About the Rottweiler Breed

The rottweiler is a medium-large, robust dog that is classified as a working breed by the American Kennel Club, or AKC. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1931 and had its breed standard accepted for competition in 1990. As well as being a family pet, it can be used as a guard dog and for cattle herding.

  1. History

    • The rottweiler likely descends from early Roman herding dogs which are described in literature as mastiff-like in appearance with herding and guarding skills. Roman conquests of today's southern Germany in 74 A.D. led to livestock herding in the region and the development of the rottweiler. Cattle herding continued in the area until the mid-nineteenth century. By this time, the rottweiler breed was as we know it today, but it was also out of a job and began to decline. In the early twentieth century, the breed found favor as a police dog and began to recover.

    Description

    • Male rottweilers grow to between 24 and 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 95 and 130 lbs. Females are smaller, growing to between 22 and 25 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 85 and 115 lbs. The dogs are broad and powerful with heavy muscles and powerful jaws. The rottweiler is born with a tail, but this is often cut off or docked at a young age, leaving a stump. The eyes are generally brown but, in rare cases, can be blue or one of each color.

    Coat and Color

    • Rottweilers are black in color with rust-colored markings which, in competition, must be well defined and specifically placed. Markings are generally found above the eyes, on the cheeks, chest, under the tail and on the lower legs. The breed develops an undercoat based on the weather, which can be a full body covering or just partial. The top coat is medium length, straight and coarse to the touch. Some dogs can develop curly or wavy coats but, in competition, these are considered faults.

    Temperament

    • Like its mastiff ancestors, the rottweiler has a calm confidence afforded by its size and power. It is not immediately accepting of new people but does form strong bonds with its owners and family and will protect them fiercely. The breed is highly intelligent, can learn quickly and enjoys being given a job or something to do. It is not the best breed around other dogs, but firm training and good socializing from a young age helps avoid aggressive behavior.