History of the Rottweiler Breed

Let’s go back in time to discover where and when this incredible breed was founded. Oh yes — we must go way back. Back to the era when the Romans attempted to conquer the known world.

Believe it or not, the Rottweiler is considered one of the oldest dog breeds in recorded history. When the Romans expanded into Europe, they required powerful drover dogs to move and guard their livestock, which also served as their primary food supply. These dogs are believed to have descended from Asian Mastiff–type canines.

In 73 AD, the Romans arrived in an area of southern Germany where they established colonies to take advantage of the fertile soil and favorable climate for agriculture and farming. They built villas to reside in, many of which were roofed with distinctive red tiles. Centuries later, long after the fall of the Roman Empire, this settlement flourished into a village known for its red-tiled roofs. Thus, the name Rottweil was born — meaning “Red Tile” in German.

The town of Rottweil eventually became a major marketplace for livestock and grain trading. As commerce expanded, traders needed strong, intelligent dogs to drive cattle into town for sale and butchering, as well as to protect their hard-earned money from thieves.

Tradesmen would tie money-filled purses around their dogs’ necks for protection, while butchers relied on these powerful dogs to pull heavy carts. And just like that — the foundation of the Rottweiler breed was established.

During the 1800s, the rise of railroads introduced a new form of transportation, significantly reducing the need for cattle-driving dogs. This posed a serious threat to the breed, and Rottweilers nearly became extinct. In the late 1800s, around 1882, a dog show in Heilbronn, Germany, featured only one nondescript Rottweiler on display — a sobering moment in the breed’s history.

Fortunately, in 1901, the Rottweiler and Leonberger Club was founded, and the very first Rottweiler breed standard was written. The breed soon regained recognition and appreciation.

Demand for Rottweilers surged during World War I, as they proved themselves invaluable as police dogs due to their obedience, intelligence, and disciplined temperament. They were also used as guard dogs, rescue dogs, and messenger dogs. In 1921, following the war, the world-renowned Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub (A.D.R.K) was officially established.

Did you enjoy this history lesson? It’s a one-of-a-kind story and one I never get tired of sharing. When you look at the many roles this hardworking and majestic breed has played throughout history, it’s remarkable how little the Rottweiler has changed in both form and temperament since the breed standards were written over a century ago.