Rottweiler history
The Rottweiler is an exceptionally strong, intelligent, courageous breed whose origins can be traced at least back to the Roman Empire, from around the time of Christ. The modern Rottweiler is a direct descendant of dogs that were used by the Roman armies to herd the cattle they used for food, guard prisoners, & protect the army camps. Around the year 74 A.D., the Romans invaded southern Germany, & established several, permanent military camps. One of these camps eventually became a German town called Rottweil, named for the red tile roofs built by the Romans.
The Romans left several, important legacies in the area. Not only did they provide the origin of the name of the town Rottweil, but they also caused the creation of a cattle industry there which lasted for hundreds of years. They also provided the dogs used to herd the cattle.
During the Middle Ages, German butchers in & around the town of Rottweil refined the dog left by the Romans. This extremely dependable, capable dog became so good at herding cattle, that it would actually herd cattle between stockyards without any human beings present.
The town of Rottweil flourished as a major cattle trading center until the late 1800s. The Rottweiler dog was highly valued as a necessary member of the cattle herding team. Rottweilers were the dog of choice because of their unusual calmness, especially in the face of danger. And for their perseverence, intelligence, obedience, & trustworthiness. Since cattle were herded through large, unsettled areas, Rottweilers provided exceptional protection against robbers & wolves. After driving the cattle to market, Rottweilers returned home with their masters while carrying the profits inside money purses attached to their necks. This was certainly not a very warm, inviting target for would-be robbers.
With the advance of civilization, the cattle drives came to an end, & rail transportation took over. The Rottweiler was no longer used for herding cattle, & so the breed declined in popularity for a couple of decades. In the early 1900s, Rottweilers began to regain their popular status, when they were used as police dogs. Many also began to highly value the Rottweiler as a family guardian. The first German clubs for Rottweilers were formed. And in 1931, the Rottweiler was admitted to the American Kennel Club Stud Book. The Rottweiler achieved full status & recognition with the AKC in 1935. The first championship title awarded to a Rottweiler was in 1948.
In the United States, the Rottweiler was one of the lesser known & less popular breeds until the late 1970s. In the early 1980s, the popularity of the Rottweiler suddenly surged upward. And since 1992, the Rottweiler has been one of the most popular dog breeds registered with the AKC.