Which is bigger, a German Shepherd or a Rottweiler?

By typical weight/height midpoints, the Rottweiler tends to be larger overall. German Shepherd typically weighs about 50-90 lbs (mid ~70 lbs) versus Rottweiler at 80-135 lbs (mid ~108 lbs). Height at the shoulder is commonly listed around 22-26 inches vs 22-27 inches. Both are classified as large dogs in our data. On typical midpoints, Rottweiler tends to be the larger dog.

Which is taller, German Shepherd or Rottweiler?

Rottweiler is typically taller at the withers (22-26 inches vs 22-27 inches).

Which weighs more, German Shepherd or Rottweiler?

Rottweiler usually weighs more (50-90 lbs vs 80-135 lbs).

Are German Shepherd and Rottweiler the same size class?

Yes—both are large in our breed data. Individuals still vary by sex and bloodline.

Do males and females change the size comparison?

Often yes. Males are commonly at the high end of weight/height ranges and females at the low end. Always check the actual dog (or parents) rather than breed averages alone.

Size matchup

German Shepherd vs Rottweiler: size & weight

Typical weight (50-90 lbs vs 80-135 lbs) and height (22-26 inches vs 22-27 inches)—so you can tell who’s bigger on the metrics that matter.

Rottweiler typically larger

German Shepherd

large · energy 5/5

50-90 lbs

Weight mid ~70 lbs

22-26 inches

Height mid ~24.0 in

Breed profile

Rottweiler

large · energy 4/5

80-135 lbs

Weight mid ~108 lbs

22-27 inches

Height mid ~24.5 in

Breed profile

Rottweilers are often denser and heavier; GSDs usually stand a bit taller with a more rectangular silhouette.

Typical weight

German Shepherd: 50-90 lbs (mid ~70 lbs)
Rottweiler: 80-135 lbs (mid ~108 lbs)

Rottweiler usually tips the scale higher.

Typical height (withers)

German Shepherd: 22-26 inches (mid ~24.0 in)
Rottweiler: 22-27 inches (mid ~24.5 in)

Rottweiler is typically taller at the shoulder.

Size class & fit

German Shepherd

large · lifespan 9-13 years

Confident, Courageous, Smart

Rottweiler

large · lifespan 9-10 years

Confident, Courageous, Calm

Size drives food bills, car space, crate size, and how hard a jump lands on kids and seniors. Pair this page with lifestyle compare when temperament matters as much as inches.

Planning verdict

Lean German Shepherd

Lean German Shepherd if you want a large dog around 50-90 lbs and 22-26 inches, with energy 5/5.

Lean Rottweiler

Lean Rottweiler if you prefer large size near 80-135 lbs and 22-27 inches, with energy 4/5.

FAQs

Which is bigger, a German Shepherd or a Rottweiler?: By typical weight/height midpoints, the Rottweiler tends to be larger overall. German Shepherd typically weighs about 50-90 lbs (mid ~70 lbs) versus Rottweiler at 80-135 lbs (mid ~108 lbs). Height at the shoulder is commonly listed around 22-26 inches vs 22-27 inches. Both are classified as large dogs in our data. On typical midpoints, Rottweiler tends to be the larger dog.
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Rottweiler?: Rottweiler is typically taller at the withers (22-26 inches vs 22-27 inches).
Which weighs more, German Shepherd or Rottweiler?: Rottweiler usually weighs more (50-90 lbs vs 80-135 lbs).
Are German Shepherd and Rottweiler the same size class?: Yes—both are large in our breed data. Individuals still vary by sex and bloodline.
Do males and females change the size comparison?: Often yes. Males are commonly at the high end of weight/height ranges and females at the low end. Always check the actual dog (or parents) rather than breed averages alone.

Related size matchups

References

How to Choose the Right Dog Breed — American Kennel Club (AKC)
How Long Will Your Dog Live? Size Matters — American Kennel Club (AKC)
General Dog Care — ASPCA