Rottweiler is a robust and one of the oldest dog breeds. Due to their strong and sturdy bodies, they were originally bred as working dogs. Though there are three different types of rottweilers people often compare  German vs American Rottweiler. American Rotties are not greatly different from German Rotties but subtle differences do exist.

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Here you will find out all the various ways in which American rottweilers are different from German Rottweilers and which one will suit you better

German vs American Rottweiler

The main difference between the German and American rottweiler is of course their origin. Despite the fact that they share many similarities in their appearance and general temperament, there are some minor differences that make each type unique.

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Origin

This is the most basic aspect that differentiates American Rotties from German Rotties. German rottweilers are born in Germany while American rottweilers are simply born in America. Moreover, the ADRK has specific standards set for their rottweilers and the German Rotties must meet the criteria. Similarly, AKC also has certain requirements that need to be fulfilled to qualify a Rottie as American. To be really sure if a rottweiler is German or American you will have to see the paperwork.

German vs American Rottweiler Size

There is a slight difference in the sizes of American and German Rottweilers. German Rotties appear a bit larger than the American counterparts, which are slightly smaller. Since this is a really subtle difference you can’t really tell a German Rottie apart from an American one merely based on the size.

German vs American Rottweiler Appearance

Though both types have black coats with rustic streaks, they tend to differ in their general physique. German Rotties have a broader body shape and look stockier and muscled. according to ADRK standards, German Rotties have thick necks and broader noses. Their tails are not docked. they have short-haired coats.

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American Rottweilers are not as broad as german Rotties but have a more lean and athletic body type. They have smaller noses and can have short as well as long-haired coats. They have arched necks and appear visually narrow.

Tail

Perhaps one of the most apparent differences between the two types of Rotties is their tails. American Rotties commonly have docked tails as this was a breed standard set by AKC. On the other hand, a Rottie with docked tail fails to qualify as German as ADRK strictly discourages tail docking. Nowadays however AKC is not very specific about tail docking either.

Breeding Standards

ADRK sets the breeding standards for German Rottweilers while AKC sets the breeding standards for American Rottweilers. ADRK has strict criteria for their Rotties and failing to meet any disqualifies a Rottie as being Gerrman. According to ADRK, the German rottweilers must be bred in Germany. Their coats should specifically be black in combination with mahogany, brown, or tan and their tails must be undocked. Moreover has a golden standard for behavior for German rottweilers which requires them to be perfect companions for humans.

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AKC has lenient criteria for American rottweilers. According to AKC American Rotties must be bred in America. AKC is not very strict about coat colors so Red and blue colors are also included in the breed standards. Moreover, American Rotties can have docked or undocked tails.

Temperament

There are minor differences between American and German rottweilers in terms of personality and temperament. As the ADRK has much stricter guidelines for german Rotties’ behavior and wants their Rotties to be perfect human companions. As a result, German Rottweilers are calm and composed yet alert and intelligent. Their loyalty and affection towards their companion are unparalleled. They are very sociable and great with kids as well as other animals in the same house. They will rarely get aggressive and are thus considered perfect as family dogs, security dogs, and even guard dogs.

American Rottweilers are similar to their German counterparts with regard to personality and temperament. They are equally loyal and loving and make great pets. However, they are somewhat hostile towards strange people and animals. They might display bouts of aggression around animals of the same sex therefore they should be supervised when around unknown people and pets. Despite the fact that they are as eager to please their owner as the German Rotties, there might be a hint of stubbornness in their behavior.

German vs American Rottweiler Health

Both the German and American rottweilers are relatively healthy and well-built dogs. But just like other dogs, they are prone to certain diseases. Most of the diseases inflicting rottweilers are genetic. To be sure your Rottie is free from health issues you must purchase your Rottie from a reputable dog breeder.

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German rottweilers are prone to the following ailments:
Hip and elbow dysplasia

• Hypothyroidism
• Eye diseases
• Cancer
• Parvovirus

Similarly, American rottweilers are susceptible to the following health conditions:

• Aortic stenosis
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Cancer
• Eye diseases

Moreover, both American and German rottweilers are prone to obesity if overfed or given less exercise. Both have average lifespans of 8 to 10 years.

However, it must be noted that ADRK has a very strict set of guidelines for their dogs and does not allow the sale of genetically diseased rottweilers. Therefore German Rotties are less likely to suffer from health issues.

On the other hand, AKC doesn’t have strict guidelines for their Rotties. Therefore there is a higher likelihood of health-related conditions among American Rottweilers.

Training

German Rottweilers have a history of working with the military and police. Hence they are quite adaptable and easy to train dogs. Their response to training is very appreciative. To ensure proper training of your Rottie you must start at a  young age and socialize well. Make use of positive reinforcement and don’t be harsh or dominating.

The same goes for American rottweilers. They are equally easy to train and intelligent. However, due to the slight stubbornness in their nature, they might take a bit more time to become perfect dogs. This however can be overcome using positive reinforcements. Begin training at an early age for the best results

Price

In terms of price German rottweiler is more expensive than the American Rottweiler. This is because of the higher breeding standards according to which german Rotties are bred.

Which Rottie is Suitable For You?

If you are looking for a sturdy dog that can act both as a pet and guard dog and is also a great companion, then the German Rottie is the perfect choice for you. Especially since they are also less likely to suffer from diseases. But purchasing a german Rotties is going to be a little heavy on your wallet as they are exorbitantly priced.
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Whereas American rottweiler is not as costly but equally lovable and energetic. They have a leaner physique and make excellent pets. Although their chance of being affected by health issues is slightly higher. But you can eliminate that risk by buying your Rotties from a licensed seller.

 Conclusion

German Rottweilers and American Rottweilers both have their own share of qualities but there is so much more to these adorable dogs than meets the eye. German rottweilers pass through a strict screening test by ADRK and as a result, they have a specific set of characteristics and are relatively disease free. But keep in mind buying a German Rottie can cost a fortune. American rottweilers do not possess a particular set of features as they are not strictly regulated by AKC and do not cost as much. No matter which rottweiler you get both make wonderful pets.