Australian Shepherd

Herding · Medium

Rottweiler

Working · Large

Australian Shepherd vs Rottweiler

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

Quick comparison

Best for families

Australian Shepherd

Based on good-with-kids rating

Easier to train

Australian Shepherd

Based on trainability rating

Less shedding

Rottweiler

Based on shedding level

Better for apartments

Rottweiler

Based on apartment-friendly rating

Lower maintenance

Rottweiler

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

Australian Shepherd

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Rottweiler
Size	Medium	Large
Height	18–23″	22–27″
Weight	40–65 lbs	80–135 lbs
Lifespan	12–15 yrs	9–10 yrs
Group	Herding	Working
Coat type	Medium-length double coat, straight to wavy	Double coat, short and dense

Temperament & behavior

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Rottweiler
Energy level	Very High	High
Trainability	Very High	High
Barking level	Moderate	Moderate

Compatibility

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Rottweiler
Good with kids	High	High
Good with dogs	High	Low
Good with cats	Low	Low
Apartment friendly	Very Low	Low

Care requirements

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Rottweiler
Shedding	High	Moderate
Grooming needs	Moderate	Low
Daily exercise	60–120 min	60–120 min
Daily food	1.5–2.5 cups	3–5 cups
Annual cost	$1 300–$2 200	$1 600–$2 800

Temperament