Golden Retriever

Sporting · Large

Rottweiler

Working · Large

Golden Retriever vs Rottweiler

Side-by-side comparison of the Golden Retriever and Rottweiler — size, temperament, shedding, trainability, cost, and compatibility ratings.

Quick comparison

Best for families

Golden Retriever

Based on good-with-kids rating

Easier to train

Golden Retriever

Based on trainability rating

Less shedding

Rottweiler

Based on shedding level

Better for apartments

Golden Retriever

Based on apartment-friendly rating

Lower maintenance

Rottweiler

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

Golden Retriever

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

Trait	Golden Retriever	Rottweiler
Size	Large	Large
Height	21.5–24″	22–27″
Weight	55–75 lbs	80–135 lbs
Lifespan	10–12 yrs	9–10 yrs
Group	Sporting	Working
Coat type	Double coat, long and wavy	Double coat, short and dense

Temperament & behavior

Trait	Golden Retriever	Rottweiler
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Very High	High
Barking level	Moderate	Moderate

Compatibility

Trait	Golden Retriever	Rottweiler
Good with kids	Very High	High
Good with dogs	Very High	Low
Good with cats	High	Low
Apartment friendly	Low	Low

Care requirements

Trait	Golden Retriever	Rottweiler
Shedding	Very High	Moderate
Grooming needs	Moderate	Low
Daily exercise	60–120 min	60–120 min
Daily food	2–3 cups	3–5 cups
Annual cost	$1 500–$2 800	$1 600–$2 800

Temperament