First, let’s go back in time to find out from where and when this breed was founded. Oh boy, we must go way back in time. Like to the times where romans tried to conquer the world. Yes, you heard that right! Rottweilers are considered as one of the oldest dog breeds to be in the history of mankind. When romans wanted to venture out into Europe by conquering and expanding their empire, they required powerful drover dogs to move and guard their livestock which was also their food supply. These canines were believed to be a type of Asian Mastiff dogs.
In 73AD, Romans came across an area in Southern Germany where they initiated colonies purely to take advantage of the soil and climate for agricultural/farming needs. They started building villas to reside in, and the roof of the villas were made out of red tiles. Many centuries after the Roman empire had fallen, this establishment flourished into a village for its famous Red Tiled roof villas. The name of Rottweil was born to represent this village. Rottweil means Red Tile in German. Town of Rottweil turned into a major marketplace for livestock and grain trade.
Now comes the best part of the story, since the market was booming with trade people required dogs to drive the cattle into town for trade and butchering. They also needed a way to safeguard their hard-earned money from thieves.
Tradesmen tied their filled purses with money around the dog’s neck for protection and butchers used these strong dogs for pulling their carts. Voila, the foundation for the Rottweiler breed was originated.
In the 1800’s, a new way of transportation was spreading around the world in the name of railroad. This became a major threat to the Rottweiler breed as they almost became extinct. In the late 1800’s (around 1882) at a dog show in Heilbronn, Germany, there was only one nondescript Rottweiler on exhibit. Wow, Only one for the show? But in 1901, the Rottweiler and Leonberger Club was founded and the very 1st Rottweiler breed standard was written.
Demand for Rottweilers skyrocketed during World War 1, since the breed served as a police dog due to its obedience and disciplinary traits. Rotties were also used as guard, rescue & messenger type dogs as well. After WW1 in 1921, the world famous Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub (A.D.R.K) was established.
Liked my History Story guys? It’s a-one-of-a-kind story that I love to hear every day. By looking at all the roles that this wonderful breed has played in throughout history, these Hardworking Majestic dogs has changed so little in form and temper since the breed standards were written a century ago.