Rottweiler

Country of origin: Germany
Breed names: Rottweiler
Height at the withers:

• male 61–68cm
• bitch 56–63cm

Weight:
• male approx. 50 kg
• bitch approx. 42 kg

After the fact that the special suitability of the Rottweiler was to herd cattle and this activity was also carried out, the ancestors of the Rottweiler can possibly be found in the Roman legions of that time. Over the course of several years, these dogs have been bred for vitality, intelligence, endurance and driving ability. They thus became indispensable helpers for cattle dealers and butchers. This dog was most common in and around the then imperial city of Rottweil, and so it was given the name Rottweiler in the Middle Ages. Over time, cattle were transported in other ways and the Rottweiler was relieved of what was then a useful job. In the early 1900's his excellent personality traits were tested in police service and in 1910 the Rottweiler was recognized as a police and military dog.

The Rottweiler has a heavy and stocky build, yet is neither clumsy nor light, nor long-legged or windy. Its proportionate shape suggests great strength, agility, and endurance. Rottweilers have a short black coat with clearly defined reddish-brown markings on the cheeks, muzzle, eyebrows, under the base of the tail, and on the chest and legs. Due to its strong physique and powerful teeth, it makes a good protection dog and is also a popular family dog.

The Rottweiler has a friendly and peaceful basic mood, loves children, he is also very affectionate, obedient, docile and willing to work. His appearance betrays originality; a Rottweiler's demeanor is confident, steady, and fearless. He reacts with a high level of attention to his environment.

The Rottweiler is mostly kept as a family dog. It is one of the working dog breeds and is used by the police and military. Due to its imposing shape, it is often used as a guard dog.

Some incidents have brought Rottweilers into disrepute. The reason for this is improper posture and socialization. In some countries he is listed as a "list dog" and his keeping is subject to certain restrictions in some German states. Based on statistics from the German Association of Cities from 1997, the Rottweiler was placed in Category II on November 1, 2002 of the Fighting Dogs Ordinance in Bavaria and must undergo a character test in certain federal states.