The Roman Rottweiler
The origin of the Rottweiler is not a documented record. Once this is recognized, actual history tempered by reasonable supposition indicates the likelihood he is descended from one of the drover dogs indigenous to ancient Rome. This drover dog has been described by various accredited sources as having been of the Mastiff-type-a dependable, rugged, willing worker, possessed of great intelligence, and a strong guarding instinct. This is a new breed and variety of the standard rottweiler recognized only by AKR, perhaps 20+ years from now it will be recognized by AKC and other registries.
What is the difference between the standard rottweiler and the roman rottweiler.
My Roman Rottweiler Breed Standard Generally the same as standard rottweilers only more mastiff like/flock guardian type in appearance and temperament.
DescriptionA large to very large noble, impressive, heavy, robust, massive, powerful body. The head is broad, heavy, and strong. Some wrinkling. The skull is broad and large, broad back skull. Stop deep and well defined. Muzzle broad, full and square. Lips are well-developed, thick, with moderate to large flews, and pendulous lower lips. The muzzle is full with a scissor bite. Eyes are almond shaped, deep set, expressive, well apart, and are dark. Ears are pendant, triangular, carried forward, and set well apart. Ear leather is thick and fur is soft. The nose is wide and black, unless a color other than the base color of black then the nose color is the base color like red coat red nose blue coat blue nose. Mouth is dark in color. 42 teeth. Teeth are large and strong. The neck is powerful, well muscled, moderately arched, with a dewlap. The chest is broad and deep, well-pronounced forechest with well sprung oval ribs. Hindquarters are powerful, muscular. Front feet are compact and well arched. The tail may be docked leaving one or two vertebrae or left natural, if left natural it is curled over the back when excited or moving. Dewclaws may be cut, back dewclaws/double dewclaws are common at birth. Coat is thick and ranges from smooth to plush it may be long but is not desired. Thick plush coat is desired for a rottie working as a flock guardian. The coat color is black/tan, black/rust, black/dark rust, black/mahogany and can also come in red/tan, blue/tan or black, and other colors are excepted in the Roman Rottweiler but not desirable.
Gait the rottie is a trotter. Strong forereach and powerful rear drive. Effortlessly covering the ground.
TemperamentCalm, confident, trainable, athletic, courageous, protective, reliable, and devoted. It is aloof with a wait-and-see attitude; flock guardian rottweilers have great distaste towards strangers. These dogs are extremely versatile. They can be used for flock guarding, herding, schutzhund, weight pulling, carting, family protector/companion, therapy work, guide dog, agility, water sports, hunting/retrieving, police work, military work, tracking, and obedience.
Adult SizeGenerally adult height is reached at a year to two years, and adult weight is reached at 4 to 5 years. The Roman Rottweiler takes longer to mature and is very slow growing than standard rottweilers because it is larger. Males: Height: at least 26 ½ in. Weight: at least 120lbs. 26 1/2in. – 27in. small 27½in. medium 28in. – 29in. Large 30in.+ Extra Large
Females: Height: at least 24 1/2in. Weight: at least 80lbs. 24½in. - 25in. Small 25½in. – 26in. Medium 27in. – 28in. Large 29in.+_ Extra Large
OriginThe history of the Rottweiler is not a documented record. There is the likelihood that the Rottweiler is descended from drover dogs indigenous to ancient Rome. These drover dogs were described as being of the Mastiff type, with great intelligence, rugged, dependable, willing to work and with a strong guarding instinct. The transition from Roman herding dog to the dog we know today can be attributed to the ambitious Roman Emperors wanting to conquer Europe. As very large armies were required for these expeditions, the logistics of feeding such a large number became a major factor. As there was no form of refrigeration, it meant that the meat accompanied the armies "on the hoof". This meant a dog capable of keeping the herd together during the long marches was needed. The "Mastiff type" was well suited to this task as well as shouldering the extra responsibility of guarding the supply dumps at night. This region eventually became an important cattle area and the descendants of the Roman cattle dogs proved their worth in both droving and protecting the cattlemen from robbers. It would be a brave villain who would try and remove the purse around the neck of a Rottweiler Metzgershund (Butcher's Dog of Rottweil). However, by the end of the 18th Century the breed had declined so much that in 1900 there was only one female to be found in the town of Rottweil. But the build up to the First World War saw a great demand for "police dogs" and that led to a revival in interest for the Rottweiler. Its enormous strength, its intelligence, and its ability to take orders made it a natural weapon of war. From that time it has become popular with dog owners and in 1935 the breed was officially recognised by the American Kennel Club. In 1936 Rottweilers were exhibited in Britain at Crufts. In 1966 a separate register was opened for the breed. Rottweilers are not naturally without tails. Many owners decide to have the tails removed soon after the puppies' birth. In recent years, the breed has received a lot of bad press. Unscrupulous breeders have produced dogs with highly aggressive tendencies and some owners have used the dogs to boost their macho images. A well-trained and responsive "Rottie" can provide the right owner with a great deal of exercise and loving companionship.
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