Appearance

The Rottweiler is a large and sturdily built dog. The body is muscular with a broad and deep chest, well-sprung ribs, a straight back, strong and heavy-boned legs and a tail that is often docked. The broad head has a rounded forehead, a broad muzzle, pendulous triangular ears and dark brown eyes. The coat consists of a rough top coat and a waterproof undercoat, and is short and close fitting. The coloring tends to be black with mahogany or tan markings.

History

Most likely descended from the sturdy, powerful, Mastiff-like drover dogs of ancient Rome, Rottweilers were named after the German cattle town of Rottweil, where these dogs managed herds for hundreds of years. In the mid-19th century, cattle driving became outlawed in the area, making the Rottweiler somewhat redundant. However, in the early 1900s they suddenly became popular police dogs and by 1924 the German Rottweiler Club was formed. Today, they serve time as both working dogs and beloved companions.