Breed History
The Rottweiler traces its origins back to antiquity, probably descending from one of the ancient Roman drover dogs....
Sources from the time indicate that these large, Mastiff-like dogs accompanied the Roman legions on campaigns throughout Europe, driving and herding cattle as well as protecting the camps at night. Around the 1st century AD, the dog was brought to the Roman territory of Arae Flaviae in modern southern Germany, where it flourished for centuries as an indispensable part of the regions cattle trade. During the 8th century, excavations in southern Germany revealed the existence of Roman baths built when the region was a Roman territory. The town where the baths were found was subsequently renamed das Rote Wil, the red tile, for the distinctive red tile roof of the baths. Rottweil, as the town is now known, was central to the development of the Rottweiler and gives the breed its name. Beginning in the 19th century, the outlawing of cattle driving and the popularization of other cart animals (the donkey, for example) caused the Rottweiler Metzgerhund (Butcher Dog of Rottweil) to decline in importance and prominence by the end of the century, the breed had fallen into relative obscurity and was nearly lost. In response, proponents of the Rottweiler formed a club in 1901 to restore the breed to its once prominent position. Though the club itself was short-lived, it did succeed in creating the first standard for the breed as well as generating renewed interest in the Rottweiler as a work animal. Between 1901 and 1907, Rottweilers found work as police dogs, and numerous other Rottweiler clubs were formed in Germany. Around this time the Rottweiler was brought to the United States and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1931. Today, the Rottweiler is one of the most popular breeds in America, both as a watchdog and as a family pet.