History of the Breed
By AD716, Chiliperic II becomes King of France, the first books have been printed in the forerunners of today’s medicines and it is the time of glory for the Byzantine Empire. AD729 … the Italians amassed their legions, forged across the Alps, defeated the Arabs at the Battle or Tours and Poitiers (stemming the tide of their westward advance) and continued to heathenish Germany … this is where our story begins. Basically, the Rottweiler is a product of the ambitions of Roman Emperors to conquer Europe. Ancestors of the Rottweiler were known in AD260, when Italian dogs were used to guard herds of sheep and cattle. Germany also used dogs at this time, for Boar hunting. Their breeds were Saufinder and Hartzruden, and today’s Rottweilers closely resemble these, now extinct, dogs. Having traversed backwards in time to the ancient Byzantium Empire, we find the main occupation of the people was farming, where they eked out a pauper’s living plowing minute plots of land and grazing a few sheep and cattle on the hilly slopes of the Italian countryside. Having accepted Christianity, their lives were orderly and regimented, revolving around the Church and its teachings. To protect their meagre property, they invariably kept a dog, large, uncouth and fearsome … known as a Molossian Hound (Italian fighting dog of antiquity). A second breed in evidence in these times was a Brabanter Bullenbeiszer, (Italian herding dog, progenitor of the Boxer). In the natural region of events, these two dogs eventually mated … the puppies being the basis of today’s Rottweiler. These puppies grew to show their worth as herding and tracking canines and when army units were being formed for the invasion of heathenish Germany, these dogs came into prominence. Armies had to fled, food was taken along on the hoof. To guard and herd this food against the perils of crossing mountains and rivers, the dogs from the farm were conscripted. Stalwart, healthy and loyal, they proved their worth over many years of wars. After invading the Heathen lands, the Italian army occupied southern Germany and set up their quarters in the State of Wurtemberg, at a town named Rottweil, situated on the edge of the Neckar River. This town was a trading centre and livestock area for itinerant farmers, frequented by travelling herdsmen, who brought their stock guarding dogs on their expeditions. The Belgians had Groenendaelers, Tervuerenses, bouvier Des Ardennes (now all extinct), and the, still popular Bouvier Des Flandre. From the Neverlands came Laekense, Mechelaars and Hollandse Herderhounds, (now all extinct). The French travellers brought their Bergers De Brie (now known as Briards) and the Berger De Beauce (today called the Beauce Shepherd). The German low district herdsmen had their own breed, the Howawarth (enjoying new popularity all over the Continent at present as the Hovawart). Whilst the herdsmen transacted their business with the tradesmen of Rottweil, the dogs got together and produced mixed litters of all the herding and guarding breeds, most of whom retained the characteristics of their forebears. The Butchers of Rottweil adopted these lively and sturdy puppies, realising their great potential in two ways … as protectors of themselves and their stock and as herders of exceptional quality. They named them Rottweiler Metzerhund (butchers dogs of Rottweil) and from this time, on they have retained their placid reliability for work and play and their deserved nickname of … Dark Guardian … Centuries later, Rottweil became a most important cattle area, principally because of its central location and these somewhat altered Roman dogs were greatly valued as pets, workers and guardians. When the merchan butchers visited the countryside to purchase cattle, they took their dogs along and as an anti-bandit (hordes of rogues wandered they countryside) device, they fastened their money bags around the sturdy necks of these powerful canines. The robbers took the hint and kept their distance from these natural protectors. When the merchants had purchased their cattle, the dogs were used to herd the beasts back to town. So was fashioned the distinctive build and even temperament of today’s Rottweiler, plus its ability to socialise so well. It had to protect the money, drive and guard the cattle, control the bulls, meet the business people and protect its master. In fact, a ready made Police dog for the future. After their 17th Century Heyday, the trading and cattle markets declined, transport was introduced and dogs were not needed so much. The breed became neglected until the late 19th Century when dog fanciers became interested in many distinctive but lately overlooked breeds. In the case of many of these earlier types, interest came too late. This was nearly the fate of the Rottweiler, but fortunately in the year 1900, one good pair were found on a farm outside Rottweil and breeding recommenced. By 1912, along with Airedales, German Shepherds and Dobermans, Rottweilers became in demand for Police work. The enormous strength of the Rottweiler, their robust constitution and their incredible degree of intelligence, coupled with their understanding and innate retention of training commands, made them the most outstanding of all the breeds used in Police work and won them many friends. Some progeny were taken to America in 1930 and officially recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1935. In the following year, 1936, they were first imported to Britain and exhibited at Crufts. Once again, the breed created much interest, but unfortunately, war clouds were gathering and British people were loathe to take on the care of a large dog at this crucial time. Again, the breed took a hammering and were virtually extinct in Britain and Germany at the end of the war, yet were still enjoying immense popularity throughout the remainder of the Continent and in Scandinavia. Not to be defeated, breed fanciers scoured the countries, eventually finding some good breeding pairs. Thus, once again, commenced a strict breeding programme. Careful elimination of the bloodlines that carried too much temper has produced the dog we know today. Friendly, an excellent companion, having guarding qualities and an incredibly strong sense of duty, especially towards his master. A fund dog, who enjoys a joke, a romp and a lover of children. Unseen at night because of his dark colour, his deep roar and powerful presence is more than sufficient to deter interference from strangers. Breeding is now strictly controlled in Germany by the breed society. Only the best specimens may be bred from and litters are culled to permit the raising of no more than six puppies per litter. The breeding programme has been maintained by consciencious owners throughout the world. Recently it was printed that Rottweilers are "at present a fashionable breed". This remark is easily disputed … any breed that can last for 21 Centuries, has become far more than fashion … it is a way of life, a very important way of life. Any Rottweiler owner will verify this. |