Low-set and sturdy with an endearingly foxy face, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a surprisingly athletic herding dog. Known for their intelligence, affection, and big personality in a small package.
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 Pembroke Welsh Corgi if you want better with kids and more apartment-friendly. Choose Rottweiler if you want less shedding.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Attribute
Rottweiler
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
Rottweiler is the larger breed; Pembroke Welsh Corgi is more compact.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rottweiler
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
These two breeds look nothing alike. The Rottweiler is a large breed at 36–60 kg (79–132 lbs) and 56–69 cm (22–27 in), while the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small breed at just 10–14 kg (22–31 lbs) and 25–30 cm (10–12 in).
Pembroke Welsh Corgi is better suited for families with children.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rottweiler
Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Strangers
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a slight edge with children (4/5 vs 3/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Pembroke Welsh Corgi's affectionate temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rottweiler
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
The lifespan difference is significant. Pembroke Welsh Corgis live 12–15 years on average, while Rottweilers live 8–10 years.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi is less expensive to own annually.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rottweiler
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $1,000–$2,500 for a Pembroke Welsh Corgi versus $1,000–$3,000 for a Rottweiler. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rottweiler
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
When you live with a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, you'll notice their affectionate, smart and alert character in everything they do. A Rottweiler, by contrast, shows a loyal, confident and protective nature.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi sheds more; Rottweiler is easier to maintain.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rottweiler
Shedding
Grooming Needs
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi 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.
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rottweiler
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
Exercise won't be the deciding factor here — both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Rottweiler need high daily activity (4/5). Both are athletic breeds that thrive with active owners.
Both breeds are equally trainable.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Rottweiler
Trainability
Intelligence
Both breeds score 4/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are cooperative, eager learners.
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Pembroke Welsh Corgi if you value better with children (4/5) and more apartment-friendly (3/5).
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Rottweiler are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi by roughly $500/year.
Choose Pembroke Welsh Corgi if...
Choose Rottweiler if...
Neither may be right if...
Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Rottweiler have high energy needs (4/5 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 Pembroke Welsh Corgi scores 4/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the Rottweiler's 3/5. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is specifically recommended for families.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is equally easy to train with a score of 4/5, matching the Rottweiler. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
A Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy costs $1,000–$2,500 while a Rottweiler costs $1,000–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,080 for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and $1,590 for the Rottweiler. The Rottweiler costs more to maintain annually.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi lives 12–15 years on average, while the Rottweiler lives 8–10 years. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is better suited for apartments (3/5) compared to the Rottweiler (2/5). The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is one of our top picks for apartment living.