General Information Concerning the Rottweiler Breed.
Origin and PurposeThe Rottweiler was developed from the dogs used by the Roman legions to herd and guard the cattle brought by them to feed their legions. The butchers of Rottweil, Germany, developed the dogs to drive cattle to market and to protect their money bags which were tied around the dogs’ necks. It was an arduous task to drive the cattle and a strong dog with staying power, full of self will and physical strength was needed. In the beginning of the 20th century, these dogs were found particularly well suited as a police dog, a function they still fulfill, especially in Europe.
A Description of the BreedPurebred dogs are measured against a breed standard of perfection, a written description of what the ideal specimen should look like. Each dog-registering organization has its own set of standards, one for each of the breeds it recognizes: however, these standards may vary, in the way they are worded, from registry to registry and from country to country. The ideal Rottweiler is a large, robust and powerful dog, black with clearly defined rust markings. His compact build denotes great strength, agility, and endurance. Males are characteristically larger, heavier boned, and more masculine in appearance. His head is of medium length and is broad between the ears. His almond-shaped eyes are moderately deeply set and the iris is of uniform color, from medium to dark brown. His bridge is straight and broad at the base with slight tapering towards the tip. His topline is firm and level, extending in straight line from arch and without any lose skin. His legs are strongly developed with straight heavy bone. The Rottweiler should posses a fearless expression with self-assured aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. He has an inherent desire to protect home and family, and is an intelligent dog of extreme hardness and adaptability with a strong willingness to work. The first Rottweiler registered in the American Kennel Club Stud Book was in 1931. Prior to that time one had been pictured in the June 1929 issue of a magazine called "Dogdom". A head study was accompanied by the information that this dog was owned in the Borough of Queens, New York, and would eventually be shown in the New York City area. The first American Standard of Perfection for the breed was approved by the American Kennel Club in 1935. In the absence at that period of a parent club for Rotties, it was adopted from the standard then being used in Germany.
Worldwide ExpansionThe first German Rottweilers, we understand, came from there to the United States during the 1930's, while in 1936 the first arrived in Great Britain and were exhibited there at the famous Crufts Dog Show. It was in 1968 that the Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub did the groundwork for the creation of an International Federation for Rottweiler Friends (IRF) which meets every few years for the purpose of cementing relationships between Rottweiler breeders in all parts of the world and establishing common goals by which the ultimate benefit to Rottweilers of the future can be assured. Delegates are sent from specialty clubs throughout Europe and the United States to meet with ADRK delegates. I understand from friends who have attended these meetings that they are constructive and of tremendous value as learning experiences. If your Rottweiler has German ancestors in his pedigree, you will notice certain titles following the dogs' names. Those found most frequently in pedigrees here in the United States indicate that the dogs have performed certain tests in tracking, obedience and protection. Schutzhund A (SchH.A) means that the dog has satisfactorily performed obedience and protection tests. Schutzhund I (SchH.I) indicates the above plus a temperament test and tracking. Schutzhund II (SchH.II) is a more advanced version, with Schutzhund III still more so. These degrees, similar in a way to the United States obedience degrees although more difficult to earn, are awarded by the Deutscher Verband der Gebrauchshundesportvereine fuer das Polizei and Schutzhundewesen (which could be translated "German Working Dog Association for Police and Shutzhund Clubs"). The DVG encourages the training of working dogs and their handlers.
History of the NameThe area of Germany where the Rottweilers story begins is in the southwestern section , around the productive farm area of Wurttemberg-the district of Rottweil, to be specific, and its principle city and district seat bearing the same name. Around 260 AD, the Romans were ousted from this area. Left behind were some of their dogs, for which work was provided since cattle raising and agriculture remained the prime occupations. It was about 700 AD that a Christian church was built where formerly had stood the Roman Baths. As excavation began, the red tiles of former Roman villas came to light, and thus the city was named Rottweil, suggested by the appearance of these red tiles. Rottweil became a prosperous marketplace and cultural center in time, attracting cattlemen, farmers and other traders from considerable distance to do business there. These men soon noticed the excellence of the "butcher's dogs" as the breed was then known, and started purchasing them. Here again, a capable dog or two was a necessity, not only in bringing in one's stock safely but also in making the return trip with their money bags, for which no safer place could possibly be found than fastened to the collars of these dogs! All of this lead to increasing respect for the "butcher's dog," and local owners began selectively breeding them. Since they were considered far superior to others of their type to be found in that area, the name "Rottweiler" was bestowed upon them to distinguish them from the rest. This name has remained until the present day. The dogs were also proficient at pulling carts and in demand for bringing in the milk cans by this mode of transportation. So it continued until, in the middle of the 1800's, the arrival of the railroads took over transportation of cattle, and donkeys took over from dogs on the milk carts. Sadly, with his decrease in his usefulness, the popularity of the Rottweiler waned except with a few loyal owners who retained their dogs as pets for companionship. This was not nearly enough, however, to carry on the breed, and(incredible as it may seem) there came a time in the early 1900's when only one member of the breed, a bitch, could be located anywhere in the entire district of Rottweil! |