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Breed History
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The origin
of the Rottweiler is not a documented record. Once this is recognized,
actual history tempered by reasonable supposition indicates the
likelihood he is descended from one of the drover dogs indigenous to
ancient Rome. This drover dog has been described by various accredited
sources as having been of the Mastiff-type-a dependable, rugged, willing
worker, possessed of great intelligence, and a strong guarding instinct.
The transition from Roman herding dog to the dog we know today as the
Rottweiler can be attributed to the ambitions of the Roman Emperors to
conquer Europe. Very large armies were required for these expeditions
and the logistics of feeding that number of men became a major
consideration. No means of refrigeration existed which meant that the
meat for the soldiers had to accompany the troops "on the
hoof." The services of a dog capable of keeping the herd intact
during the long march were needed. The above-described
"Mastiff-type" was admirably suited to both that job and the
additional responsibility of guarding the supply dumps at night.
Campaigns of the Roman army varied in scope, but the one of concern to
us took place approximately A.D. 74. Its route was across the Alps
terminating in what is now southern Germany. Arae Flaviae, as the new
territory was called, had natural advantages of climate, soil, and
central location. There is much evidence pointing to the vital role of
the fearless Roman drover dog on this trek from Rome to the banks of the
Neckar River.
We have no reason to doubt that descendants of the original Roman drover
dogs continued to guard the herds through the next two centuries. Circa
A.D. 260 the Swabians ousted the Romans from Arae Flaviae, taking over
the city. Agriculture and the trading of cattle remained their prime
occupations, insuring the further need for the dogs.
About A.D. 700 the local Duke ordered a Christian church built on the
site of the former Roman baths. Excavations unearthed the red tiles of
Roman villas. To distinguish the town from others, it was then named das
Rote Wil (the red tile), which of course is recognizable as the
derivation of the present Rottweil.
Rottweil's dominance as a cultural and trade center increased unabated,
and in the middle of the 12th century further fame and fortune came to
it. An all-new town with elaborate fortifications was built on the
heights above the river. The security thus provided increased commerce
in cattle. Butchers concentrated in the area and inevitably more dogs
were needed to drive the cattle to and from the markets.
The descendants of the Roman drover dog plied their trade without
interruption until the middle of the 19th century, at which time the
driving of cattle was outlawed; in addition, the donkey and the railroad
replaced the dog cart.
The Rottweiler Metzgerhund (butcher dog), as he came to be called, then
fell on hard times. His function had been severely curtailed and in
those days, dogs earned their keep or there was no reason for their
existence. The number of Rottweilers declined so radically that in 1882
the dog show in Heilbronn, Germany reported just one poor example of the
breed present.
The annals of cynology make no further mention of the breed until 1901
when a combined Rottweiler and Leonberger Club was formed. This Club was
shortlived but notable because the first Rottweiler standard appeared
under its auspices. It is of value for us to know that the general type
advocated has not changed substantially and the character called for,
not at all.
In these years (1901-07) the Rottweiler again found favor as a police
dog. Several clubs were organized as dissension was most common until
1921 when it was agreed to form the Allegmeiner Deutscher Rottweiler
Klub (ADRK). By that time, 3,400 Rottweilers had been registered by
three or four clubs. Duplications and confusion ended when the ADRK
published its first stud book in 1924.
Since its inception, despite the difficulties encountered during and in
the aftermath of World War II, the ADRK has remained intact and through
its leadership enlightened, purposeful breeding programs have been
promoted both in Germany and abroad.
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