Origin
of the Rottweiler
The Rottweiler originated from the Molossus, a now extinct breed
of dog, and from early shepherding dogs of Europe. The Molossus
was a Mastiff-type dog of extreme power and large size. Rottweilers
began as the Roman’s war dogs. The Molossus was the stem of
many other breeds as well. These breeds include the Greater Swiss
Mountain Dog, and the Bernese Mountain Dog, who are the Rottweilers
closest relatives. All three bred down from the Molossus themselves.
The Rottweilers Early Years
The Rottweiler was first used as a cattle dog, a cart-puller, and
to protect the merchants money; as it was tied around the dogs neck.
The Rottweiler was first known by the names "Butcher’s
Dog" and Metzgerhund. The Rottweiler was named after the German
town Rottweil, which means red roofs, where the breed was perfected
and the last purebred Rottweilers were found prior to World War
I.
The first Rottweilers
came in two sizes: medium and large. The medium-sized dogs were
the herding dogs, and the large-sized dogs were used as the carting
dogs. The Rottweiler was once the most rare breed of dog, as it
was almost completely extinct before World War II. There were less
than two hundred left when a group of fanciers decided to save the
breed. It was then decided to use the breed for guard dogs, or war
dogs. During World War I and II, the breed became very popular for
the job of protection, and thus they were more commonly bred. Today,
the breed has reached its peak as the second most popular breed
in the USA, as well as a top breed in the World.
Breed
Coloring, Markings and Standards
The first Rottweilers came in a variety of colors, including brindle,
red/tan, gray, and yellow/black. In the early years of the Rottweiler,
it was acceptable for them to have white on the chest, feet, and
facial markings. The Black and tan Rottweiler was actually the most
rare color, while the yellow and tan dogs were the most common.
Today, the only acceptable colors for a Rottweiler are Black &
Tan, Black & Rust, and Black & Mahogany. These days, it
is not uncommon for the Rottweiler to whelp a pup with white on
the chest and feet. These markings do not deem the dog as any less
of the breed, however these markings are a disqualification for
a show quality dog.
The Rottweiler has a double coat around the neck, and on the thighs.
Because of this, Rottweilers shed year round. In addition, the Rottweilers
double coat on the neck and thighs will show a yellowish undercoat
in these places during the main shed, which is usually during the
summer months. This is most visible when the hair is parted on the
back of the neck. Along with the well-known color placement on the
Rottweiler, the dog should also have brown on the lower side of
the docked tail, and inside of the ears. The Rottweiler should never
have brown marking on the stomach, although brown on the inside
of the legs is acceptable.
Today’s Rottweiler
Today, the Rottweiler has been used in the development of many other
breeds. The most common breed today that originated from the Rottweiler
is the Doberman Pinscher. The Doberman Pinscher, although exhibiting
a more slender body type, has carried over the similar colors and
markings of the Rottweiler. The Rottweiler possesses a "wait-
and- see" attitude. Many times a trained Rottweiler will allow
an intruder onto the property, but will keep him from leaving. The
dog will position himself in front of the person and back them into
a corner or against a wall. The dog possesses a dominant attitude
and shows the intruder that he has no intention of moving.
The Rottweilers
herding instincts still remain strong in the breed, despite generations
of dormancy. Because of this, they tend to "bump" or lean
against people-usually as a pup. This is a dominant herding instinct;
the Rottweiler wants to "move" the person. The Rottweiler
will usually test for dominance at the ages of 6 months, one year,
and again at two years. However, Rottweilers will try for dominance
every day. It is imperative that the dog be corrected each time
this occurs. Rottweilers respect a cool, calm, self-assured, dominate
owner- someone who is kind-hearted, loving and fair, but also firm
and constant.