The Rottweiler is a strong powerful breed with natural protective instincts. Originally used as a herder, the Rottweiler quickly became better known as a guard dog. Properly trained and cared for, Rottweilers can make excellent companions.
It is believed that today's Rottweiler is a descendant of the herding drover dogs of the ancient Romans. The drover dog was discovered to be a naturally protective animal. The Roman Army discovered that the dog was able to herd the cattle as well as protect the soldiers and their food from predators.
History records that Roman troops entered Germany and settled in 74 A.D. At the time, red tile roofs were the common architectural style and the settlement was named Rottweil;
a take on the German words for red tile.
This settlement gave rise to the name of the breed that so loyally and courageously contributed to the development of ancient Roman and German civilization.
The Rottweiler is categorized as a working dog and was first registered by the American Kennel Club in 1931.
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