The Rottweiler is a medium-large-sized dog, originating in Germany where they were developed as a butcher’s dog to herd livestock and pull carts laden with meat to market.
The appearance of the Rottweiler is the epitome of well-balanced strength and power. They have a robust, muscular physique, massive heads with strong square muzzles and loose handing lips (flews) and short docked tails. Their coats are short and glistening and predominantly black with rust markings. This is a breed of dog whose reputation proceeds it, having been used as fierce guard dogs and companions to macho men. However, a well-socialised Rottweiler is a loving, playful and loyal companion. They form strong bonds with their owners and with early socialisation make great pets for families with older children, to whom they will be devoted. Similarly, they get on fine with other dogs if they have been socialised with them at an early age, although smaller pets are not recommended to be housed with Rottweilers. These are very active dogs which require plenty of exercise, which should include long walks and playtime. This is a breed that requires the right sort of owner who is fully committed to harnessing the intelligence and energy of the Rottweiler. It is a big responsibility to own such a powerful dog with strong guarding instincts and requires an owner which understands the breed well and can provide all the necessary early socialisation and training. With this in place, the Rottweiler can be a calm, confident dog and wonderful family companion.
History
The Rottweiler is an ancient breed dating back to Roman times, where mastiff-type dogs were kept as herding and driving dogs. It is thought that they marched over the Alps with the Roman legions protecting the humans and driving their cattle which the Romans took with them as a meat source. As the herds diminished the need for the dogs declined and they were often left behind. The dogs which remained were bred with local sheepdogs leading to the creation of the Rottweiler. The name is derived from the town of Rottweil in southwest Germany, where the breed was used for centuries as a butchers dog, herding livestock and pulling carts to market. In more recent times, Rottweilers have been used as search and rescue dogs, guard dogs, and police dogs.
