A side-by-side comparison of the Labrador Retriever and Rottweiler across size, temperament, grooming, family fit, and more.
Labrador Retriever
Rottweiler
Overall, Labrador Retriever wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.
Labrador Retriever
3 wins
Rottweiler
2 wins
More family-friendly
Labrador Retriever edges ahead on kid-friendliness, affection, and trainability.
Lower maintenance
Rottweiler sheds less and needs less grooming overall.
Longer-lived
Labrador Retriever typically lives longer on average.
Calmer
These breeds have similar energy levels.
Quieter
Rottweiler tends to bark less.
More trainable
Labrador Retriever picks up commands and new behaviors more readily.
| Breed | Size | Weight | Height | Lifespan | Energy | Shedding | Grooming | Trainable | Affection | Barking | Kids | Dogs | Cats | Apartment | First-timers | Low-allergen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large | 55–82 lb | 22 in | 10–12 yr | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | — | |||||||
| Giant | 84–130 lb | 23–27 in | 10–11 yr | ✓ | — | — | — | — | — |
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The Labrador Retriever and Rottweiler are both popular breeds, but they differ meaningfully in day-to-day life. The verdict above scores them on six key dimensions — use it as a starting point, then factor in your specific home, activity level, and family situation.
Overall, Labrador Retriever wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.