Rottweiler

When the Romans invaded Europe, they did so with vast armies, which required vast supplies and food. Much of this food was beef on the hoof, so the journey required using many dogs to act as drovers and guard dogs for the herds. these dogs were of no particular breed, but in general resembeled the Mastiff; they were large and powerful, courageous and steadfast- a formidable force. They endured the freezing cold of the mountains and the heat of the valleys. If an accident, injury or poor health overcame them, like the soldiers they accompanied, they either died or got better.

Many Romans settled on the banks of the Neckar River, whose climate and soil combined to provide an idal place for raising cattle. It can only be assumed that during the next few hundred years, descendants of the dogs that crossed the Alps with the Romans continued their role as guardian and drover's dog. The settlement flourished and became a major trade and cattle center. Butchers were an important part of the community, and their dogs were known as Metzgerhunds (butcher dogs).

Because of the red-tiled roofing on some of the original Roman buildings, the town became known as Rote Wil (Red Tile). Eventually it was called Rottweil, and the working cattle dogs from there were called Rottweilers. Other than the nobility or aristocracy, people in those days would not or could not afford to fead any animal that did not earn its keep. the larger dogs were used by the butchers to drive cattle as well as to guard them in the pens before butchering. It is said that smaller specimens of this breed that had derived from the Roman dogs were used for more domestic work at the butcher's home. The dogs would walk treadmills to turn spits and herd geese and ducks.

On Saturday's, which was the busiest trading day, the butcher would be inclined to stop at the local tavern before going home. Fearful that too much drinking would render him incapable fo protecting the money he had earned that day, he would place the coins in a leather pouch and tie the pouch around the neck of his Rottweiler. Today many Rottweiler owners protect small valuables in the same way.

In the middle of the nineteenth century, a law was passed forbidding the driving of cattle over roads. At nearly the same time, the railroad and the donkey replaced the Rottweiler as a cart dog. A few years before World War I, only one Rottweiler female existed in the town of Rottweil. In 1901, efforts were made to form a Rottweiler (and Leonberger) Club. The club did not last long but can take credit for producing the first Rottweiler standard. Since that time, there have been no known notable changes in the physical requirements for the breed and no changes at all from the character and temperament.

The work ethic was implanted in the Rottweiler during its development in Germany. The farmers and butchers carred little for aesthetic appearance in a dog; if a good working female came in season and a good working male was available, a breeding sometimes took place. If the female conceived and whelped, any malformed, unthrifty and weak puppies weredestroyed. Additional culling took place at a later time- if the dog didn't work it didn't survive.

Rottweilers were imported into the United States by their German owners who emigrated here and by Americans who had visited Germany and had been impressed by the breed. The first Rottweiler was admitted to the AKC stud book in 1931, and the breed standard was adopted in 1935, though the first Championship wasn't won until 1948.

They have been used in many areas of working, such as Army and Police work. They are very strong, loyal, have great intelligence and a very strong guarding instinct.

The Rottweiler is a very powerful dog, black with clearly defined rust markings. Males usually reach 24-27 inches, females 22-25 inches at the shoulders. Grooming on a Rottweiler is very simple. Regular bathing, brushing, nail trimming and ear cleaning are usually all they require.

Due to the size and working instinct of the Rottweiler, they do need a lot of exercise and training to keep them happy and healthy. A large fenced yard is highly recommended if you are planning on owning one.

They are great "family" dogs, if owned by the right family. I do not suggest bringing a Rottweiler into a home where the children have had no prior experience with how to treat a pet, or if you don't have time to work with the dog yourself. An experienced dog owner is needed with a Rottweiler since they tend to be pretty strong willed and need an owner who can handle a breed such as this. Firm training is needed, but never heavy handed training. The Rottweiler aims to please, however they must be taught correctly.

If you do plan on owning a Rottweiler, I do suggest you get to know the breed very well, with hands on experience. Seeing a photo or spotting one being walked isn't enough to know this breed (or any). First time owners should really do a lot of homework before purchasing one. If you don't have the time or space to accommodate this breed, please look elsewhere.

Rottweilers are very loving and loyal to their families, but can be a tad stubborn at times. Despite much of the publicity of this breed, they are incredible pets and do well in city and rural living. They need human companionship, and I do not recommend getting one if the dog will be left alone for extended periods on a regular basis.

Health concerns with the Rottweiler include the typical issues with most large breeds-hip and elbow dysplasia as well as bloat.

We've all heard the Rottweiler "horror stories"- many people claim they're a vicious breed. Yes, there are some who have attacked, however majority of Rottweilers are very sweet, loving, devoted dogs. Rottweilers make incredible family pets. They do require training, and it's best if you get a Rottweiler from good lines with sound temperaments, but a Rottweiler is in no way the "timebomb" that many people claim. Those people are truly uneducated in the breed. I've personally worked with over 100 Rottweilers from different walks of life- from Rottweiler rescue dogs, Rottweilers from show lines, Rottweilers bred by people who simply bred their pets, etc., and how many bites have I recieved from a Rottweiler? Zero. And to top it off, I see these dogs in a stressful environment for them- a boarding kennel. They have no idea why I'm coming for them, why I'm trying to put a lead around their neck, or where I'm taking them... and not one has ever tried to bite.

Video of a Rottweiler rolling around.