A detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right breed for your lifestyle.
| Attribute | Newfoundland | Rottweiler |
|---|---|---|
| Size | giant | large |
| Weight | 45–70 kg (99–154 lbs) | 36–60 kg (79–132 lbs) |
| Height | 63–74 cm (25–29 in) | 56–69 cm (22–27 in) |
| Lifespan | 8–10 yrs | 8–10 yrs |
| Trainability | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Energy Level | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Good with Kids | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Shedding | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Grooming | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Apartment Friendly | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Health | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Price | $1,500–$3,000 | $1,000–$3,000 |
The Newfoundland is known for being sweet, patient, devoted, while the Rottweiler is typically described as loyal, confident, protective. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.
The Rottweiler tends to be more playful, scoring 4/5 versus the Newfoundland's 3/5. Expect the Rottweiler to be more eager for playtime and interactive games.
Noise-wise, the Rottweiler is more vocal with a barking level of 3/5, while the Newfoundland is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Newfoundland may be the better choice.
The Newfoundland is a giant breed standing 63–74 cm (25–29 in) tall and weighing 45–70 kg (99–154 lbs). In comparison, the Rottweiler is a large breed at 56–69 cm (22–27 in) and 36–60 kg (79–132 lbs).
The Newfoundland is somewhat larger, though the difference isn't dramatic. Both breeds are manageable for most owners, but the size gap does affect food portions and space requirements.
The Newfoundland has a long coat available in black, brown, gray, Landseer, while the Rottweiler sports a short coat in black and mahogany, black and tan, black and rust. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.
The Newfoundland has low energy (2/5) with moderate exercise needs (3/5). The Rottweiler has high energy (4/5) and high exercise needs (4/5).
You'll need to dedicate more time to exercising the Rottweiler, which thrives on vigorous daily activity. The Newfoundland is less demanding in this regard and settles more easily into a relaxed routine.
For apartment dwellers, the Rottweiler is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 2/5, compared to the Newfoundland's 1/5. The Newfoundland generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.
When it comes to shedding, the Newfoundland drops more fur with a shedding level of 5/5, while the Rottweiler is lighter at 3/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Rottweiler will be easier to live with.
The Newfoundland demands more grooming attention with a score of 4/5, while the Rottweiler is lower-maintenance at 2/5. The Newfoundland's long coat requires regular brushing and professional grooming sessions, adding to the overall cost of ownership.
Annual grooming costs average around $300 for the Newfoundland and $150 for the Rottweiler. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.
The Newfoundland has a lifespan of 8–10 years, while the Rottweiler lives 8–10 years. Both breeds have comparable lifespans.
The Rottweiler is generally the healthier breed, scoring 3/5 for health robustness versus the Newfoundland's 2/5. This often translates to fewer vet visits and lower medical costs.
Common health issues for the Newfoundland include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cystinuria, subvalvular aortic stenosis. The Rottweiler is prone to hip dysplasia, osteosarcoma, bloat, heart disease. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.
Annual vet costs average $700 for the Newfoundland and $600 for the Rottweiler. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.
Both breeds are equally trainable at 4/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well with either breed.
The Rottweiler ranks higher in intelligence (5/5 vs 4/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.
Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.
For families with children, the Newfoundland is the stronger choice, scoring 5/5 for kid-friendliness compared to the Rottweiler's 3/5. The Newfoundland's sweet nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.
If you have other pets, the Newfoundland tends to get along better with other dogs (5/5) than the Rottweiler (2/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Newfoundland is naturally more sociable with canine companions.
The Newfoundland is more welcoming to strangers (5/5), while the Rottweiler tends to be more reserved (2/5). If you frequently have guests, the Newfoundland's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.
The initial purchase price for a Newfoundland ranges from $1,500–$3,000, while a Rottweiler typically costs $1,000–$3,000. The Newfoundland has a higher upfront cost.
Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $2,080 for the Newfoundland and $1,590 for the Rottweiler. The Newfoundland is more expensive to maintain year over year, mainly due to higher food costs.
Monthly food costs run about $90 for the Newfoundland and $70 for the Rottweiler. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Newfoundland scores 5/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the Rottweiler's 3/5. Both breeds can be great family dogs with proper training and socialization.
The Newfoundland is equally easy to train with a score of 4/5, matching the Rottweiler. Both respond well to positive reinforcement methods.
A Newfoundland puppy costs $1,500–$3,000 while a Rottweiler costs $1,000–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $2,080 for the Newfoundland and $1,590 for the Rottweiler.
The Newfoundland lives 8–10 years on average, while the Rottweiler lives 8–10 years. Both breeds have similar lifespans. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The Rottweiler adapts better to apartment living (2/5) than the Newfoundland (1/5). However, neither breed is an ideal apartment dog — daily outdoor exercise is essential.
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