HISTORY OF THE BREED

It is believed that the Rottweiler (pronounced Rott-vile-er) has developed from Roman cattle dogs which had accompanied the herds following in the wake of the Roman armies through Switzerland and into Southern Germany. Here they interbred with the indigenous breeds which led to versatility of performance.

During the Middle Ages the Rottweiler was used for bear hunting and subsequently as a cattle dog. In that role the dog had to guard the herd at night, prevent any cattle from straying, drive it long distances by day, and often carry the master's money in a purse around his neck, for few would venture to molest him.

With the coming of the railways in the 19th century, cattle herding was forbidden by law, and the Rottweiler was then without an occupation. Then he became used as a draught dog by butchers, and even today when he is no longer used for pulling these little carts, his name continues to be linked with that of the butcher. He takes his name from the little town of Rottweil in Wurtenberg, Western Germany, first of all being known as Rottweil Butcher's Dog and later this was shortened to Rottweiler.

The early dogs were of various colours, including red, wolf grey, etc., and, depending on what work he was required to perform, the butcher used larger or smaller dogs; the large massive ones being mainly utilized for pulling carts and the smaller ones for herding and driving.

After the driving of cattle was forbidden the Rottweiler population declined sharply until in 1905 there was only one, a bitch, to be found in Rottweil. However, the salvation of the breed came in 1910 when it was recognized as one of the four breeds used for police work; the others were Airedale, German Shepherd and Dobermann (a breed with Rottweiler blood in its veins). Two years later, one police dog gained much publicity for the breed by assisting to arrest fourteen drunken sailors in a Kiel pub. Admiral Prince Henry of Prussia, the brother of Emperor William 11, who sent for the policeman and dog to congratulate them, was unable to shake the hand of the former until he had removed his helmet and sat down, thus signifying to the dog that his master was now off duty.

Since that day the future of the Rottweiler has been assured. A club was formed in Germany in 1907, devoted to the interests and well being of the breed. Planned breeding was started and efforts to improve the external appearance carried out with much care and thought.

Today Rottweilers are used in Germany by the Police, Customs and Army; in Denmark mainly for police duties; in Switzerland by the Customs, and in Norway some are used for mountain rescue work, their exceptional noses and hardiness making them very suitable. They are also used as Border Guards, their disposition to work silently being invaluable for such work.

Others are used as guide dogs for the blind and one dog who will always be renowned in the annals of the breed worked for many years in the traffic of Vienna, carrying out his duties in an exemplary manner. For this he was given the honoured title of "King of the Guide Dogs". They also feature in films and on television.

In general advanced training is not started until dogs are from fifteen to eighteen months of age, as this is a slow developing breed which does not reach maturity until about two to three years, sometimes later.