Dachshund
Bold and tenacious with a distinctive elongated body, the Dachshund is a spirited companion. Originally bred for hunting badgers, they are fearless, clever, and endlessly entertaining.
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 Dachshund if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding. Choose Rottweiler if you want easier to train.
Quick Comparison
Dachshund
Attribute
Rottweiler
small
Size
large
7–15 kg (15–33 lbs)
Weight
36–60 kg (79–132 lbs)
20–23 cm (8–9 in)
Height
56–69 cm (22–27 in)
Better12–16 yrs
Lifespan
8–10 yrs
2/5
Trainability
4/5Better
3/5
Energy
4/5
3/5
Good with Kids
3/5
Better2/5
Shedding
3/5
2/5
Grooming
2/5
Better4/5
Apartment
2/5
3/5
Health
3/5
Better$500–$2,000
Price
$1,000–$3,000
Attribute Comparison
Size & Appearance
Rottweiler is the larger breed; Dachshund is more compact.
Dachshund
Rottweiler
Weight (kg)
7–15
vs36–60
Height (cm)
20–23
vs56–69
Size is one of the most obvious contrasts between these breeds. The Rottweiler tips the scales at 36–60 kg (79–132 lbs), dwarfing the Dachshund's 7–15 kg (15–33 lbs).
Health & Lifespan
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Dachshund
Rottweiler
Lifespan (years)
Better12–16
vs8–10
Health Robustness
3/5
vs3/5
The lifespan difference is significant. Dachshunds live 12–16 years on average, while Rottweilers live 8–10 years.
Cost of Ownership
Dachshund is less expensive to own annually.
Dachshund
Avg. Purchase$1,250
Annual Food$420
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,020 ✓
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 — $500–$2,000 for a Dachshund versus $1,000–$3,000 for a Rottweiler. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Exercise & Activity
Rottweiler needs more exercise; Dachshund is lower-maintenance.
Dachshund
Rottweiler
Energy Level
3/5
vs4/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
vs4/5
Apartment Friendly
Better4/5
vs2/5
The Rottweiler needs slightly more exercise (4/5) than the Dachshund (3/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have high to moderate energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Rottweiler.
Training & Intelligence
Rottweiler is generally easier to train.
Dachshund
Rottweiler
Trainability
2/5
vs4/5Better
Intelligence
3/5
vs5/5Better
Training difficulty is a major difference. The Rottweiler (4/5) is eager to please and picks up commands quickly — a very cooperative learner.
Temperament & Personality
Dachshund is calmer; Rottweiler is more energetic.
Dachshund
Rottweiler
Playfulness
4/5
vs4/5
Barking Level
4/5
vs3/5Better
Energy
3/5
vs4/5
If you've spent time around both breeds, the personality gap is unmistakable. A Dachshund greets the world with a clever attitude, whereas a Rottweiler leans more toward a loyal approach.
Family & Social Life
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Dachshund
Rottweiler
Good with Kids
3/5
vs3/5
Good with Dogs
Better3/5
vs2/5
Strangers
Better3/5
vs2/5
Both breeds score 3/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Proper supervision and training around children is recommended for both.
Grooming & Shedding
Rottweiler sheds more; Dachshund is easier to maintain.
Dachshund
Rottweiler
Shedding
Better2/5
vs3/5
Grooming Needs
2/5
vs2/5
The Rottweiler sheds a bit more (3/5) than the Dachshund (2/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Dachshund has a slight edge.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
The Dachshund comes out ahead in most categories — it's more apartment-friendly (4/5), lower exercise needs (3/5), less shedding (2/5). If you can meet its moderate exercise needs and don't mind its quirks, the Dachshund is the more versatile choice for most households.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Dachshund and Rottweiler are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Rottweiler is notably easier to train, Dachshund is considerably better suited to apartment living. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Dachshund by roughly $600/year.
Choose Dachshund if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — Dachshunds adapt much better to smaller spaces (4/5 vs 2/5 apartment rating).
- ✓Budget matters to you — Dachshunds cost roughly $600 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.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Dachshund or Rottweiler?
The Dachshund scores 3/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Rottweiler at 3/5. Both breeds can be great family dogs with proper training and socialization.
Is a Dachshund or Rottweiler easier to train?
The Rottweiler is easier to train, scoring 4/5 versus the Dachshund's 2/5. The Rottweiler's eagerness to please makes training sessions more productive.
Which costs more, a Dachshund or Rottweiler?
A Dachshund puppy costs $500–$2,000 while a Rottweiler costs $1,000–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,020 for the Dachshund and $1,590 for the Rottweiler. The Rottweiler costs more to maintain annually.
Do Dachshunds or Rottweilers live longer?
The Dachshund lives 12–16 years on average, while the Rottweiler lives 8–10 years. The Dachshund generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Dachshund or Rottweiler live in an apartment?
The Dachshund is better suited for apartments (4/5) compared to the Rottweiler (2/5). The Dachshund is one of our top picks for apartment living.