German Rottweilers

Most historians trace the German Rottweilers back to the invasion of Germany by the Romans who crossed the Alps during the first century A.D. Whether the dogs the Romans used were the ancestors of today's german rottweilers cannot be definitely known, though their chosen canine was said to be a protective dog that also possessed herding abilities-a description that well suits the Rottweiler.

The Romans occupied Germany for no less than two centuries, and their established city there was called das Rote Wil, from which the breed's current name derives. Further crediting this theory, early historians cite that direct descendants of the German rottweilers breed lived in areas of Germany that were accessible to the roads built by the Germans in that period.

That said, it is evident that the Romans did not arrive with the handsome black-and-mahogany guard dog we know today, though it is probable the mastiff-type dog they employed, combined with existing dogs in Germany during the first few centuries A.D., formed the basis for today's German Rottweilers. That the Romans venerated the mastiff-type dogs, known as Molossus, is well documented.

Also important to ancient Rome were the drover dogs, dogs used to drive cattle over long distances. The Rottweiler's ancestors are believed to have been employed by Julius Caesar, one of Rome's great emperors. It was Caesar's notion that his armies should have fresh meat to eat, instead of merely old-fashioned salted portions. The method whereby his soldiers found their ration of meatballs and broccoli was to have the cattle go to the men on hoof, thus requiring a strong dog to maneuver the livestock with skill, grace and speed. The droving abilities of the German Rottweilers, even today, speak well of these dogs' innate skill.

During the eighth century A.D., the city of Rottweil, Germany was born. The word Rote (as in das Rote Wil) referred to the red coloration of the tiles and bricks that were used in the construction of the city. These red tiles were dug up from buildings that collapsed, dating back to the Roman occupation of Germany some 500 years prior. The city of Rottweil was exceptional for the high esteem with which it held its dog, in a time when Germans did not consider dogs much more than tools and helpers.

As a helper in Rottweil, the german rottweilers became known as a butcher's dog, or, in German, Metzgerhund, driving cattle to and from market, the very trait that Caesar employed from the Roman armies. The dogs were tough, fearless and tireless, and rarely backed down from a confrontation with a bull or another dog. Dog fights amongst these butcher's dogs became somewhat common, and any dog with a record of biting had to be muzzled.

The german rottweilers decline was instigated by the government's outlawing of cattle droving, whereby the more industrialized society was finding other methods of moving livestock with wagons and mules.

Additionally, the threat of wild animals, such as bears and boars, had nearly disappeared. By and large, the Rottweiler was 'downsized' and the breed nearly fell into extinction. Concerned German dog lovers rescued the breed, which had dwindled down to one dog in Rottweil by the year 1905.

When the Deutscher Rottweiler Klub (DRK) was formed in the year 1907, it was the first breed club for the Rottweiler in Germany. As dog politics are no smoother than government politics, a second club was formed the very same year called the International Rottweiler Klub (IRK). Just 12 years later a third club, the South German Rottweilers Club, was created, and confusion and cantankerous politics reigned. Fortunately, for both German Rottweilers owners and students of the breed, the DRK and IRK did the sensible thing and combined to form the Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub (ADRK) in 1921, which absorbed the South German club within three short years.

Since cattle droving had become nonexistent for the breed, new employment was required. This brought about the beginning of Schutzhund in 1930. This working degree tested the dog's protective abilities, intelligence and training. It became the desired litmus test for breeding stock in Germany and a requirement for Rottweilers to be respected as champions. In addition to attack training, Schutzhund also embraces tracking, basic obedience, the dog's steadiness and willingness to obey commands.

The ADRK standard for the Rottweiler was first adopted in Germany during the early part of the twentieth century; it has remained virtually unaltered over the years, speaking highly of the consistency of the Rottweiler's conformation and temperament.

For more great info about rottweilers visit http://www.rottweilerus.com and sign up for free newsletter.

The author has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in the article. The information provided "as is" with all faults and without warranty, expressed or implied. In no event shall the author be liable for any incidental or consequential damages, lost profits, or any indirect damages. The reader should always first consult with an animal professional.