The Rottweiler is a medium to large size, stalwart dog,
neither heavy nor light and neither leggy nor weedy. His correctly proportioned,
compact and powerful build leads to the conclusion of great strength, manoeuvrability
and endurance.
Characteristics
Being good natured, placid and fond of children in
basic disposition, he is very devoted, obedient, biddable and eager to work. His
appearance is natural and rustic, his behaviour self assured, steady and fearless. He
reacts to his surroundings with great alertness.
Temperament
The Rottweiler is basically a calm, confident and courageous dog with a self-assured
aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. A
Rottweiler is self-confident and responds quietly and with a wait-and-see attitude to
influences in his environment. He has an inherent desire to protect home and family,
and is an intelligent dog of extreme hardness and adaptability with a strong willingness
to work, making him especially suited as a companion, guardian and general
all-purpose dog.
The behavior of the Rottweiler in the show ring should be controlled, willing and
adaptable, trained to submit to examination of mouth, testicles, etc. An aloof or
reserved dog should not be penalized, as this reflects the accepted character of the
breed. An aggressive or belligerent attitude towards other dogs should not be faulted.
A judge shall excuse from the ring any shy Rottweiler. A dog shall be judged
fundamentally shy if, refusing to stand for examination, it shrinks away from the judge.
A dog that in the opinion of the judge menaces or threatens him/her, or exhibits any
sign that it may not be safely approached or examined by the judge in the normal
manner, shall be excused from the ring. A dog that in the opinion of the judge attacks
any person in the ring shall be disqualified.
History
The Rottweiler is considered to be one of the oldest
breeds of dog. Its origin goes back to Roman times. These dogs were kept as herder
or driving dogs. They marched over the Alps with the Roman legions, protecting the
humans and driving their cattle.
In the region of Rottweil, these dogs met and mixed with the native dogs in a natural
crossing.
The main task of the Rottweiler now became the driving and guarding of the herds of
cattle and the defence of their masters and their property. This breed acquired its
name from the old federal town of Rottweil and was known as the "Rottweil butcher's
dog". The butchers bred this type of dog purely for performance and usefulness.
In due course, a first rate watch and droving dog evolved which could also be used as
a draught dog.
When, at the beginning of the twentieth century, various breeds were needed for
police service, the Rottweiler was amongst those tested. It soon became evident that
the breed was highly suitable for the tasks set by police service and therefore they
were officially recognized as police dogs in 1910.
Rottweiler breeders aim at a dog of abundant strength, black coated with clearly
defined rich tan markings, whose powerful appearance does not lack nobility and
which is exceptionally well suited to being a Companion, Security and Working dog.
Origin
Germany
Utilization
Companion, Security and Working dog.
Classification
Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossians and Swiss Mountain- and Cattledogs
Size
Large
Height
Shoulder height for males is 61 - 68 cm. Shoulder height for bitches is 56 - 63 cm.
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