Breed Standard & History
The sturdy Rottweiler is a well-proportioned dog of considerable size. A Rottweiler is courageous, yet reserved. The friendly, biddable breed has a guarding instinct. The broad head has tight-fitting skin, with a wrinkle allowed if the dog is concentrating. Pronounced cheekbones are skirted by high-set triangular ears that hang down. The chest should be muscular and roomy, with a deep chest and proportionate legs. The tail, docked, may rise when alert, but is otherwise held horizontally. A Rottweiler moves with a steady, powerful, and purposeful trot. The black fur of a Rottweiler should contain no more than 10 percent of a tan to mahogany color that should be placed over the eyes and at the cheeks, on the sides of and under the muzzle, but not over, as well as on the legs and chest. – AKC Breed Standards
The tireless Rottweiler thrives with a job to do, a trait passed from its drover dog ancestors used to herd livestock for the ancient Romans. Because there was no refrigeration, the Roman armies needed to keep livestock for food while on the march. The Rottweiler's ancestors herded the livestock while the army marched to ensure fresh meat was always available.
Later, this drover dog became known as a Rottweiler Metzgerhund, or butcher's dog, because they were used to drive livestock or pull carts of meat to market. They carried the butcher's money pouch around their neck to protect it from thieves. Eventually, the railway replaced the dog as a means of transport and the breed declined in popularity.
In the 1900s, Rottweilers became a top choice for working dog roles including police, messenger, and guard dogs. Rottweilers remained popular as working dogs from World War I through World War II, and they still excel in roles as police dogs, therapy dogs, service dogs, and as herding dogs. The breed retains its herding instincts—some Rottweilers are even known to start herding livestock without any prior training.
The American Kennel Club recognized the Rottweiler as a breed in 1931 and the breed held the number one spot for most registrations in the US in the 1990s.
AKC Breed Category
Working Group