What's the difference between a rottweiler and a doberman pinscher?

They are two completely different breeds that other than the black and tan coat pattern look nothing alike. The are also quite different temperament wise. If you can't even tell the breeds apart physically,and aren't willing to do the research to learn about the breeds (asking questions on YA does not count as research) I would suggest that you get neither breed. Neither is a breed that is appropriate for inexperience owners or those unwilling to that the time to learn to deal with the breed properly

You should get neither until you learn a whole lot more about both breeds. They are very much not at all alike. The black/tan coat pattern is one that is present in many breeds, Black and Tan Coonnounds, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels, Australian Cattle Dogs, Australian Shepherds, German Shepherd Dogs, Miniature Pinschers, and many, many more. Coat pattern/color hardly means one breed is in any way the same as another.

if you don't know enough about the breeds to tell the difference, get a goldfish instead.

See all the above answers, plus...both Dobes and Rotties need socialisation as puppies. If they get good socialisation, they become good-natured, gregarious, calm dogs. Having a Dobe myself, I know that Dobes in particular can get phobic about things. If you get a Dobe, and it has a bad experience, try to repeat the experience under calm conditions and treat the dog for being brave. Our Dobe has had a metal pole fall on her as a puppy, and was spooky about poles for a few weeks, but we kept taking her to places where there were metal poles, sitting her down, tying her to them, and treating all the time. She completely ignores them now.

The Dobermann Pinscher has ears that look almost identical to the Rotts, so where you got the idea they were pointier, I'll never know. The Dobes body is more slim and rather rectangular looking near the back hind legs, opposed to the Rottie who has a thinker slightly rounded body closer to the front legs.The face of a Dobermann is much skinnier than that of a Rott and their eyes are more of an almond shape rather than round. Dobes have a larger colour range and look Absolutely stunning when well bred. Both breeds are extremely intelligent the Dobie just that tiny big Higher. Rotties were bred to herd, Dobes were bred for protection.The Dobermann and the Rottweiler are both stunning breeds. Full of personality and loyalty. These two are restricted to advanced owners and require experienced care. My top breed is the Dobermann Pinscher and I am researching already. A German Shepherd would be a better choice of dog for someone at your level.

This is a trick question, right?

They are very different dogs who just happen to look a bit similar. The Rottweiler is stockier, heavier, longer, with a broad head. They were originally all-purpose farm dogs in Germany, bred to drive livestock to market, pull carts, etc. They are fairly independent, smart, strong dogs.The Doberman was deliberately created to protect people. Taller, lighter, leaner, more elegant. They are very smart and not independent at all... Doberman people refer to them as "Velcro dogs" because they stick to you.Both require training, both are housedogs (although a Rottweiler will enjoy playing in the snow... Dobermans get COLD), both are wonderful dogs, both make great family dogs and are great with children, both are extremely active and require lots of exercise. Dobermans I think require more time... they are not happy unless they are with their person.I would choose based on temperament and your lifestyle and what dog would be a better fit for you, personally, more than I would choose based on looks.

Well just a thought - if you can't tell the difference- then you should get Neither. lol Seriously though Research , research, research.

Get a doberman!! I have two of them right now. The ears are pointier because many dobermans get their ears cropped while most rottweilers keep them floppy but both breeds get their tails docked. Dobermans are skinnier and much faster because they are related to the greyhound. Dobermans are more active and playful than rottweilers.

I tried to see the variations; I guess rottweilers are a little thicker than dobermans, and dobermans' ears are pointier. What else is there to tell the difference? And which one should I get?

If you can't tell the difference, who's to say you should get either? Anyone who's done 10 mins of research could tell the difference just by looking.