* Herding cattle: Their strength and intelligence made them ideal for driving cattle to market.
* Pulling carts: They were also used to pull carts loaded with meat and other goods.
* Protecting property and livestock: Their guarding instincts made them excellent watchdogs, protecting their owners' homes and possessions.
Over time, the Rottweiler's role evolved. They became popular as police and military dogs due to their obedience, loyalty, and protective nature. They were also used for:
* Search and rescue: Their strength and tracking abilities were valuable in locating lost people.
* Drug detection: Their keen sense of smell made them effective in finding narcotics.
* Disability assistance: Their strength and calmness allowed them to assist people with disabilities.
Today, Rottweilers are still popular as working dogs, but they are also common as family pets. However, their strong protective instincts and powerful physique require responsible ownership and proper training.