If you Google-search the Rottweiler dog breed, you will come across people stating there are 3 or even 5 or more types of Rottweilers. Most of them refer to so-called American, German, and Roman Rottweilers.

However, is that really the truth? Perhaps, it’s the same case as with the Types of German Shepherds we discussed? Well, if you want it to be the truth, I am afraid you’ll be disappointed.

What Does Type Mean?

There are no real “types” of Rottweilers. It is all the same breed with very similar physical characteristics. It’s not even like the difference between German Shepherd types because you can obviously see the difference between a working and a show-line GSD.

Rottweiler types all look quite the same, especially if it’s your first time getting to know the breed. So, what is the type?

It is a breeding standard. Not all breeders have the same views on what is a good or proper look for a Rottweiler, and some simply want to make a bigger dog. Others wish these dogs to have broader jaws or stockier bodies. Whatever the case is, it is the same dog – Rottweiler.

And, if we follow the most popular breeding standards, we can say there are 3 “types” of Rottweilers, depending on the country or area these dogs were developed. These are the American, German, and Roman Rottweiler.

However, it doesn’t mean that every Rottweiler from Germany will look the same. Some will look just like the ones from the States. It all depends on the bloodline, pedigree, and breeder’s choices.

Why The Distinction?

The distinction comes from breeders wanting credit for what they have “created”. There is nothing wrong with this, and those same breeders will tell you they’ve got Rottweilers, not some special Roman or American Rotties. 

But, they will tell you that their Rottweilers are healthier, stronger, more powerful, etc. But, that’s the case with any dog breed. People took the division of the Rotties and just made a field day. It is like saying all black GSDs are closer to their wild side than the typical “saddle” German Shepherd. Nonsense.

Working Line Vs Show Line

If you really want to see any kind of distinction between Rottweiler breeding lines is the show line and the working line. But, even those are 99% differences in temperament. Generally speaking, all show lines should be calmer, less reactive, and easier for living in a household with a family.

But, as we mentioned when we talked about the Rottweiler traits, a working Rottie is just as compatible with living with a family. However, they have a higher drive, they are more reactive, and have a higher desire to constantly do something! 

These traits are important when choosing a dog, but you will find a show line and a working line of Rottweilers in America, Germany, and in breeders that call their Rotties “Roman Rottweilers”.

Warning About Future Rottweiler Looks

Having ‘types” of Rottweilers is not important. It’s fun, there is no harm, and as long as people love to make a distinction, let it be.

However, there is a problem when breeders change the looks of a Rottweiler so much that the changes become a health issue. We’re talking about a flux of almost brachycephalic Rottweilers. 

These dogs are a result of inbreeding, irresponsible breeding, and overall unethical breeding standards. People have started calling these Rottweilers “Pugweilers”. These types of breeders and people who approve of such looks are a reason for the “future” as seen in picture C of our beloved Rotties.

Final Thoughts

It doesn’t really matter what type your Rottweiler is. It all depends on what you want or prefer, as long as it is in a range of normal breed standards.

So, you can find a smaller, leaner Rottie in all three, four, or how many types of Rottweilers people claim there are. You can also find the big, robust, stockier Rotties in all types. It’s all up to the breeder.

And, if you are wondering whether a bigger Rottweiler is a better guard dog, that has nothing to do with guarding abilities. A Rottweiler is a great guard dog because of its wits and trainability. Not because it has a bigger head than the neighbor’s dog.

Read Next: The Biggest Guard Dogs