| The modern day Rottweiler dog breed developed in | | | | The Rottweiler's strong physical traits also define the |
| Rottweil, Germany and is named for that city. The | | | | breed. All purebred Rottweiler's have distinctive |
| breed had experienced a decline in popularity in the | | | | coloring with an all black short coat with brown |
| 1800s so much that only one Rottweiler was shown in | | | | markings in specific areas of the cheeks, muzzle, |
| the Heilbronn, Germany dog show in 1882. In 1901, a | | | | paws and legs. A strong and large dog, the Rottweiler |
| Rottweiler Club was formed in Germany and by 1935 | | | | is muscular and has a broad head and chest. Its tail is |
| the breed had been recognized by the American | | | | generally docked to give its body a longer, more |
| Kennel Club as a purebred member of the working | | | | streamlined appearance. Rottweilers are easily |
| dog group. | | | | differentiated from other dog breeds due to their |
| The Rottweiler has an illustrious though unconfirmed | | | | physical and personality traits. |
| history. The breed is thought have descended from | | | | There is no guarantee that a mistreated Rottweiler |
| Roman mastiff dogs almost two thousand years ago. | | | | dog won't become aggressive in the future. Even if the |
| These dogs were a viable part of the conquering | | | | dog has been rescued and re-socialized by a rescue |
| Roman army. They were used to herd cattle to feed | | | | center, the potential for violence will always be there. It |
| the army and also as watchdogs. By 700 A.D., the | | | | is normally recommended that potential dog owners |
| Romans had been ousted from the city of "das Rote | | | | check into adopting or fostering rescued purebreds |
| Wil" (the red tile) but ancestors of their dogs remained | | | | from shelters rather than buying purebred puppies. |
| and were used as beasts of burden and for herding in | | | | However, this is not a good option with the Rottweiler |
| the city, which later became Rottweil, Germany. | | | | dog because of its size and potential for aggressive |
| The personality and appearance of the Rottweiler dog | | | | behavior if it feels threatened. |
| breed make it unique. | | | | When buying a purebred Rottweiler, it is a good idea |
| Surprisingly, one of the first adjectives used to | | | | for the buyer to visit the kennel and see how puppies |
| describe the Rottweiler's personality is calm. The breed | | | | are raised. If Rottweilers receive love and training from |
| is known to be an excellent, relaxed family pet. In fact, | | | | an early age they will have a good foundation for the |
| a calm, courageous and confident temperament is the | | | | buyer to build upon. Researching breeders to make |
| breed standard according to the American Kennel | | | | sure they are ethical is also important. Buyers should |
| Club, which registered the Rottweiler in 1935. Other | | | | know the breed standard for Rottweiler dogs and |
| personality traits include loyalty to family but aloofness | | | | should look for the calm temperament, specific black |
| with strangers, intelligence, work ethic and | | | | and tan markings and other characteristics unique to |
| self-assuredness. All of these traits assist the | | | | the breed. Most importantly, the buyer's household |
| Rottweiler dog in performing the tasks it does best | | | | should meet the Rottweiler's social and activity needs |
| such as herding, protecting, tracking, competing, and | | | | so that dog and owner will have a healthy, happy life |
| performing police and military work. | | | | together. |