A joyful, tireless sporting dog with soulful eyes and a wagging tail. English Springer Spaniels are eager to please, love the outdoors, and make wonderful active family companions.
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 English Springer Spaniel if you want easier to train and better with kids. Choose Rottweiler if you want a great companion.
English Springer Spaniel
Attribute
Rottweiler
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
English Springer Spaniel is better suited for families with children.
English Springer Spaniel
Rottweiler
Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Strangers
If kids are part of the equation, the data is clear: the English Springer Spaniel scores 5/5 with children while the Rottweiler manages 3/5. The English Springer Spaniel is naturally patient and gentle around young ones.
Rottweiler is the larger breed; English Springer Spaniel is more compact.
English Springer Spaniel
Rottweiler
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
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 English Springer Spaniel's 18–25 kg (40–55 lbs).
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
English Springer Spaniel
Rottweiler
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
The lifespan difference is significant. English Springer Spaniels live 12–14 years on average, while Rottweilers live 8–10 years.
English Springer Spaniel is less expensive to own annually.
English Springer Spaniel
Rottweiler
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $800–$2,000 for a English Springer Spaniel versus $1,000–$3,000 for a Rottweiler. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Rottweiler is calmer; English Springer Spaniel is more energetic.
English Springer Spaniel
Rottweiler
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
If you've spent time around both breeds, the personality gap is unmistakable. A English Springer Spaniel greets the world with a friendly attitude, whereas a Rottweiler leans more toward a loyal approach.
English Springer Spaniel needs more exercise; Rottweiler is lower-maintenance.
English Springer Spaniel
Rottweiler
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
The English Springer Spaniel 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 English Springer Spaniel.
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
English Springer Spaniel
Rottweiler
Shedding
Grooming Needs
Both breeds shed at the same rate (3/5), so fur management will be identical for either choice. Expect a moderate amount of loose fur from both.
English Springer Spaniel is generally easier to train.
English Springer Spaniel
Rottweiler
Trainability
Intelligence
The English Springer Spaniel has a slight training edge (5/5 vs 4/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the English Springer Spaniel tends to catch on a bit faster.
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the English Springer Spaniel if you value easier to train (5/5 vs 4/5) and better with children (5/5).
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The English Springer Spaniel and Rottweiler are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: English Springer Spaniel is much more kid-friendly. Annual ownership costs are lower for the English Springer Spaniel by roughly $300/year.
Choose English Springer Spaniel if...
Choose Rottweiler if...
Neither may be right if...
Both the English Springer Spaniel 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?
The English Springer Spaniel scores 5/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the Rottweiler's 3/5. The English Springer Spaniel is specifically recommended for families.
The English Springer Spaniel is easier to train with a score of 5/5, compared to the Rottweiler's 4/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
A English Springer Spaniel puppy costs $800–$2,000 while a Rottweiler costs $1,000–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,300 for the English Springer Spaniel and $1,590 for the Rottweiler. The Rottweiler costs more to maintain annually.
The English Springer Spaniel lives 12–14 years on average, while the Rottweiler lives 8–10 years. The English Springer Spaniel generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The English Springer Spaniel is equally suited for apartments (2/5) as the Rottweiler (2/5). Neither breed is ideal for apartments — both prefer more space.