The Rottweiler was developed from the dogs used by the Roman legions to herd and guard the cattle brought by them
to feed their legions. The butchers of Rottweil, Germany, developed the dogs to drive cattle to market and to
protect their money bags which were tied around the dogs' necks. It was an arduous task to drive the cattle and a
strong dog with staying power, full of self will and physical strength was needed. In the beginning of the 20th
century these dogs were found particularly well suited as a police dog, a function they still fulfill especially in Europe.
The build up to World War I saw a great demand for police dogs, and that led to a revival of interest in the Rottweiler.
During the First and Second World Wars, Rottweilers were put into service in various roles, including as messenger, ambulance,
draught, and guard dogs.
General Appearance:
The ideal Rottweiler is an above medium-sized, robust, and powerful dog, black with clearly defined rich tan markings.
His compact build denotes great strength, agility, and endurance. Males are characteristically larger, heavier boned
and more masculine in appearance.
Males 24 - 27 in. (60 -68 cm). Bitches 22 - 25 in. (55-63 cm).
Temperament:
The Rottweiler should possess a fearless expression with a self-assured aloofness that does not lend itself
to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. He has a strong willingness to work. In examining a Rottweiler,
one should bear in mind that this dog reacts with alertness to his master and his surroundings, and in performing
his function in life, the Rottweiler is not expected to submit to excessive handling by strangers. Rottweilers are
a powerful breed with well developed genetic herding and guarding instincts. As with any breed, potentially dangerous
behavior in Rottweilers usually results from irresponsible ownership, abuse, neglect, or lack of socialization and
training. However, the exceptional strength of the Rottweiler is an additional risk factor not to be neglected. It is
for this reason that breed experts recommend that formal training and extensive socialization are essential for all
Rottweilers.
According to the AKC, Rottweilers love their people and may behave in a clownish manner toward family and friends,
but they are also protective of their territory and do not welcome strangers until properly introduced. Obedience
training and socialization are musts. A Rottweiler is self-confident and responds quietly and with a wait-and-see
attitude to influences in its environment. It has an inherent desire to protect home and family, and is an intelligent
dog of extreme hardness and adaptability with a strong willingness to work, making them especially suited as a companion,
guardian and general all-purpose dog.
Health:
As with any breed, hereditary conditions occur in some lines. Because of recent over breeding, cancer has become one
of the leading causes of early death in Rottweilers. For unknown reasons, Rottweilers are more susceptible than other
breeds to become infected with parvovirus, a highly contagious and deadly disease of puppies and young dogs. Parvovirus
can be easily prevented by following a veterinarian's recommended vaccine protocol.
If overfed or under exercised, Rottweilers are prone to obesity. Some of the consequences of obesity can be very serious,
including arthritis, breathing difficulties, diabetes, heart failure, reproductive problems, skin disease, reduced
resistance to disease and overheating caused by the thick jacket of fat under the skin.
