History of the Rottweiler Breed Rottweilers are believed to evolved from the Mastiff or German shepherd and were used by the Roman army to drive and guard cattle herds. The troops marched long distances, and some members settled with their dogs in southern Germany in what was to become the town of Rottweil. The dogs continued to drive cattle, however in addition their responsibilities included guarding the cattle sale profits and pulling carts and wagons. Known as the Rottweiler metzgerhund or “butcher dog,�?this breed was essential to the town’s economy until the mid-19 th century when cattle driving was outlawed and donkeys began being used as the chief draft animal. Since there was no longer a need for this working animal, the breed’s numbers sharply declined and was almost lost completely. In 1901, fans of the breed realized its peril and formed a club to renew the hardy breed. The club did not last long, however it did agree on a standard for the breed. A new club reintroduced the breed into the workforce as a police dog, and it was used during the First World War as a police and guard dog. It was first registered in the AKC in 1931 in the working class and has grown in numbers and support to be the second-most popular breed in America. Size and Appearance of the Rottweiler This powerful breed is medium to large in size and slightly longer than it is tall. Its compact frame reveals its imposing nature. The Rottweiler’s characteristics include power, agility, and stamina. Its triangular ears lay beside its head, and its tail is docked short with only one or two vertebrae remaining. Its expression is alert and reveals the breed’s confidence. Its coat is coarse, thick and predominantly black with clear markings in tan or brown. The popularity of the breed has resulted in careless breeding with physical and psychological problems affecting many Rottweilers. Rottweiler Temperament This popular breed is confident, alert and territorial, making it an excellent choice for a guard dog. Although it has tough traits �?such as being stubborn, over-protective, and imposing �?it also has its softer side. It is incredibly loyal to its family and maintains a “wait-and-see�?attitude, handling circumstances quietly. The Rottweiler is intelligent, hard working, and easily adaptable. It is reserved with strangers and becomes aggressive if it perceives its family is being threatened. It can be seem cold or distant at times, especially to outsiders. It does better with school-aged children then younger ones and exhibits a tendency to herd them. It needs early exposure to other pets and may turn aggressive towards other dogs. Rottweiler Recommended Maintenance The Rottweiler requires only minimal grooming, even when shedding. Brush coat occasionally with a bristle brush or wipe it down with a damp towel. This breed requires both mental and physical exercise to prevent destructive behavior. Long walks, games, or free play in a fenced yard are suitable choices for its daily workout. Fun time with its family and obedience training are both mentally stimulating to the Rottweiler. It enjoys cold weather and can live outdoors in temperate to cool climates with proper shelter. It is not suited for hot climates and may become overheated. Even though a fenced yard is essential for this breed, it should not be next to a well-worn sidewalk, due to its high suspicion of strangers. Training is necessary, since the Rottweiler is dominant by nature. Rottweiler Health �?Life span: 8 �?11 years
�?Major concerns: CHD, elbow dysplasia, SAS, osteosarcoma, gastric torsion
�?Minor concerns: OCD, entropion, ectropion, vWD, panosteitis
�?Occasionally seen: PRA, cataract, epilepsy
�?Suggested tests: hip, elbow, cardiac, blood, (eye)
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