to their matching colors: black and tan.
However, the physical likeness stops there.
That’s because German Pinschers are smaller and skinnier. Moreover, their ears are cropped, and their tails are docked. Which are their breed standard requirements according to AKC.
Similarities in attitude and temperament
- Playful.
- Protective.
- Affectionate.
- Highly trainable.
- Good with children.
#12: Appenzeller Sennenhunds
| Average height | 20 inches (50.8 cm) to 22 inches (55.88 cm) |
| Average weight | 48 lbs (22 kg) to 70 lbs (31.75 kg) |
| Average lifespan | 13 to 15 years |
| Breed group | Foundation stock service |
They look like a Rottweiler, but with a white streak across their chest to face.
And regardless of an Appenzeller’s slim, v-shaped head…
They still carry the facial features of a Rottie. With their tan eyebrows, large, black nose, and brown eyes.
Similarities in attitude and temperament
- Playful.
- Protective.
#13: Bernese Mountain Dogs
| Average height | 23 inches (58.42 cm) to 27.5 inches (70 cm) |
| Average weight | 70 lbs (31.75 kg) to 115 lbs (52.16 kg) |
| Average lifespan | 7 to 10 years |
| Breed group | Working group |
Take a Rottweiler. Make it fluffier. Then, double the fun through a more good-natured attitude, and you get:
A Bernese Mountain Dog.
Although, they have a double coat that’s denser and longer than a Rottie’s fur.
Regardless, the dogs have a similar body frames. Large, compact, and extremely huggable.
Their only distinct quality is their colors.
While Rottweilers only have black and tan hues…
Bernese Mountain Dogs are colored white on their chest and muzzle.
Similarities in attitude and temperament
- Playful.
- Protective.
- Affectionate.
#14: Anatolian Shepherd Dogs
| Average height | 27 inches (68.58 cm) to 29 inches (73.66 cm) |
| Average weight | 80 lbs (36.28 kg) to 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| Average lifespan | 11 to 13 years |
| Breed group | Working group |
Although Anatolian Shepherd Dogs don’t usually have the colors of a Rottie…
The canines have the same compact body build.
Moreover, their heads are both large and square-shaped.
However, the Anatolian’s tail is long and curved. Compared to a Rottweiler’s short tail.
Similarities in attitude and temperament
- Paylful.
- Good with children.
- Moderate energy level.
#15: Dachshunds
| Average height | 8 inches (20 cm) to 9 inches (23 cm) |
| Average weight | 11 lbs (5 kg) to 32 lbs (14.51 kg) |
| Average lifespan | 12 to 16 years |
| Breed group | Hound group |
Most people can easily recognize a Doxie.
Who else has a long back, small body, and compact build?
But hear me out on this one…
I can definitely relate to how people mix up Rottweilers with other dogs.
Because I once saw a short-coated, brown-and-tan Dachshund sitting down…
Then, I thought it was a Rottweiler puppy.
But once the pooch got up…
That’s when I realized the dog was a Doxie, not a young Rottie.
Similarities in attitude and temperament
- Playful.
- Affectionate.
- Moderate energy level.
#16: Boxers
| Average height | 21.5 inches (55 cm) to 25 inches (63.5 cm) |
| Average weight | 50 lbs (22.68 kg) to 80 lbs (36.29 kg) |
| Average lifespan | 10 to 12 years |
| Breed group | Working group |
Although Boxers don’t come with a black and tan color combo…
Their body and face still resemble a Rottweiler.
For one, the dogs have square faces. Plus, attached to their huge bodies are short tails.
However, Rotties have a longer snout than Boxers. While the latter looks like a brachycephalic dog breed.
Lastly, most Boxer dogs have cropped ears. Which is due to AKC’s breed standard.
Similarities in attitude and temperament
- Playful.
- Protective.
- Friendly to strangers.
- Needs constant mental stimulation.
#17: Slovensky Kopovs
| Average height | 16 inches (40.64 cm) to 20 inches (50.8 cm) |
| Average weight | 33 lbs (15 kg) to 44 lbs (20 kg) |
| Average lifespan | 12 to 13 years |
| Breed group | Foundation Stock Service |
This dog is often underrated…
That’s why some people forget about them when listing canines that look like Rottweilers.
But for Slovensky Kopovs also rock that black-and-tan coat. Moreover, their fur is short just like a Rottie.
Although, Slovenskies are only medium dogs. That’s why Rottweilers tower over them.
Similarities in attitude and temperament
- Affectionate.
- Good with children.
- Moderate energy level.
People also ask:
What 2 dog breeds make a Rottweiler?
There are no 2 dog breeds that make a Rottweiler. Since 1931, the AKC has recognized Rottweiler as a breed. That means they’re considered to be a pure breed dog.
However, we could look back on their history.
America’s Pet Registry (APR) tells us:
Rotties descended from mastiffs called Molossus.
And it was around 74 AD when the Roman Empire brought those ancestor dogs to Germany. During those times, the puppers helped the army by guarding.
Moreover, they began breeding the Rottweilers with other German breeds.
Fast forward to when the Roman Empire fell…
Some Rotties continued to pull carts. But this time, they do it for butchers instead of Roman soldiers.
And most of them resided in the town of Rottweil. Hence, their breed name.
What kind of dog looks like a Rottweiler but smaller?
The kind of dog that looks like a Rottweiler is a Miniature Pinscher. The latter is almost half of the size of the former. Moreover, their body is leaner, instead of a compact build like a Rottweiler.
You can also check out Manchester Terriers. They’re small but as mighty as a Rottweiler.
However, some of the Rottweilers that others call miniature might be experiencing dwarfism.
According to PetMD, it’s also called osteochondrodysplasia.
It’s a disorder that a dog can acquire genetically.
And it causes issues in bone growth, which leads to deformities.
Then, it ultimately stunts the dog’s growth.
So, if a Rottie has dwarfism, they won’t be as big. Moreover, they’ll face these challenges:
- Shorter bones.
- Enlarged joints.
- Abnormal bone shapes.
- Head is larger than normal.
- Shorter jaw that causes crooked teeth.