Which is easier for a first-time owner, a dachshund or a rottweiler?

A dachshund is generally considered more manageable for a first-time owner due to their smaller size, though their stubborn streak still needs patient, consistent training. A rottweiler's size and strength make early, confident training especially important.

Do dachshunds really have back problems?

Dachshunds do carry a higher risk of intervertebral disc disease because of their unusually long spine relative to their legs. Many owners manage this with precautions like avoiding jumps from height and keeping their dog at a healthy weight.

How much exercise does a rottweiler need compared to a dachshund?

A rottweiler generally needs considerably more exercise and space than a dachshund, reflecting the difference in size and original working role. Both need daily exercise, but a rottweiler's needs are on a noticeably larger scale.

Are rottweilers naturally aggressive?

Rottweilers are not naturally aggressive by default, but their size and strength mean early socialisation and consistent training matter more for safety than they would with a smaller breed. Temperament depends heavily on training and upbringing in any dog.

Dachshund vs rottweiler: how they compare

A dachshund and a rottweiler sit at almost opposite ends of the size scale, which shapes nearly everything else about how they compare — a small, long-backed dog bred to go underground after quarry, against a large, powerful breed originally bred to drive cattle and pull carts. Size aside, both need a genuinely committed owner, just for very different reasons.

Size and build

A standard dachshund typically weighs around 9 to 12kg, with a distinctive long back and short legs built for going into burrows after quarry. A rottweiler is an entirely different scale, typically 35 to 60kg, solidly muscled and built for strength and stamina rather than agility.

That size difference matters well beyond appearance: a rottweiler's strength means training and secure handling from an early age genuinely matter for safety, while a dachshund's unusual back shape carries its own well-documented health considerations.

Temperament and trainability

Dachshunds are famously independent and can be stubborn, a trait rooted in being bred to work alone underground, making decisions without waiting for instruction from a handler above ground. Training a dachshund often takes patience and consistency rather than expecting instant obedience.

Rottweilers are intelligent and generally trainable, but their size and strength as adults make early, consistent training genuinely important rather than optional. A poorly trained rottweiler is a much bigger practical problem than a poorly trained dachshund, simply because of the size difference.

Exercise and living space

Dachshunds need regular but moderate exercise, and their long back means jumping on and off furniture or up and down stairs is worth managing carefully throughout their life, not just when a problem appears. Ramps and steps for furniture access are a genuinely sensible precaution for this breed.

Rottweilers need considerably more space and structured daily exercise to stay physically and mentally settled, and do not suit a small living space or an inactive household. Both breeds do poorly when consistently under-exercised, but a bored rottweiler's size makes the consequences more noticeable.

Health considerations worth knowing

Dachshunds are well known for a higher risk of intervertebral disc disease, a back condition linked to their unusually long spine, and many owners take precautions such as avoiding jumping from height and managing weight carefully to reduce strain on the back.

Rottweilers are a larger breed and can be prone to joint issues such as hip dysplasia, alongside a shorter average lifespan than a small dog like the dachshund. Both are worth discussing with a vet when choosing either breed, so you know what to watch for.

Common questions

Which is easier for a first-time owner, a dachshund or a rottweiler?: A dachshund is generally considered more manageable for a first-time owner due to their smaller size, though their stubborn streak still needs patient, consistent training. A rottweiler's size and strength make early, confident training especially important.
Do dachshunds really have back problems?: Dachshunds do carry a higher risk of intervertebral disc disease because of their unusually long spine relative to their legs. Many owners manage this with precautions like avoiding jumps from height and keeping their dog at a healthy weight.
How much exercise does a rottweiler need compared to a dachshund?: A rottweiler generally needs considerably more exercise and space than a dachshund, reflecting the difference in size and original working role. Both need daily exercise, but a rottweiler's needs are on a noticeably larger scale.
Are rottweilers naturally aggressive?: Rottweilers are not naturally aggressive by default, but their size and strength mean early socialisation and consistent training matter more for safety than they would with a smaller breed. Temperament depends heavily on training and upbringing in any dog.

Sources

Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.

PDSA — Pet Health Hub

Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.