THE ROTTWEILER: BREED HISTORY AND CHARACTERISTICS
History
 The
Rottweiler is said to be descended from the drover dogs of ancient
Rome. These mastiff- type dogs accompanied the Roman Legions across
the Alps herding their cattle and guarding their camps. One such
camp, on the banks of the Neckar River in what is now southern Germany,
was the origin of the town of Rottweil (named for the red tile roofs
of the villas built by the Romans). Through the mid-1800's, the
cattle trade flourished in Rottweil, as did the Rottweiler Metzgerhund
(butcher dog), who drove the cattle to market and returned with
the filled purses of their masters around their necks. As rail transportation
became the primary means of bringing cattle to market, the dogs
were used less frequently. Legend has it that by 1905 there was
but one Rottweiler left in the town of Rottweil. By the early 1900's
though, the Rottweiler gained popularity as a police dog. Several
Clubs were formed, and in 1921 united as the Allgemeiner Deutscher
Rottweiler Klub (ADRK). In 1931, the first Rottweiler was admitted
to the AKC Stud Book. Through the 1970's, the Rottweiler was a fairly
uncommon dog in the United States, ranking in the middle of AKC
registered breeds in terms of number of dogs registered. In the
early 1980's the Rottweiler began a meteoric rise in popularity,
and has been the second most popular AKC breed since 1992.
Characteristics and Temperament
The Rottweiler is a medium-large, powerful dog. His compact and
substantial build denotes great strength, agility and endurance.
On average, males will range from 95 to 135 lbs and 24" to
27" at the shoulder. They are more massive throughout with
larger frame and heavier bone than bitches. Bitches will range from
80 to 100 lbs and from 22" to 25" at the shoulder. Animals
can be found which are taller or shorter than these measurements,
however, they are not considered typical by the breed standard.
The Rottweiler is ALWAYS black, with clearly defined markings on
cheeks, muzzle, chest and legs as well as over both eyes, that range
from tan to deep mahogany. His coat is straight, coarse and of medium
length, with an undercoat varying in degree based on climatic conditions.
Please note, Red, Blue, White, Liver are NOT RARE Rottweiler colors;
they are unacceptable colors and most likely the result of interbreeding
Rottweilers with other breeds of dogs.
The Rottweiler is a calm and self-confident dog, who has an inherent
desire to protect home and family. Personality may range from highly
affectionate to extremely aloof. He is not shy nor highly excitable.
He is an intelligent and highly trainable dog. He is also very much
a companion, often following their family members from room to room
in the home. Because of his size and strength, it is imperative
that he receive proper socialization and obedience training from
an early age. Nervous, shy, excitable or hyperactive individuals
are exhibiting traits which are undesirable in an animal the size
and strength of the Rottweiler and should be avoided.
Aggressiveness/Protective Instinct
 These
traits vary with the individual dog to some degree, although all
have a strong territorial instinct and will defend their master's
home, car and property from intruders. Rottweilers have also been
known to bully or bluff their owners or other people, a trait that
is most disconcerting. This problem is easily prevented through
early obedience training and the development of a mutually rewarding
working relationship.
Many families have purchased a Rottweiler for it's protectiveness,
only to discover that it brings with it a considerable moral and
legal responsibility. Problems arise quickly; the dog may not be
able to distinguish between a bear-hug greeting of a family member,
or a cherished friend, and the hostile advances of an intruder,
particularly if the greetings between parties includes loud shouts,
laughter or screams. Dogs must be carefully schooled to accept your
friends into your home but physical contact should be approached
carefully until the dog realizes that you belong. Strangers must
never come into your yard unannounced, the dog doesn't know the
difference between your brother and a burglar. Although the Rottweiler
does not usually bite without provocation, even being cornered and
held by one of these dogs is a very unnerving experience for meter
men, delivery persons or neighbors wandering into the yard while
the owner is absent. People expected to be in contact with the dog
while the owners are absent should be thoroughly familiar with the
dog.
American Rottweiler Club, Inc. ©1996
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