Rottweilers have an unfairly bad reputation for being aggressive or vicious. Nevertheless, they're still one of the most popular dog breeds in existence. In the U.S., for example, Rottweilers rank as the 9th most popular dog breed. These powerful dogs are very smart, loyal, and easy to train. If you're looking for the best companion dog for your Rottweiler, you've come to the right place. Like humans, dogs thrive on social interactions. Getting a companion for your Rottweiler can enhance their overall health. Plus, watching your Rottweiler bond with their new sibling will give you joy!
Well-socialized Rottweilers get along well with other dogs. Early socialization and obedience training are key to raising a well-mannered Rottweiler. An unsocialized Rottweiler may be aggressive or aloof with strange dogs. If you have a well-socialized Rottweiler, it can get along well with many dogs of similar size and temperament. Some of the most compatible companion dog breeds include other Rottweilers, Australian Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Belgian Malinois, and Huskies. You better avoid low-energy dog breeds like Basset Hounds and Saint Bernards and small dogs such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Below, I've listed seven great companion breeds for Rottweilers. But prior to discussing compatibility, it’s important that we establish common traits of Rottweilers. This will allow us to figure out what types of dogs will complement them best.
- Physicality: Rottweilers are considered medium-sized dogs, standing 24 to 27 inches tall and weighing from 80 to over 100 pounds.
- Intelligence: Rottweilers rank as the 9th smartest breed in the world.
- Adaptability Level: Rottweilers are very adaptable, with the AKC giving them a 4/5 for adaptability.
- Protective nature: Rottweilers are very protective of the ones they love and wary of strangers.
- Energy Level: Dogs can vary widely in energy levels, but Rottweilers have far more energy than most, with the AKC giving them a 3/5 for energy level.
- Playfulness Level: For playfulness level, the AKC gives Rottweilers 4/5, meaning the breed loves to play a lot.
- Trainability Level: Rottweilers are rated 5/5 by the AKC for their trainability levels. Given their trainability level, it’ll be easier to train your Rottweiler to get along with other dogs.
- Affectionate With Family: Rottweilers are very affectionate with their family so much so that the AKC gives them 5/5 in the category.
- Not the Best with Other Dogs: With a 3/5 rating for how Rottweilers get along with other canines, it’s not like the breed is automatically averse to other dogs. Like many guard dogs, Rottweilers aren't just necessarily going to gravitate toward other dogs, looking for social interaction.
Now that we have a good understanding of the key Rottweiler traits that are important when considering a second dog, we need to determine the traits that the second dog should possess to be compatible with a Rottweiler. Breeds that display the following traits will likely get along with a Rottweiler. Look for a dog breed that is:
- Good with other dogs
- Loves to play
- Has plenty of energy
- Physically tough
- Similar size or larger
- Highly trainable
If your Rottweiler is a male, I'd recommend you get them a female companion. Remember that Rottweilers are very protective in nature, which can lead them to be territorial. That's not to say that two dogs of the same sex can't live together. However, it’s recommended generally that your second dog is of the opposite sex, to avoid any potential dominance or territory disputes.
7 Best Companion Dogs for a Rottweiler
1. Another Rottweiler
Rottweilers are physically a perfect match for each other. Temperamentally, they’re virtually as good of a match as well. If you have two Rottweilers in your house, you can be fairly sure that their energy and playfulness levels will match up.
What's more, we know that Rottweilers are highly trainable and eager to please, and two biddable dogs will be more likely to get along. If you're getting a second Rottweiler, let it be the opposite sex. One thing I think all multiple dog owners agree on is that having two dogs of the same sex can be problematic as they mature. That said, it is contingent upon the personality and temperaments of both canines involved. While you can house two pups of the same sex together, it's generally best to have two dogs of the opposite sex.
2. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is as tough, energetic, smart, and playful as the Rottweiler. Both breeds are known to get along well with each other. Bred specifically for their intelligence, German Shepherds rank as the 3rd smartest dog breeds on Forbes' list of the top 20 most intelligent dogs. This trait, coupled with their strength, makes the German Shepherd an ideal companion dog for a Rottweiler. What's more, German Shepherds are generally friendly with other dogs.
Like Rottweilers, German Shepherds are moderately active dogs and the breed standard describes them as self-assured. If not correctly socialized, a German Shepherd can become overprotective of their owner. As well as being protective of their owners, German Shepherds are highly obedient. This trait, coupled with their intelligence, makes them highly trainable.
3. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a very smart, energetic, playful, and obedient dog. Like the Rottweiler, the Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized, high-energy breed, making it a perfect match for a Rottweiler. Australian Shepherds, like Rottweilers, are highly trainable, thanks to their smarts and biddability. Described by the AKC as a lean, tough ranch dog, the Australian Shepherd can withstand the Rottweiler's vigorous physical play.
Dogs that also like to play rough will be able to play with your Rottweiler without the risk of getting hurt. With the AKC giving them a 5/5 for energy level, Australian Shepherds are more energetic than Rottweilers, who are rated 3/5 by the AKC for their energy levels. All this energy helps an Australian Shepherd work all day. However, if you don’t find an outlet to expend some of that energy, your Australian Shepherd is likely to become bored and destructive.
4. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is highly playful, adaptable, energetic, and good with other dogs. However, unlike Rottweilers, Siberian Huskies are open to strangers and not very protective of their owners. But given their playfulness, energy levels, and openness to other dogs, Siberian Huskies are a good match for Rottweilers. For their trainability level, Siberian Huskies are rated 3/5 by the AKC, indicating that the breed is somewhat independent and stubborn. Because of that, they need firm, gentle training right from puppyhood. Moreover, all breeds benefit from early socialization and obedient training and the Siberian Husky is no exception. Overall, Siberian Huskies are extremely social, and regularly need the company of their owner or other dogs.
5. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are upbeat and playful. They get along well with a wide variety of dog breeds, including the Rottweiler. Both the Golden and the Rottie have tons of energy, so they can play roughly together. The Golden Retriever, like the Rottweiler, is deemed a hard-working breed that is great for field work and hunting. Furthermore, Golden Retrievers, like Rottweilers, are obedient and eager to please. Although Goldens can go to great lengths to protect their family, they are much too friendly to be guard dogs compared to Rottweilers. Goldens simply do not have it in them. However, they do make great watchdogs! Having a Rottweiler and a Golden Retriever in your home is like having a guard dog and a watchdog.
6. Labrador Retriever
With proper introduction and training, Labrador Retrievers and Rottweilers can live together in harmony. A Labrador can make a great play partner for your Rottweiler. Labradors are exuberant and extremely playful. Moreover, Labradors and Rottweilers are similar in size, meaning they can play with one another safely and will have few concerns. As previously mentioned, Labradors are full of energy, meaning a Lab can get your Rottie out of their comfort zone and make them a more friendly pet for you. Overall, Labrador Retrievers are intelligent, gentle, playful, and loving from the get-go, so they make great companions for other dogs.
7. Samoyed
The Samoyed is a relative of the Siberian Husky and would make a great companion for a Rottweiler just like a Siberian Husky would. These substantial but graceful dogs are slightly smaller than Rottweilers. Samoyeds stand anywhere from 19 to a bit over 23 inches and weigh up to 65 pounds. Don’t be hoodwinked by their smaller size and all-white coat though. Samoyeds are powerful, tireless dogs that were bred in the Siberian Arctic to hunt, herd, and haul heavy sleds in the freezing snow. They can definitely play together with Rottweilers. Best of all, Samoyed dogs really love to play! They're even more playful than Rottweilers and are as energetic. In general, Samoyeds get along nicely with other dogs they are raised with.
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