Rottweiler

\n{| border=1 cellspacing=0 align=right cellpadding=2\n|- align=center bgcolor=pink \n!Rottweiler\n|- align=center\n|\n|- align=center bgcolor=pink\n!Country of origin\n|- align=center\n|Germany\n|- align=center bgcolor=pink\n!Classification\n|-\n|\n{| align=center\n|FCI: || Group 2 Section 2\n|-\n|AKC: || Working\n|-\n|ANKC: || Group 6 (Utility)\n|-\n|CKC: || Group 3 - Working\n|-\n|KC(UK): || Working\n|-\n|NZKC: || Utility\n|-\n|}\n|- align=center bgcolor=pink\n!Breed standards (external links)\n|- align=center\n|FCI, AKC, ANKC, KC(UK), NZKC\n|}\n A Rottweiler is a medium large, robust and powerful dog breed, black with clearly defined tan markings on the cheeks, muzzle, chest and legs as well as the eyebrows. The breed is an ancient one and its history stretches back to the Roman Empire. \nIn those times the legions travelled with their meat on the hoof and required the assistance of working dogs to herd the cattle. \nOne of the routes the army travelled was through Württemberg and on to the small market town of Rottweil. This region eventually became an important cattle area and the descendants of the Roman cattle dogs proved their worth in both droving and protecting the cattlemen from robbers. \nIt would be a brave villain who would try and remove the purse around the neck of a Rottweiler Metzgerhund (Butcher's Dog of Rottweil). However, by the end of the 18th Century the breed had declined so much that in 1900 there was only one female to be found in the town of Rottweil. \nBut the build up to the First World War saw a great demand for "police dogs" and that led to a revival in interest for the Rottweiler. \nIts enormous strength, its intelligence, and its ability to take orders made it a natural weapon of war. From that time it has become popular with dog owners and in 1935 the breed was officially recognised by the American Kennel Club. \nIn 1936 Rottweilers were exhibited in Britain at Crufts. In 1966 a separate register was opened for the breed. In recent years, the breed has received a lot of bad press. \nUnscrupulous breeders have produced dogs with highly aggressive tendencies and some owners have used the dogs to boost their macho images.\nA well-trained and responsive "Rottie" can provide the right owner with a great deal of exercise and loving companionship.

Reference

\nThe International Encyclopedia of Dogs; Stanley Dangerfield and Elsworth Howell (editors), Pelham Books, London, 1985. ISBN 072071561x \n\nCategory:Dog breeds