Tibetan Mastiff/Rottweiler female

Rottweilers (or “Rotties) may have a bad-to-the-bone reputation, but their diehard protectiveness comes from a positive place. These large and powerful pups make it their mission to keep you safe but are surprisingly calm when they aren’t on high alert. Full-grown, they typically weigh 80-135 pounds and stand 22-27 inches tall.

Rottweilers are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. Socialization is the top priority if your Rottie is going to be around kids or other animals. Rottweilers can be good playmates for children, cats, and pets, but they need to be socialized early and have positive experience when they’re young. They're relatively quiet and don't bark much.

Rotties need daily exercise to get their energy out and their heart pumping. It’s safe to take them running with you in the open country or the woods, as they don’t like to wander far from their families. Rottweilers are very smart and also love sports like swimming, running beside a bicycle, and playing fetch with a ball. Overall, their exercise needs are moderate.

The Rottweiler has a distinct outer coat of short, thick, coarse fur with a thick layer of hair underneath. All dogs in this breed are black with brown markings. You may find ones with long hair or white chest markings, but these traits are not as common. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

Rottweilers are best suited for a home with a yard, though they can adapt to apartment life with enough exercise. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.

The Tibetan Mastiff will be your best friend, protector, and the kids’ favorite playmate. These dogs are creatures of habit who thrive in environments with simplicity and routine. Their ideal days involves a nice, long walk, followed by a quiet rest on the couch. Full-grown, they typically weigh 70-150 pounds and stand 24-26 inches tall.

Tibetan Mastiffs are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. Tibetan Mastiffs are wonderful with children that they know, and with socialization, they can get along nicely with other dogs and pets too. Mastiffs don’t respond well to being ignored, so they need an attentive family that makes them feel like part of the inner circle. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

Tibetan Mastiffs enjoy exercise but don’t require a ton of it. Playing in a fenced-in yard or taking a few walks a day will keep them comfortable and in shape. As they age, one walk a day will do the trick. Overall, their exercise needs are moderate.

Tibetan Mastiffs are a long-haired breed with dual-layer coats of black, golden brown, or grey fur. Some dogs also have tan and/or white markings on their chest or feet, along with a longer “mane” on their head and neck. Frequent shedding is uncommon for Tibetan Mastiffs. Grooming-wise, this breed is moderate.

Tibetan Mastiffs are best suited for a rural property or home with a large yard. Their large size and loud bark make them a better match for homes with spacious yards in cooler climates. They are moderately trainable with consistent effort.