Top 10 Facts About The Rottweiler (Guard Dog)
The Rottweiler is a large working breed that originated in Germany and was referred to as the Rottweiler Metzgerhund, which translates to “Rottweil butchers’ dogs.” These powerful dogs were used to bring meat-laden carts to the market, as their name might suggest. However, the history of the Rottweiler goes back even further, to the Roman Empire, where they were used as guards and herding dogs. People also like rottweiler (gurds) dogs.
Today, Rottweilers are well-known for their adaptability and excellence as working dogs. They excel in roles related to law enforcement, rescue, and even as service dogs. There are a number of Rottweiler breeds, some of which are less well-known than others: German, Roman, and American There are also Rottweilers with long hair and beautiful, silky coats. Naturally, long-haired Rotties are still available in the recognizable black and tan hues.
1. Rottweilers are descendants of Roman dogs.
Although there is no documentation of the Rottweiler’s origins, most people think the breed descended from the herding dogs of ancient Rome. Throughout their long history, they’ve been used to perform many different jobs.
2. In the past, Rottweilers served as “drovers,” guarding cattle and other livestock.
The Roman Empire needed a way to feed its vast, mobile armies of men as it grew. They herded animals with their dogs and marched them with the army. Without refrigeration, the soldiers could only get a steady supply of food this way. The Rottweiler can compete with sheepdogs and shepherds in the field in herding competitions today.
3. Additionally, they guarded cash.
The guarding instincts of Rottweilers come into play here. They safeguarded the cattlemen’s money in addition to the herd of cattle. The cattleman would put the money in a bag and tie it around the dog’s neck, out of reach of anyone who might try to steal it. What is a “Metzgerhund” to you? If not, you are not the only one. It refers to a “butcher’s dog.” Rotties were also used to safeguard a butcher’s cash when he traveled to the market hundreds of years ago.
4. When it comes to jobs, nothing makes a Rottweiler happier than having something to do.
But they can do more than just protect the family and home. Rottweilers can be service dogs, therapy dogs, obedience competitors, guide dogs, customs inspectors, drafting and carting dogs, and, of course, devoted companions due to their intelligence, tirelessness, and eagerness to please.
5. They became well-known as police dogs.
By the middle of the 1800s, the Rottweiler had lost its popularity. Donkey carts and railroads had taken the place of dog carts, and cattle droving was outlawed, leaving Rottweilers without a job. The variety quickly returned in the mid-1900s, when it acquired prevalence as a police canine.
6. Leaning dogs are Rottweilers.
It’s a favorite pastime for some breeds, like mastiffs and Great Danes, to lean against their owners. Also, the Rottie does. The breed needs to move cattle, when they would use their bodies to direct the cows in the right direction.
7. They’re grant-winning treatment canines
In 2015, Renice Zimmerman’s therapy dog Wynd won the Award for Canine Excellence in Therapy. Wynd was a therapy dog for The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Hampton Veterans Hospital, and the BARKS reading program of the Suffolk Humane Society. Although Wynd lost her fight with osteosarcoma in December, her legacy lives on.
8. One Rottweiler stood up for disabled veterans’ rights.
Dieter, a Rottweiler service dog, is employed by Neil Williams, a Vietnam War veteran. Dieter holds doors for Williams, who suffered a spinal injury during the war, and helps him get into and out of his wheelchair. Williams and Dieter have advocated for the rights of disabled veterans in Washington, D.C. while serving on the board of directors of the New England chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America.
9. They are not defined by their fame.
Rottweilers are known for their vicious attack instincts. They are illegal in some municipalities, and owners of Rottweilers may not be covered by insurance. Rottweilers were originally developed as guard dogs, so they do have the potential to be territorial. However, when properly trained and socialized, they can also be extremely gentle and loving. When it comes to a Rottweiler’s temperament, training is everything.
10. Named after the Rottweil Town
According to the Rottweiler Club of the United Kingdom, the Roman armies and their herder dogs camped near the Neckar River in Germany around 73 or 74 AD. Large, robust dogs were still used as herders and even for bear hunting throughout the Middle Ages. This area eventually developed into a small town known as “Das Rote Wil,” which later became “Rotteweil.” These dogs are the ancestors of the Rottweilers we know today, and the town of Rottweil is where their name comes from.
Breed information :
other names | Rottie |
area of origin | Germany |
breed group | working |
height at withers | 22–27 inches (56–69 cm) |
weight | 90–110 pounds (41–50 kg) |
life span | 9–10 years |
Did you know? | During the 19th century, Rotties fell out of work as cattle-driving “drover dogs” and were at risk of disappearing as a breed. They came back in the early 20th century and subsequently found new roles in police and military work, including as therapy dogs. A baby-sitting Rottweiler is featured in Alexandra Day’s popular series of children’s books that started with Good Dog, Carl, which was inspired by her own Rottie named Toby. |
FAQ
What is special about Rottweilers?
Rottweilers, also known affectionately as Rotties, are among the most popular dogs in the United States. They are well known to be powerful, protective, and loyal, famous for their instinct for guarding. But Rottweilers are also easily trained, making them loyal, loving, and confident guardians.
What are Rottweilers weaknesses?
Despite being sturdy and resilient, the Rottweiler is susceptible to various health complaints, ranging from mild to more serious. These include optical disorders, including cataracts, entropion and progressive retinal atrophy, as well as hip dysplasia and association orthopedic complaints.
Is a Rottweiler a good family dog?
Rottweilers are not inherently aggressive, but they are protective of their family members and like any dog, require positive reinforcement training and socialization from a young age. With proper socialization, experts say Rottweilers are cuddly companions that make excellent family dogs.
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