What is the history of a Rottweiler?
Rotts were originally called “Butcher Dogs”. They were bred to herd cattle, back as far as the Roman empire. The Roman army had to keep cattle to feed the troops, Rotts were bred broad shouldered and big-headed to bump the cattle back into the herd. A Rott could knock down a 2000 lb. bull if necessary. They also helped butchers, who bought herds to take to market. The butchers would also put their money in the dogs collar to protect it from robbers. This is where the spiked collar image comes from. They got their name in the 17th century when they were almost extinct. Someone trying to bring back the breed found what was thought to be the last full-blooded female in Rottweil, Germany. You can see the herding instinct in most Rotts. Watch one with a bunch of kids. My sons used to complain that they couldn’t play football or basketball because our Rott would circle them closer and closer until they were all in a little group. Rotts tend to suffer from hip dysplasia which is very painful
