Origin:
Beef to feed the Roman legions travelled 'on the hoof' and the soldiers used mastiff-type dogs to drive and guard the cattle on the journey across Europe. Some were left behind to guard outposts established along the way. One of these was in the community of Rottweil, Germany, which became the centre of a cattle-producing area. There, the mastiff-type dogs interbred with local herding dogs to become a strong breed known as 'the butcher's dog of Rottweil' because the dog wore his master's money on his collar on the way to market and drove the cattle home on the return trip. When mechanized transport threatened to put the breed out of work, the Rottweiler might have disappeared had it not been for an interest in preserving rare and unusual breeds. The rediscovered Rottweiler proved useful in many other ways such as a police dog, a war dog and the consummate protection and guard dog.
Temperament:
The Rottie is a fearless dog that maintains an air of self-assurance. He is basically calm and confident. He possesses an inherent desire to protect home and family.
Activity Level:
Willingness to work is bred into the Rottweiler. The well-bred Rottie is a devoted family dog. Due to his size, he does best in a suburban or country atmosphere where he can get lots of safe, outdoor exercise. Early obedience training is a good idea.
Height/Weight:
Adult males will measure 24-27 in (61-69 cm) in height with females in the range of 22-25 in (56-64 cm).
Coat:
The Rottie wears a straight, coarse, dense, medium-length outer coat with a softer undercoat present on the neck and thighs.
Colour:
The colour is always black with rich tan or mahogany markings.
Grooming:
Regular, thorough brushing is needed.