The Rottweiler Breed in Brief:

Once known as “The Butcher’s Dog of Rottweill”, after a butcher’s dog who guarded his money and herded cattle on route to auction, this strong, trustworthy breed originated in the area of Wurttemburg, Germany. The descendants of the Rottweiler breed can be traced back to dogs that were left behind to guard outposts for the Roman Army on it’s march across Europe.

The Rottweiler is a devoted family and protection dog, and excels in police work as well as obedience training, which should be started while the Rottweiler puppy is very young. Rottweilers require regular, thorough brushing and need plenty of outdoor exercise.

Country of Origin: Germany

Rottweiler Breed History:

The breed is an ancient one and its history stretches back to the Roman Empire. In those times the legions traveled with their meat on the hoof and required the assistance of working dogs to herd the cattle. One of the routes the army traveled was through Württemberg 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 Metzgerhund (Butcher’s Dog of Rottweil).

However, by the end of the 18th Century the Rottweiler 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 the Rottweiler has become popular with dog owners and in 1935 the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. In 1936 Rottweilers were exhibited in Britain at Crufts. In 1966 a separate register was opened for the breed.

Rottweiler Breed Description:

• Height/Weight: Adult males will measure 24-27 in (61-69 cm) in height with females in the range of 22-25 in (56-64 cm).
• Coat: The Rottweiler wears a straight, coarse, dense, medium-length outer coat with a softer undercoat present on the neck and thighs.
• Color: The color is always black with rich tan or mahogany markings

Rottweiler Breed Temperament:

In recent years, the Rottweiler 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.

The Rottweiler is a fearless dog that maintains an air of self-assurance. He is basically calm and confident. Rottweilers possess an inherent desire to protect home and family.

Rottweiler Breed Exercise Requirements:

Willingness to work is bred into the Rottweiler. The well-bred Rottie is a devoted family dog. Due to his size, he does best in a suburban or country atmosphere where he can get lots of safe, outdoor exercise. Early obedience training is a good idea.

Rottweiler Breed Grooming Requirements:

Regular, thorough brushing is needed to keep your Rottweiler’s short coat glossy and free of dead hairs.

Rottweiler Dog Breed Facts:

• Other Names for the Rottweiler: Rottie, German Rottweiler
• Common Misspellings for Rottweiler: Rottwieler, Rotweiler, Rotwieler
• Rottweiler Life Expectancy: 8 to 11 Years
• Good with Children: Yes
• Dog Breed Group: Working Dogs Group
• Size Group: Large Dogs