The origin of the Rottweiler _ pronounced rot-while-er_ is undocumented.
However, historians believe the Rottweiler descended from the drover dogs of
ancient Rome. This dog has been described to be of Mastiff type, the great black
& tan as he was sometimes referred, that accompanied the Celts across Europe.
Intelligent, strong powerful dogs with a natural instinct to guard. From the
herding dog of the Roman armies to the Rottweiler we know today can be
accredited to Roman Emperors who used the Rottweiler to herd and guard stock
that fed the troops. As the Empire grew, more of Europe came under their
control, the one particular invasion which concerns the breed took place
approximately 74 AD. Their route led them over the Alps and finishing in what is
known as Southern Germany. This territory was named Arae Flaviae and having
all the attributes of an Imperial Roman City it was established.
However, historians believe the Rottweiler descended from the drover dogs of
ancient Rome. This dog has been described to be of Mastiff type, the great black
& tan as he was sometimes referred, that accompanied the Celts across Europe.
Intelligent, strong powerful dogs with a natural instinct to guard. From the
herding dog of the Roman armies to the Rottweiler we know today can be
accredited to Roman Emperors who used the Rottweiler to herd and guard stock
that fed the troops. As the Empire grew, more of Europe came under their
control, the one particular invasion which concerns the breed took place
approximately 74 AD. Their route led them over the Alps and finishing in what is
known as Southern Germany. This territory was named Arae Flaviae and having
all the attributes of an Imperial Roman City it was established.
For the next two centuries the city flourished until in 260 AD the
Swabians seized the area and continued with agricultural trading, meaning
the great drover dog remained. In 700 AD a church was built on the ruins
of a Roman baths revealing the red tiles of Roman villas. To identify the
city from neighboring towns, it was given the name, "das Rote Wil" - the
red tile, from which the present town takes it's name Rottweil.
Swabians seized the area and continued with agricultural trading, meaning
the great drover dog remained. In 700 AD a church was built on the ruins
of a Roman baths revealing the red tiles of Roman villas. To identify the
city from neighboring towns, it was given the name, "das Rote Wil" - the
red tile, from which the present town takes it's name Rottweil.
Celtic coin dated 77 BCE depicting
herding dog
herding dog
The city of Rottweil
During the mid 12th century the town prospered. The commercial
cattle industry boomed and butchers in the area needed more dogs to
pull carts to and from markets while carrying their masters precious
money around their necks. Thus the Rottweiler Metzgerhund ( the
butcher dog of Rottweil) was born.
cattle industry boomed and butchers in the area needed more dogs to
pull carts to and from markets while carrying their masters precious
money around their necks. Thus the Rottweiler Metzgerhund ( the
butcher dog of Rottweil) was born.
Carting Dog of Rottweil
The breed nearly became extinct by the end of the 19th century
due to the horse and cart and railroads which replaced the
Rottweiler. Fortunately with the efforts of some very dedicated
people who established a club to protect the breed and make it
prosper. By 1901 the Rottweiler had gained favor as a police dog
and seeing eye guide dog. After two thousand years the Rottweiler
still possesses it's distinctive characteristics for which the breed
is admired and loved.
due to the horse and cart and railroads which replaced the
Rottweiler. Fortunately with the efforts of some very dedicated
people who established a club to protect the breed and make it
prosper. By 1901 the Rottweiler had gained favor as a police dog
and seeing eye guide dog. After two thousand years the Rottweiler
still possesses it's distinctive characteristics for which the breed
is admired and loved.
Butcher Dog of Rottweil
Guide Dog of Rottweil
History of the Rottweiler
