History and Origin of Rottweiler

The breed is an ancient one and its history stretches back to the Roman Empire. In those times the legions travelled with their meat on the hoof and required the assistance of working dogs to herd the cattle. One of the routes the army travelled was through Wüberg and on to the small market town of Rottweil.

This region eventually became an important cattle area and the descendants of the Roman cattle dogs proved their worth in both droving and protecting the cattlemen from robbers. It would be a brave villain who would try and remove the purse around the neck of a Rottweiler Metzgershund (Butcher's Dog of Rottweil).

However, by the end of the 18th Century the breed had declined so much that in 1900 there was only one female to be found in the town of Rottweil. But the build up to the First World War saw a great demand for "police dogs" and that led to a revival in interest for the Rottweiler. Its enormous strength, its intelligence, and its ability to take orders made it a natural weapon of war.

From that time it has become popular with dog owners and in 1935 the breed was officially recognised by the American Kennel Club. In 1936 Rottweilers were exhibited in Britain at Crufts. In 1966 a separate register was opened for the breed.

In recent years, the breed has received a lot of bad press. Unscrupulous breeders have produced dogs with highly aggressive tendencies and some owners have used the dogs to boost their macho images. A well-trained and responsive "Rottie" can provide the right owner with a great deal of exercise and loving companionship.

Profile of Breed

• Breed Name: Rottweiler
• Description: The ideal Rottweiler is a medium large, robust and powerful dog, black with clearly defined rust markings. His compact and substantial build denotes great strength, agility and endurance. Male rottweilers are characteristically more massive throughout with larger frame and heavier bone than bitches. Bitches are distinctly feminine, but without weakness of substance or structure.
• Height: 23 - 27 inches
• Weight: 90 - 110 lbs.
• Colors: Black with brown markings
• Coat: Outer coat is straight, coarse, dense, of medium length and lying flat. Undercoat should be present on neck and thighs.
• Temperament: Rottweilers are protective, determined.
• Care and Exercise: Minimal grooming of Rottweilers consists of brushing with a firm bristle brush or massaging their coat with a damp towel. Bathe only when necessary. Rottweilers need plenty of vigorous exercise.
• Health Issues: Elbow and hip dysplasia, eye problems.
• Category: Working Group
• Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 2), KC (GB), UKC
• Living Environment: A home with a fenced yard is ideal.