Rottweiler

Rottweilers are classed as "working dogs" by most kennel clubs. Most are kept as pets (companion dogs) nowadays, but some still find employment as guard and rescue dogs, cart-pullers, and cattle herders. The breed may have originally been bred to herd cattle. The usual legend told of the origin of the breed is that these dogs were the Roman legion's cattle drovers, and that the ancestors of the breed were dogs that were left in what was the Roman Provinces in Germany, in about 200 AD.

The dog was bred in Germany in the early part of the 20th Century, but even there it was not as established as the German Shepherd Dog (called also the Alsatian) or Doberman Pinscher, especially for police work. (ref: Kennel Department; The Police Dog Forest and Stream; A Journal of Outdoor Life, Travel, Nature Study, Shooting, Fishing, Yachting (1873-1930). New York: Feb 24, 1912. Vol. VOL. LXXVIII., Iss. No. 8.; p. 256 (3 pages) In the USA, the American Kennel Club first registered the breed in 1931. (page 10, The Complete Dog Book.)

Robust and muscular, these dogs are not squat. They are large, but not giant. Rottweilers show what is called sexual dimorphism, there are “two forms”, one each sex (or gender). Male Rottweilers are not only generally taller and heavier, but there is a difference in the facial features.

A black coat with red-brown markings in a characteristic mask is a hallmark of the breed. There are three accepted shades of the reddish contrasting color: Mahogany, Rust, and Tan.

Field Tests

Although Rottweilers are not classed as herding dogs, they are often able to be trained to be good herd dogs, and are eligible for field competition in livestock herding by the AKC.

A dangerous dog? Rottweilers are very strong animals that can easily knock a resisting person, even a full-grown and muscular man, to the ground. This strength, in combination with a protective and territorial temperment, combine to make the dog an excellent watchdog, as well as rescue dog – with the right training.

However, Rottweillers appeal to some people who enjoy a macho image, and irresponsible owners have even been known to encourage menacing behavior in their dogs. A good and typical specimen of the breed has the physical power of body and limb to bring down a human being, a lacerating bite, and an instinctual capability of attacking large prey in a lethal manner, Rottweillers pose a danger that such dogs as small terriers and Labrador Retrievers do not.

External Links

American Kennel Club: Rottweiler Breed Standard: http://www.akc.org/breeds/rottweiler/index.cfm

American Rottweiler club