THE ROTTWEILER

A member of the Working Group, this breed first originated from animals that were taken to Germany by Roman soldiers as they marched across Europe and were used to guard livestock. These Mastiff-type dogs were discarded as cattle were eaten or they were left to guard outposts so many finished up in Switzerland whilst others reached southern Germany. They were especially known around the town of Rottweil, which was a centre of livestock trading for some 1800 years. Over the years the dog became a butcher’s dog, a drover and a draught dog.

The Rottweiler first appeared in Britain in 1936 and was shown at Crufts in the following year. The dog is above average-size very agile and black and tan in colour. He is extremely strong and imposing easily trained in obedience, and really enjoys working. He has natural guarding instincts but is not vicious by nature. He has a tranquil and kind expression, but when aroused he will hold his own with any opponent.

This dog is not for the inexperienced and he has been much maligned in the recent past when the breed became over popular. He is a very active dog, needing plenty of exercise. His smooth coat needs only short periods of regular grooming so as to keep it in the desired shining condition.

Height at the shoulders for males, between 63-69cm (25-27in) and bitches between 58-64cm (23-25in). Height should always be considered in relation to general appearance.