Have you ever wondered what lies beneath the intimidating exterior of the Rottweiler, a breed often misunderstood and feared?
Despite their fearsome reputation, Rottweilers are more than just powerful, muscular dogs with a menacing gaze. In fact, they have a rich history, a versatile nature, and a deep capacity for love and loyalty.
But what else can you learn about these incredible creatures?
1. Ancient Lineage
Rottweilers descended from ancient Roman dogs that were used to herd cattle and protect cattlemen’s money as they traveled to market. The breed’s name comes from the German town of Rottweil where Roman legions were stationed in the 2nd century.
The Roman dogs were bred with local sheepdogs to drive cattle and pull butchers’ carts, and the result was the Rottweiler breed.
2. Butcher Dogs
Rottweilers were originally known as “Metzgerhund” or “butcher’s dogs” in Germany, where they guarded the money of butchers traveling to market. They would carry the money in a bag tied around their necks, as no thief would dare approach them (ref).
3. Fearless Protectors
Despite their reputation as fierce protectors, Rottweilers are incredibly versatile and have been employed in various roles throughout history, including as service dogs, therapy dogs, obedience competitors, guide dogs, customs inspectors, and devoted companions.
4. Law Enforcement Pooches
Rottweilers gained popularity as police dogs in the early 1900s, after falling out of favor in the mid-1800s when dog carts were replaced by donkey carts and railroads, and cattle droving was outlawed.
5. Leaners
Rottweilers are known as “leaners” due to their tendency to lean their big bodies up against their people, a behavior thought to originate from the breed’s need to move cattle by using their bodies to head the cows in the right direction.
6. Award Winner
Wynd, a Rottweiler therapy dog owned by Renice Zimmerman, won the Award for Canine Excellence in Therapy in 2015 for her work with The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors and Hampton Veterans (ref).
7. Service Dog
Dieter, a Rottweiler service dog, works with Vietnam Veteran Neil Williams, assisting him with mobility, holding doors, and helping him in and out of his wheelchair. Dieter has also traveled to Washington D.C. with Williams to advocate for the rights of disabled veterans (ref).
8. Smart Breed
Rottweilers are known for their high intelligence and eagerness to please. Their innate cleverness makes them easy to train and ideal for a variety of jobs.
9. Loving & Gentle Pets
Despite their reputation as ferocious attack dogs, Rottweilers can be extremely gentle and loving when properly trained and socialized. Training makes all the difference when it comes to a Rottweiler’s temperament.
With these nine facts about Rottweilers, we can understand their true nature and make us fully appreciate the depth of their character and the joy they bring to those fortunate enough to share their lives.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.