The Rottweiler was originally a dog bred to drive cattle to market. Later they were used to pull carts for butchers. They were among the earliest police dogs and serve with honor in the military.

History

The Rottweiler is probably descended from the Italian Mastiff, which accompanied the herds that the Romans brought when they invaded Europe. During the Middle Ages, he was used as a shepherd, as a guardian, messenger, pulling dog and for police work.

He was bred in the German town of Rottweiler in Wurttemberg. Practically extinct in the 1800s, the breed's population began a comeback in the early twentieth century due to the efforts of enthusiastic breeders centered in Stuttgart. In Germany, the DRK (Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub (German Rottweiler Club)) was founded on January 13, 1907. Shortly thereafter on April 27, 1907, the SDRK (Süddeutscher Rottweiler-Klub (South German Rottweiler Club)) was formed, which later became the IRK (International Rottweiler Club). The Rottweiler standard was then established. The breed was first recognized by the AKC in 1931. Some of the talents of the Rottweiler are: tracking, herding sheep, watchdog, guarding, search and rescue, guide dog for the blind, police work, competitive obedience and Schutzhund.

Personality

The ideal Rottweiler is calm, confident and courageous, never shy. He has a confident aloofness and does not immediately or haphazardly make friends with people. Instead, he takes a wait-and-see attitude with new people or situations. With his family, he is affectionate and often follows them around the house. This is not a dog to be taken lightly. He has an innate desire to protect his family and property, but would never be aggressive towards people without reason. The Rottweiler is smart and adaptable with a strong work ethic.

Known disorders

• Elbow dysplasia (disorder of the elbow)
• Hip dysplasia (developmental hip disorder)
• Otitis externa (inflammation of the external auditory canal)