Rottweiler vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Which dog breed is right for you?

Rottweiler

Size
80–135 lbs, 22–27 in
Lifespan
8–10 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
No
Loyal Confident Courageous Calm

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Size
50–70 lbs, 20–24 in
Lifespan
12–15 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Loyal Eager-to-please Outgoing Trainable

About the Rottweiler

The Rottweiler descends from Roman drover dogs that accompanied legions through the Alps, eventually settling in the German town of Rottweil where they drove cattle and pulled carts for butchers for centuries. These robust, powerful dogs stand 22 to 27 inches tall and weigh 80 to 135 pounds, with a broad head, strong jaws, and a compact, muscular build. Their short, dense double coat is always black with distinctive rust to mahogany markings on the cheeks, muzzle, chest, legs, and above the eyes.

Temperament & Personality

Rottweilers are confident, calm, and courageous — deeply devoted to their families with a natural guarding instinct that requires responsible ownership and thorough socialization. With proper training and socialization, they are gentle, playful, and even goofy with their families, including children. Rottweilers are intelligent and eager to work, excelling in obedience, tracking, herding, and therapy roles, but they need an owner who provides consistent leadership and clear boundaries.

Pros

  • Exceptionally loyal and naturally protective of family without excessive aggression
  • Highly intelligent and trainable — eager to work and please their handler
  • Versatile working dog excelling in obedience, search and rescue, and therapy
  • Low-maintenance coat requiring only weekly brushing

Cons

  • Requires experienced ownership with consistent training and early socialization
  • Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, osteosarcoma, and bloat
  • Breed-specific legislation and homeowner's insurance restrictions in many areas
  • Can develop territorial aggression without proper socialization and leadership

A well-raised Rottweiler is one of the finest companions in the canine world — explore adoption listings on Puplister.

About the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was developed in the late 19th century by Dutch breeder Eduard Karel Korthals, who meticulously crossed French and German griffons, setters, spaniels, and pointers to create what he considered the "supreme gundog." These medium-sized sporting dogs stand 20 to 24 inches tall and weigh 50 to 70 pounds, with a robust build that balances power with agility. Their distinctive coat features a harsh, wiry outer layer over a dense, water-resistant undercoat — typically in steel gray with brown markings, though roan, brown, and white and brown patterns also occur.

Temperament & Personality

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are eager, devoted, and remarkably trainable — often called the "supreme gundog" not just for their versatile field skills but for their cooperative, people-focused temperament. They are gentle and patient with children, friendly with other dogs, and form strong bonds with every family member rather than fixating on a single person. Their enthusiasm for both work and play, combined with a gentle disposition, makes them outstanding all-around family companions for active households.

Pros

  • Versatile sporting dog — points, retrieves, and works in water and thick cover equally well
  • Low-shedding wiry coat suitable for allergy-conscious owners
  • Devoted and affectionate family dog with a gentle, trainable nature
  • Adaptable and eager to please — excels in multiple canine sports and disciplines

Cons

  • High exercise requirements — needs vigorous daily activity and mental stimulation
  • Coat requires regular hand-stripping or professional grooming to maintain texture
  • Can become anxious, clingy, or destructive without adequate exercise and companionship
  • Prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and ear infections

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a rare treasure among sporting breeds — see if one is available on Puplister.

Available for Adoption

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Rottweiler and a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
The Rottweiler is 80–135 lbs, 22–27 in sized while the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is 50–70 lbs, 20–24 in sized. They differ in size (80–135 lbs, 22–27 in vs 50–70 lbs, 20–24 in), lifespan (8–10 years vs 12–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Rottweiler or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
Rottweiler is generally good with kids. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Rottweiler or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
The Rottweiler has a lifespan of 8–10 years while the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has a lifespan of 12–15 years.

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