Rottweiler

A Rottweiler is a large dog breed originating in G

ermany as herding dogs. The early Rottweilers also worked as beasts of burden, carrying wood and other products to market. In addition, they were used as draft animals to pull carts filled with various products for their owners. During the first and second World Wars, Rottweilers were put into service as war time guard dogs. Currently they are frequently used as guard and police dogs.

The breed is an ancient one, whose history stretches back to the Roman Empire. In those times, the legions traveled with their meat on the hoof and required the assistance of working dogs to herd the cattle. One route the army traveled was through Württemberg and on to the small market town of Rottweil. The principal ancestors of the first Rottweilers during this time was supposed to be the Roman war dog, local sheepdogs the army met on its travels, and dogs with molosser appearance coming from England and The Netherlands.

This region eventually became an important cattle area, and the descendants of the Roman cattle dogs proved their worth in both driving and protecting the cattle from robbers and wild animals. However, by the end of the 19th Century, the breed had declined so much that in 1900 there was only one female to be found in the town of Rottweil. The build up to World War I saw a great demand for police dogs, and that led to a revival of interest in the Rottweiler. In fact, in the mid 1990s, the popularity of the Rottweiler reached an all time high with it being the 2nd most registered dog by the AKC.

From that time the breed has become popular with dog owners, and in 1935 was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. In 1936, Rottweilers were exhibited in Britain at Crufts. In 1966, a separate register was opened for the breed.

The breed is almost always black with clearly defined tan or mahogany markings on the cheeks, muzzle, chest and legs. The coat is medium length and consists of a waterproof undercoat and a coarse top coat. Rottweiler coats tend to be low maintenance, although they experience shedding during their periods. The skull is typically massive, but without excessive jowls.

According to FCI standard, the Rottweiler stands 61 to 68 cm (24-27 inches) at the withers for males, and 56 to 62.5 cm (22-25 inches) for females. Average weight is 50 kg (110 pounds) for males and 42 kg (95 pounds) for females.

In the hands of a responsible owner, a well trained and socialized Rottweiler can be a reliable, alert dog and a loving companion. However, any poorly trained dog can become a danger in the wrong circumstances. Rottweilers that are well trained and cared for can be as well behaved as any other dog and in general they are fond of children, very devoted, quick to learn, and eager to please. However, if they are not receiving the mental stimulation they need, they will find creative and sometimes destructive ways to elicit it. Such behavioral problems as chewing and barking for attention can be a result of lack of human interaction.The Rottweiler is a working dog that is also good for protection of children, as well as guard duties.*

* text from www.wikipedia.org