Rottweiler vs Papillon
Size Category
Medium
Ideal For
First-time Owners
Maintenance Level
Moderate
Decision Helper
Quick Decision Guide
Rottweiler might be better if you:
- Want an easily trainable dog
- Prefer low-maintenance grooming
- Live in an apartment or prefer quiet dogs
Papillon might be better if you:
- Want a dog great with children
- Want an easily trainable dog
- Lead an active lifestyle
- Prefer low-maintenance grooming
- Often have visitors or socialize frequently
- Want a smaller dog that's easy to carry
- Want a breed known for longevity
Find Your Match
Quick Match Quiz
Question 1 of 7
What best describes your lifestyle?
Breed Overview
Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a large and powerful dog breed known for its strength, loyalty, and protective instincts. They have a well-defined musculature, a broad head, and a robust build, giving them an imposing presence. Rottweilers have a short, dense coat that is typically black with tan markings. They are intelligent, confident, and versatile, making them suitable for various roles, including working, service, and companion animals. Rottweilers are known for their loyalty to their families and can be affectionate and playful, particularly with children. However, they require consistent training and socialization from an early age to ensure they develop into well-rounded adults. They are protective of their home and family, making them excellent guard dogs.
Papillon
The Papillon is a small, elegant toy breed known for its distinctive butterfly-like ears, from which its name is derived (French for 'butterfly'). Weighing between 5 to 10 pounds and standing about 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder, these dogs are compact and well-proportioned. Their long, flowing coat can be a combination of white with various colors, including black, red, and lemon. Papillons are known for their lively and alert demeanor, making them excellent companions. They are intelligent, eager to please, and highly trainable, often excelling in obedience and agility competitions. Their friendly nature makes them good with families, children, and other pets, though they can be reserved or cautious around strangers. Papillons are also known for their high energy levels, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy.
Key Statistics
Life Expectancy
Height (Male)
Weight (Male)
Breed Characteristics
Good with Children
Good with children
Excellent with children
Good with Other Dogs
Generally friendly with other dogs
Generally friendly with other dogs
Shedding
Moderate shedding level
Moderate shedding level
Grooming Needs
Low grooming needs
Low grooming needs
Trainability
Highly trainable
Highly trainable
Energy Level
Moderately energetic breed
Very energetic breed
Barking Tendency
Minimal barking tendency
Frequent barking tendency
Care Requirements
Care Requirements
Rottweiler
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Groom the coat weekly to reduce shedding and maintain skin health.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet formulated for large breeds.
Health Care
Groom the coat weekly to reduce shedding and maintain skin health.
Papillon
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush coat regularly to prevent matting and tangles.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their size and age.
Health Care
Check ears for dirt and debris to prevent infections.
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Groom the coat weekly to reduce shedding and maintain skin health.
Grooming
Brush coat regularly to prevent matting and tangles.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet formulated for large breeds.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their size and age.
Health Care
Groom the coat weekly to reduce shedding and maintain skin health.
Health Care
Check ears for dirt and debris to prevent infections.
Additional Care Notes
Rottweiler
- •Brush teeth several times a week to maintain dental health.
Papillon
Training & Exercise
Training & Exercise Guide
Rottweiler
Rottweilers require consistent and firm training from an early age. Basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and leash walking are essential. Positive reinforcement methods, including treats and praise, are effective. Socialization with other dogs and people is crucial to prevent aggression and ensure they are well-adjusted.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness and resistance to commands if not trained consistently
- •Overprotectiveness towards family and property
- •Potential aggression towards unfamiliar dogs or people if not properly socialized
- •High energy levels leading to destructive behaviors if not exercised adequately
- •Separation anxiety if left alone for long periods
Papillon
Papillons are intelligent and eager to please, making basic training relatively easy. Start with obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise to encourage good behavior. Consistency and patience are essential, as is socialization with other dogs and people to develop a well-rounded temperament.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness or selective hearing during training sessions
- •Tendency to bark excessively if not properly trained
- •Difficulty with housebreaking if not established early on
- •Separation anxiety when left alone for long periods
- •Fearfulness in new situations or around unfamiliar people
Rottweiler
Rottweilers require consistent and firm training from an early age. Basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and leash walking are essential. Positive reinforcement methods, including treats and praise, are effective. Socialization with other dogs and people is crucial to prevent aggression and ensure they are well-adjusted.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness and resistance to commands if not trained consistently
- •Overprotectiveness towards family and property
- •Potential aggression towards unfamiliar dogs or people if not properly socialized
- •High energy levels leading to destructive behaviors if not exercised adequately
- •Separation anxiety if left alone for long periods
Papillon
Papillons are intelligent and eager to please, making basic training relatively easy. Start with obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise to encourage good behavior. Consistency and patience are essential, as is socialization with other dogs and people to develop a well-rounded temperament.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness or selective hearing during training sessions
- •Tendency to bark excessively if not properly trained
- •Difficulty with housebreaking if not established early on
- •Separation anxiety when left alone for long periods
- •Fearfulness in new situations or around unfamiliar people
Training Resources
Rottweiler Training Guide
Papillon Training Guide
Find Breeders
Find Rottweiler Breeders
Find Papillon Breeders
Local Search Tips
When looking for a reputable breeder in your area, consider these approaches:
- 1.
Contact local veterinarians for breeder recommendations - They often know reputable breeders who prioritize health testing and proper care.
- 2.
Join breed-specific clubs in your area - These communities can provide valuable connections and insights about responsible breeders.
- 3.
Attend local dog shows to meet breeders - This gives you the opportunity to see their dogs and discuss breeding practices in person.