Australian Shepherd
Strikingly beautiful and incredibly smart, the Australian Shepherd is a high-energy herding dog that thrives with an active family. They excel in agility, flyball, and any task that challenges their minds.
VS
Rottweiler
A powerful and confident guardian, the Rottweiler is deeply loyal and protective of its family. With proper training and socialization, they are calm, obedient, and surprisingly affectionate.
Quick Answer
Choose Australian Shepherd if you want easier to train and better with kids. Choose Rottweiler if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding.
Quick Comparison
Australian Shepherd
Attribute
Rottweiler
medium
Size
large
18–29 kg (40–64 lbs)
Weight
36–60 kg (79–132 lbs)
46–58 cm (18–23 in)
Height
56–69 cm (22–27 in)
Better13–15 yrs
Lifespan
8–10 yrs
Better5/5
Trainability
4/5
5/5
Energy
4/5
Better4/5
Good with Kids
3/5
4/5
Shedding
3/5Better
4/5
Grooming
2/5Better
1/5
Apartment
2/5Better
Better4/5
Health
3/5
Better$800–$2,000
Price
$1,000–$3,000
Attribute Comparison
Health & Lifespan
Australian Shepherd tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Australian Shepherd
Rottweiler
Lifespan (years)
Better13–15
vs8–10
Health Robustness
Better4/5
vs3/5
The lifespan difference is significant. Australian Shepherds live 13–15 years on average, while Rottweilers live 8–10 years.
Size & Appearance
Rottweiler is the larger breed; Australian Shepherd is more compact.
Australian Shepherd
Rottweiler
Weight (kg)
18–29
vs36–60
Height (cm)
46–58
vs56–69
You'll notice the size difference immediately. The Rottweiler stands 56–69 cm (22–27 in) tall and weighs 36–60 kg (79–132 lbs), making it considerably larger than the Australian Shepherd at 46–58 cm (18–23 in) and 18–29 kg (40–64 lbs).
Family & Social Life
Australian Shepherd is better suited for families with children.
Australian Shepherd
Rottweiler
Good with Kids
Better4/5
vs3/5
Good with Dogs
Better4/5
vs2/5
Strangers
Better3/5
vs2/5
The Australian Shepherd has a slight edge with children (4/5 vs 3/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Australian Shepherd's intelligent temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Exercise & Activity
Australian Shepherd needs more exercise; Rottweiler is lower-maintenance.
Australian Shepherd
Rottweiler
Energy Level
5/5
vs4/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
vs4/5
Apartment Friendly
1/5
vs2/5Better
The Australian Shepherd needs slightly more exercise (5/5) than the Rottweiler (4/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have very high to high energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Australian Shepherd.
Grooming & Shedding
Australian Shepherd sheds more; Rottweiler is easier to maintain.
Australian Shepherd
Rottweiler
Shedding
4/5
vs3/5Better
Grooming Needs
4/5
vs2/5Better
The Australian Shepherd sheds a bit more (4/5) than the Rottweiler (3/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Rottweiler has a slight edge.
Cost of Ownership
Australian Shepherd is less expensive to own annually.
Australian Shepherd
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$1,250 ✓
Rottweiler
Avg. Purchase$2,000
Annual Food$840
Annual Vet$600
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,590
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $800–$2,000 for a Australian Shepherd versus $1,000–$3,000 for a Rottweiler. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Temperament & Personality
Rottweiler is calmer; Australian Shepherd is more energetic.
Australian Shepherd
Rottweiler
Playfulness
Better5/5
vs4/5
Barking Level
3/5
vs3/5
Energy
5/5
vs4/5
If you've spent time around both breeds, the personality gap is unmistakable. A Australian Shepherd greets the world with a intelligent attitude, whereas a Rottweiler leans more toward a loyal approach.
Training & Intelligence
Australian Shepherd is generally easier to train.
Australian Shepherd
Rottweiler
Trainability
Better5/5
vs4/5
Intelligence
5/5
vs5/5
The Australian Shepherd has a slight training edge (5/5 vs 4/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Australian Shepherd tends to catch on a bit faster.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Australian Shepherd if you value easier to train (5/5 vs 4/5) and better with children (4/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Australian Shepherd and Rottweiler are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Australian Shepherd by roughly $300/year.
Choose Australian Shepherd if...
- ✓You have young children — Australian Shepherds are generally more patient and gentle with kids.
- ✓Budget matters to you — Australian Shepherds cost roughly $300 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Choose Rottweiler if...
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Neither may be right if...
Both the Australian Shepherd and Rottweiler have high energy needs (5/5 and 4/5 respectively). If you live in a small apartment without park access or can't commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, consider a lower-energy breed like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu instead.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Australian Shepherd or Rottweiler?
The Australian Shepherd scores 4/5 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.
Is a Australian Shepherd or Rottweiler easier to train?
The Australian Shepherd is easier to train with a score of 5/5, compared to the Rottweiler's 4/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
Which costs more, a Australian Shepherd or Rottweiler?
A Australian Shepherd puppy costs $800–$2,000 while a Rottweiler costs $1,000–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,250 for the Australian Shepherd and $1,590 for the Rottweiler. The Rottweiler costs more to maintain annually.
Do Australian Shepherds or Rottweilers live longer?
The Australian Shepherd lives 13–15 years on average, while the Rottweiler lives 8–10 years. The Australian Shepherd generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Australian Shepherd or Rottweiler live in an apartment?
The Rottweiler adapts better to apartment living (2/5) than the Australian Shepherd (1/5). However, neither breed is an ideal apartment dog — daily outdoor exercise is essential.