9+ Dog Breeds That Look like Rottweilers

Rottweilers are a very well-known breed of dog. They are thought to be rather tough, but they are just big softies. The American Kennel Club calls them a “loyal, caring, confident protector,” and I’m not sure I could put it any better. They make for excellent guard dogs due to their fierce loyalty.

You might not think it, but these dogs love to snuggle, and if you’ve owned one, you’ll know that for a fact! There are a few dog breeds that look like Rottweilers. Many of them have similar personalities as well. 

If there is any reason why the Rottweiler isn’t the dog for you, you might be interested in dogs that look like Rottweilers. This list will show you those.

Do you have a specific question about dog breeds that look like Rottweilers? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section. And you can always go back by clicking on the black arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page. 

Cane Corso 

Cane Corso translates loosely as “bodyguard-dog,” and he is one of the strongest guard dogs around. This dog is extremely sensitive to its master’s emotions. If you are concerned about the individual in front of you, the Cane Corso will react accordingly. It has the same bulky frame as the Rottie and makes a similarly wet, cuddly canine.

Manchester Terrier

The Manchester Terrier is a fun-loving, energetic breed. It is about one-fifth the size of a Rottie, weighing just 12 to 22 pounds. It’s a ratting terrier at heart, with a lot more stamina than the Rottie. So, if you have a very active family that enjoys running around chasing squirrels, this dog would be an excellent choice.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog resembles the Rottie, with the exception that the former is tricolor. The Swissie, on the other hand, has a head shape and expression reminiscent of the Rottweiler.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are big working dogs closely related to the Bernese Mountain Dog and St. Bernard. Historians also discovered that the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is an ancient breed that influenced many other breeds, including the Rottweiler. It has a confident, gentle, calm, and yet playful personality.

Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher is the most often misidentified dog as a Rottweiler. It is the same height as the Rottie but much leaner and more muscular. It has the same black and tan colorings and markings as the Doberman, so it’s easy to see why some people consider the Doberman to be the younger, or slimmer, sibling. You can consider them to be the skinny Rottweiler.

They are affectionate and caring toward their families and will protect them in times of danger. It is probably top of the list of dogs similar to Rottweilers.

Miniature Pinscher

If you like the idea of dogs like Rottweiler but don’t have much room for one, the Miniature Pinscher is a perfect little choice for you. This tiny guy is known as the “King of Toys,” so he compensates for his diminutive size with sass and attitude. With a weight of just 8 to 10 pounds, this Rottie clone could fit into your handbag.

Boxer

The Boxer has the same square shape as the Rottweiler, but it is much less chunky. They are also a lot more energetic and enjoy clowning around with their mates. So, suppose you like Rottie’s square shape but want a little more family entertainment and energy. In that case, the Boxer is a fun family friend to have around. The Boxer, like the Rottie, is black and brown, but it also has white on its coat.

Boerboel

The Boerboel was developed to protect South African farms from lions and other predators. So, if you’re looking for a stocky but uncommon guard dog, this might be the one. It is unquestionably a more challenging dog breed, so you must be an accomplished and strong pack leader. 

Outside the house, it is confident and brave, and while inside with the family, it is docile and cool. These dogs, like Rottweilers, are a great breed and will be an outstanding addition to the right family.

American Bully 

The American Bully comes in various sizes, and it often has the same markings as the Rottweiler, such as the brows and chest markings. If you’re looking for a stumpy Rottweiler-looking dog, the American Bully is the dog for you. This chubby pup is affectionate, loyal, and full of personality.

Rottweiler Crossbreeds

When finding a Rottweiler mixed breed, bear in mind that hybrid dogs inherit genes from both parents. That means you can’t be sure which of your puppy’s parents’ characteristics or appearance it will inherit. So, buying a Rottweiler mix puppy is essentially a game of chance!

Boxrotts, a hybrid between a Rottweiler and a Boxer, is an alternative. Or the Rottsky, a mix between a Rottweiler and a Siberian Husky. The German Rottie, a cross between a German Shepherd and a Rottweiler, is another choice. 

You may get dogs similar to Rottweiler from this, or they may look very different!

Credits: thanks for the cover photo to Canva.

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