Rottweiler vs English Mastiff: Breed Comparison

People often compare Rottweilers and English Mastiffs when choosing a loyal pet. Both breeds have unique qualities that make them stand out.

Rottweilers are known for their strength and courage. They were originally bred to drive cattle to market. Later they were used to pull carts for butchers. They have a history of being guard dogs, which is why they are protective by nature.

English Mastiffs, on the other hand, are gentle giants with a calm demeanor. Their history dates back to ancient times when they were used as war dogs by the Romans. Despite their size, they are known for being good with children and excellent family pets.

Visual Differences of Rottweiler & English Mastiff

Rottweilers are big dogs, weighing 85 to 130 pounds, but English Mastiffs are even bigger, reaching up to 230 pounds. Rottweilers have a wide head and ears that fold down, with dark eyes and a black face mask.

English Mastiffs have huge faces with wrinkles and saggy skin. Rottweilers are muscular and good at active jobs because they’re strong and alert. English Mastiffs look impressive with their big bones and wide chests, and they seem calm and in charge without doing much.

Rottweilers look like they’re ready for action, while Mastiffs just look powerful by being there. These dogs look different because they have different jobs: Rottweilers are protectors and workers, and Mastiffs are calm guardians. Their looks help people choose the right dog for their home.

A Quick Overview – Rottweiler vs English Mastiff

Breed History of Rottweiler & English Mastiff

Rottweilers are strong dogs from the Roman Empire times. They used to herd cattle and protect money for butchers. Their name came from the German town Rottweil. When trains started carrying livestock, Rottweilers became less popular for herding, but they were still great as police and service dogs because they are loyal and like to work.

English Mastiffs come from ancient war and guard dogs known for their size and bravery. In England, they were guard dogs and showed wealth and power. Later, they were used in hunting and fighting sports, which are now illegal. After World War II, Mastiffs almost disappeared, but now they are friendly pets.

Both kinds of dogs act the way they do today because of their jobs in the past. Rottweilers like having jobs to do, and Mastiffs are big, friendly protectors.

They both need good training, but they don’t need the same amount of exercise. Knowing about their history helps people understand their personalities better.

Appearance

When looking for a dog, some people pick based on looks. Rottweilers are strong and not too big, with black and tan fur. They’re usually about 27 inches tall and have ears that hang down. Sometimes their tails are cut short.

English Mastiffs are really big dogs, weighing over 200 pounds sometimes! They can be up to 30 inches tall and have short fur in colors like light brown, orange-brown, or striped. They have dark marks on their face and ears.

Rottweilers’ heads are round and they look smart and alert. Mastiffs have square heads and look strong. Their ears are different too; Rottweilers’ ears stand up when they listen, but Mastiffs’ ears stay flat.

Both dogs have special looks—Rottweilers with sharp colors around their eyes and nose, and Mastiffs with their huge size.

People like both for different things—Rottweilers are energetic and protective, while Mastiffs are calm and noble.

Coat & Colors

Rottweilers have short, black and tan fur that’s rough. English Mastiffs have longer fur that can be fawn, apricot, or striped, and it’s a bit rough too.

Both dogs shed some hair all year and more when the seasons change. Rottweilers need brushing once a week to keep their fur nice and shiny. Mastiffs need brushing more often so their fur doesn’t get tangled.

Both dogs need baths, but not too many, or their skin can get dry and itchy. When grooming, use a rubber mitt for Rottweilers and a brush with long bristles for Mastiffs. Remember to care for each dog the way they need it.

Temperament

Rottweilers are smart and protective, and they can be good with kids if they grow up with them. It’s important to teach them to be nice when they’re young so they don’t act mean.

English Mastiffs are big and calm, and make great therapy dogs. They also need to learn how to act around new people and animals early on.

Both types of dogs can live in cold places and need fun things to do inside when it’s cold, so they don’t get bored and act out. Rottweilers might need extra watching around new pets or people, while Mastiffs should be careful because they’re so big.

Trainability

Rottweilers are really smart and like to work with people. They learn new things quickly when trained early and taught to be friendly.

Mastiffs are sensitive and learn well when you’re nice and patient with them.

Both kinds of big dogs can be stubborn, so their trainers need to be calm but also show they’re the boss.

Exercise

Rottweilers are active dogs that need lots of exercise, like an hour a day, to be happy and healthy. They like running, playing, and training that makes them think and move. English Mastiffs don’t need as much exercise because they’re big and not as energetic.

About 30 minutes to an hour of easy exercise, like short walks, is good for them. Rottweilers enjoy fun activities like agility or playing fetch, which help them stay calm at home. Mastiffs like slow walks and easy playtime.

Both types of dogs need the right amount of exercise to stay fit and have a good attitude, especially if they’re inside a lot.

Grooming

Rottweilers need regular brushing to keep their coat shiny and healthy. Brush them once or twice a week. This helps remove dead hair and dirt. It also reduces shedding around the house. Use a firm bristle brush for the best results.

English Mastiffs require attention too, especially with their drool. Owners should wipe their faces daily to manage slobber and prevent skin issues. Their short coats need less frequent brushing, but regular grooming is still important.

Both breeds need nail care to avoid discomfort when walking. Clip their nails once or twice a month or as needed. Clean their ears weekly to prevent infections, paying attention to signs of wax buildup or irritation.

Brushing your Rottweilers’ and English Mastiffs’ teeth a few times a week is important to keep their mouths healthy and stop bad breath. Grooming helps them look nice and stay healthy.

Get your dog used to grooming early so they don’t bite when you brush them. They like it when you’re kind during grooming, and it helps you both trust each other more.

Feeding

When looking at Rottweilers and English Mastiffs, remember they need different amounts of food because Rottweilers are smaller.

Both need good food that’s right for their size and how active they are. 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.

It’s important not to overfeed these big dogs because being overweight can make them sick with things like diabetes or heart problems.

Owners should watch how much their dogs eat. Going to the vet often can help keep track of the dog’s weight and health. Vets can tell you how much and how often to feed your dog based on their breed.

Puppy Prices

When looking for a big dog like a Rottweiler or an English Mastiff, they can be pretty expensive. Rottweilers cost between $1,500 and $2,500, while English Mastiffs are usually $2,000 to $4,000.

The price changes depending on where the dog comes from and if it has champion ancestors.

If you want a cheaper option, you might think about adopting from a rescue, but it’s rare to find these big dogs there.

Remember, buying the dog is just the start; they’ll cost money to take care of over time, so make sure you’re ready for that.

Health Conditions and Concerns

Rottweilers are strong dogs, but they face some health challenges. Hip dysplasia is common in this breed. This condition can cause pain and trouble walking. They also may develop heart conditions that need a vet’s care.

English Mastiffs have their own set of issues to watch for. Bloat is a serious problem where the stomach fills with gas and twists. It needs quick medical help to prevent severe harm or even death. Joint problems like arthritis can also affect these big dogs, especially as they get older.

Caring for these breeds means regular check-ups with the vet. Preventive care helps catch problems early on. Owners should know about these risks to keep their furry friends healthy and happy.

Final Thoughts

Rottweilers are strong and loyal, great for guarding, but they need strict training. English Mastiffs are big and calm, good for families who want a chill pet. Rottweilers like to be active and need lots of exercise and brain games.

Mastiffs are huge and need space, but don’t need as much exercise. If you’re active and have time to train a dog, a Rottweiler could be good for you. If you like a more relaxed life, maybe get an English Mastiff.

Always try to get dogs from good breeders or adopt from shelters. Choose carefully to make sure your dog is healthy and happy.