The Rottweiler is considered to be one of the oldest dog breeds. The Rottweiler is a breed of working dog believed to be descended from drover dogs, cattle herding dogs abandoned in Rottweil Germany when the Romans left the region in the 2nd century.
They were also called butcher dogs as once the cattle were slaughtered the Rottweiler would pull carts full of meat from town to town. After the meat was sold the money purses would be tied around the dogs neck for protection from thieves. Once the railroads replaced the need to pull carts to the markets and cattle herding was outlawed, the Rottweilers were out of work.
The Rottweiler population then declined dramatically almost to the point of extinction, however thanks to their endurance, intelligence and strength, the Rottweiler survived and the breed’s history continues.
The Rottweiler found work as police dogs, guard dogs, military dogs, service dogs and other working dog rolls. They were one of the first breeds to become guide dogs for the blind. The Rottweiler served as search & rescue dogs following the 9/11 terror attack on the World Trade Center.
Their innate desire to please and protect means that Rottweilers are quick to learn. Socializing your Rottweiler from an early age and using positive reinforcement techniques to teach them good behavior will ensure they grow up composed and well mannered.
In the 1990’s the Rottweiler was ranked as America’s second most popular breed two years in a row. They are currently ranked 8th by the American Kennel Club.
“When you walk through a bad neighborhood, you don’t want a poodle by your side. You want a Rottweiler.”
