| The Rottweiler was registered by the American | | | | conditions. There are really no bad dogs, only bad |
| Kennel Club in 1935 and is classified in the working dog | | | | owners. |
| group. This breed has been renowned historically for its | | | | Besides having specific breed standard personality |
| ability to guard, protect and herd. Unfortunately, the | | | | traits such as self-assuredness, loyalty, |
| Rottweiler dog breed in recent years has developed | | | | courageousness, strong work ethic and trainability, the |
| the reputation of being aggressive and prone to | | | | Rottweiler dog has unique physical traits. Rottweilers |
| violence. A large, strong dog, the Rottweiler can | | | | must have a short black coat with distinctive brown |
| certainly be a formidable opponent. Its ancestry may | | | | markings on specific areas of the face, muzzle, paws |
| help explain how it developed its good and bad | | | | and legs. Rottweilers are muscular with broad chests |
| reputation. | | | | and heads, they have a scissor bite, or lower incisors |
| The modern day Rottweiler was named after | | | | that touch the inside of the upper incisors and they |
| Rottweil, Germany where it gained support in the early | | | | have docked tails to create a more streamlined |
| 1900s. Prior to that date, Rottweilers have an uncertain | | | | appearance. There is no guarantee that a mistreated |
| lineage though the common belief is that they | | | | Rottweiler dog won't become aggressive in the future. |
| descended from the large Roman mastiff dog almost | | | | Even if the dog has been rescued and re-socialized by |
| two thousand years ago. Even then, early forms of | | | | a rescue center, the potential for violence will always |
| Rottweiler were known for their skill in protection and | | | | be there. It is normally recommended that potential dog |
| military service. The inherent intelligence and strength | | | | owners check into adopting or fostering rescued |
| of the breed allow these dogs to be trained in many | | | | purebreds from shelters rather than buying purebred |
| tasks and the Roman army utilized Rottweilers in | | | | puppies. However, this is not a good option with the |
| conquering Europe. The protective nature of the breed | | | | Rottweiler dog because of its size and potential for |
| can manifest itself in aggression if Rottweilers are not | | | | aggressive behavior if it feels threatened. |
| trained from an early age. Some owners take | | | | When buying a purebred Rottweiler, it is a good idea |
| advantage of that aggression or mistreat dogs so that | | | | for the buyer to visit the kennel and see how puppies |
| these tendencies come out. Maltreatment of animals is | | | | are raised. If Rottweilers receive love and training from |
| the most common reason for aggressive behavior. | | | | an early age they will have a good foundation for the |
| Because of the Rottweiler's muscular body structure, | | | | buyer to build upon. Researching breeders to make |
| some owners may raise the breed to be aggressive in | | | | sure they are ethical is also important. Buyers should |
| order to engage them in illegal dogfights. The natural | | | | know the breed standard for Rottweiler dogs and |
| temperament of this breed leans more toward calm | | | | should look for the calm temperament, specific black |
| aloofness than aggression. Rottweilers are also very | | | | and tan markings and other characteristics unique to |
| intelligent and can be trained in police work and to | | | | the breed. Most importantly, the buyer's household |
| engage in respected Schutzhund competitions where | | | | should meet the Rottweiler's social and activity needs |
| the dogs are tested on the skills of the breed such as | | | | so that dog and owner will have a healthy, happy life |
| ability to perform search and rescue, follow a scent | | | | together. |
| trail, and attack a perpetrator under controlled | | | | |