Rottweiler vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback: Key Differences (With Pictures)

Rottweilers and Rhodesian Ridgebacks are large dogs with stunning lines and devoted personalities. They’re often high on the list for those looking for loving, protective companions. While both make wonderful pets, there are distinct differences between the breeds.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are smaller than the heavily-muscled Rottweilers, and Rottweilers are often more reserved around strangers than Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Rottweilers are incredibly smart and are usually a bit easier to train than Rhodesian Ridgebacks. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are often better suited for families with kids. Both breeds usually do best with experienced dog owners.

Visual Differences

At a Glance

 

Rottweiler Overview

Rottweilers are gorgeous muscular dogs that exude strength and confidence. They’re likely related to the Massifs that accompanied Roman soldiers as they marched across the European continent. They’re one of the smartest dog breeds in the world, and they’re often quite eager to learn. Although the breed is known for aggression, well-trained Rottweilers often make sweet, loving, and seriously devoted companions.

Personality / Character

Rottweilers were originally bred to guard and protect, so they’re often great watchdogs. Most are devoted to and protective of their loved ones, including children and other animals they consider part of the household. While Rottweilers can be reserved around people they don’t know, most love cuddling and many have truly sweet personalities.

Because they typically have high prey drives, some have trouble controlling their instincts around cats and other small animals. However, many well-socialized Rottweilers do fine around cats, particularly those they’ve grown up around.

Training

Rottweilers are incredibly intelligent. Because they’re so smart and were bred to exercise independent judgment, Rottweilers are usually happy to learn new tricks and commands, particularly when encouraged to use their problem-solving skills.

Most do best with positive training that challenges and engages them. Reward-based techniques often work wonders with Rottweilers. Most respond well to praise and treats. Punishment often increases anxiety, which can result in increased canine aggression.

Suitable For:

Rottweilers are great choices for active families and individuals seeking a loving, devoted, and protective companion. Because of their high prey drives, Rottweilers often do best in homes without small children or other pets. Experienced dog owners willing to invest in consistent, regular training make great companions for these gorgeous dogs.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Overview

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are large, powerful dogs bred to be gentle companions, guard dogs, and hunters. They’re mixes of Khoikhoi dogs native to southern Africa and European breeds such as Greyhounds and various Terriers. They’re incredibly fast and have powerful bites; they were once used for hunting lions. But Rhodesian Ridgebacks can also be quite relaxed and laid-back, and most are observant without being on perpetual high alert.

Personality / Character

Rhodesian Ridgebacks often make excellent companion animals. Most are relaxed around and loving toward family members. They can be protective but are rarely aggressive toward people.

However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks have high prey drives and powerful bites, so solid socialization and obedience training are essential to ensure appropriate behavior in novel situations and when triggered by scurrying cats and other small animals.

Training

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are intelligent, people-oriented, and more than capable of learning but stubborn and challenging to train. They’re naturally protective and usually do best with positive training.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks often enjoy training for events such as agility and obedience competitions, which provides fun bonding opportunities and mental stimulation. Because they’re so large and powerful, consistent, positive-reinforcement-based training is necessary. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not suited for inexperienced dog owners.

Suitable For:

Rhodesian Ridgebacks make great pets for those looking for a large, devoted, athletic companion. Although incredibly powerful and protective, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are rarely aggressive around people.

They’re ideal for on-the-go families who enjoy being active outdoors and are more likely to get along with young children than Rottweilers. However, they’re unsuitable pets for first-time dog owners and those with limited space.

 

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Rottweilers and Rhodesian Ridgebacks are large dogs that make loving and devoted companions. Both breeds become attached to and protective of their family members, but Rottweilers are larger and less comfortable around infants. They’re smart and relatively easy to train. Because of their strength and high prey drives, Rottweilers do best in homes without small children or other animals.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are usually a bit mellower than Rottweilers. Most are calm and disinclined and do not display aggression toward most people. They’re generally gentle with children and make excellent family dogs. Rhodesian Ridgebacks thrive with positive training that allows them to understand what’s expected of them.

Neither dog has high maintenance or care requirements, and the two have similar physical activity needs. The Rottweiler and Rhodesian Ridgeback do best with experienced dog owners.

Related Read:

• Rhodesian Ridgeback vs German Shepherd: The Key Differences (With Pictures)
• Female vs Male Rhodesian Ridgeback: Main Differences

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Featured Image Credit: Left – Rottweiler (RebeccasPictures, Pixabay) | Right – Rhodesian Ridgeback (Nina Quka, Pexels)