When a Rottweiler enters the scene, people invariably stop and stare. This medium-to-large working dog possesses striking black and brown markings, ranging from rust to mahogany, and a powerful, muscular frame. Known for being loyal, intelligent, and courageous, the breed radiates an air of nobility and self-assurance. This remarkable versatility has captivated people for thousands of years, weaving a fascinating Rottweiler Story through history.
The Rottweiler’s Roots
The Rottweiler breed we recognize today traces its lineage back over 2,000 years to mastiff-type dogs within the Roman Empire. These robust canines journeyed with Roman legions northward across the Alps as soldiers advanced to conquer regions of modern-day Switzerland. Throughout this trek, the ancestors of the Rottweiler played a crucial role in moving cattle destined for food or sale, while also guarding the livestock against predators and thieves.
The Romans made frequent stops in what is now Rottweil, Germany, a town that became a major hub for livestock trade in the south. While the city’s modern name derives from its characteristic red roof tiles, it was known in ancient times as Arae Flaviae. Following the collapse of the Roman Empire, these dogs proved invaluable working partners in this German region. They skillfully herded livestock in butchers’ yards and pulled heavy carts laden with meat to the market.
After transactions were completed, a “drover”— an individual responsible for moving livestock—would often secure the earnings in a purse tied around the dog’s neck. A single glance at this proud, protective breed likely deterred many potential robbers. Consequently, the dog earned the name “Rottweiler Metzgerhund,” translating to “Butcher’s Dog of Rottweil.” Over subsequent centuries, the breed was strategically crossed with other developing breeds, including the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, and the Appenzeller Sennenhund.
Evolving as Working Demand Declined
The onset of the Industrial Revolution saw railroads emerge as the dominant mode of transportation. This shift significantly reduced the need for Rottweilers to haul heavy loads for butchers and drovers. As their traditional working roles diminished, the Rottweiler population began to dwindle. By 1882, records indicate only a single Rottweiler was present at a dog show in Heilbronn, Germany. Fortunately, dedicated breed enthusiasts who cherished the Rottweiler’s working capabilities and inherent traits carefully bred the remaining dogs scattered across Europe, ensuring the survival of this impressive breed.
Even the American Rottweiler Club (ARC) acknowledges some uncertainty about the breed’s exact appearance during this transitional period. “We don’t have a true record of how Rottweilers looked exactly, but we know they were different sizes and colors,” explains Robert Galusha, president of the ARC. “Over the natural evolution, their appearance has no doubt changed, but they remain a dog of assurance, confidence, and protection.”
Vintage black and white photograph depicting early Rottweilers, showcasing their historical appearance during breed preservation efforts.
Rottweilers Shift to Police Dogs
In the early years of the 20th century, the German Police Dog Association recognized the potential of several breeds for law enforcement, employing Rottweilers alongside German Shepherd Dogs, Doberman Pinschers, and Airedale Terriers as police dogs. Beyond police work, Rottweilers also found employment pulling heavy carts for various workers and serving as dependable guardians for private properties and businesses.
Gradually, people began to appreciate that this brave breed could also make a deeply loyal household companion. The year 1930 marked a milestone when Otto Denny, a German immigrant to the United States, bred the first Rottweiler litter in the country. Initially, these puppies were registered with a German-based breed club, as the American Kennel Club (AKC) had not yet formally recognized the breed. The AKC officially added a Rottweiler to its stud book in 1931, classifying the breed within the Working Group. The AKC’s breed standard for the Rottweiler was first published in 1935 and subsequently revised in 1971 and 1990.
Breeders Help Bring Rottweilers Back in the U.S.
The dedication of breeders, such as Joan Klem, was instrumental in building the Rottweiler’s popularity in the United States. “Joan’s two brothers and father formed Rodsden, the first Rottweiler Kennel in the U.S.,” Galusha notes. Klem registered her inaugural Rottweiler litter in 1949 and later became actively involved with the American Rottweiler Club. The ARC was officially established in 1973 as the national parent club for the breed and gained AKC membership in 1991. While its membership extends globally, the majority resides within the U.S.
By the mid-1990s, enthusiasm for the breed surged as more people discovered the dogs’ affectionate yet watchful nature. Rottweiler clubs experienced significant growth, boasting over a thousand international member organizations. For a period, the Rottweiler even ranked as the second-most popular breed in the United States.
The current ARC president fondly recalls his own introduction to the breed. “17 years ago, I bought ‘Diego,’ my first Rottweiler, because of the breed’s appearance and temperament,” Galusha shares. “He was confident and courageous but knew not to run toward danger. People on the street always wanted to pet him and were amazed at how silly and soft-hearted he was.”
Archival photo of a classic Rottweiler conformation, illustrating the breed standard development in America.
A Talented Breed All-Around
Nearly everyone who admires the breed can recall the moment they first encountered a Rottweiler. For Lew Olson, that moment occurred at the International Kennel Club Dog Show. “I was mesmerized by their presence and power,” says Olson, who is now an AKC judge and serves as the director and judges’ education chair for the ARC. “It was love at first sight.”
Olson’s first Rottweiler, “Rodsden Berte Von Zederwald,” originated from the Klem family’s renowned Rodsden kennel. “When he was about 12 weeks old, I heard a noise on the roof,” Olson recounts. “He ran barking and snarling toward the sound and whatever it was left in a hurry. I felt safe that no one would enter my yard.”
Excelling in Sports
“Berte” not only easily achieved his American and Canadian championship titles and secured multiple Working Group first placements, but Olson was also impressed by the breadth of dog sports titles he earned. “We competed in tracking, herding, agility, obedience, and rally. He was a fast learner and was good at everything,” Olson states. “Berte could also tell the difference between threatening and non-threatening behavior.”
The Gentle Giant: Therapy Work
Since 1992, Katie Maess of Mason, Ohio, has trained her Rottweilers in various dog sports. Her dogs have earned numerous titles, demonstrating particular aptitude in obedience, Barn Hunt, AKC Rally, conformation, Diving Dogs, and tracking. Despite their sporting achievements, they particularly relish their weekly therapy visits. Maess and her current Rottweilers, “Otis” and “Desi,” actively participate in therapy dog work with several agencies, continuing a tradition established by her previous four Rottweilers. “I enjoy showing off my dogs and seeing how much joy they bring to people,” says Maess.
Registered with Therapy Dogs International, her team visits diverse locations, including a high school with a nursing skills program, an assisted living facility, and a residential vocational agency serving adults and teens with physical and mental disabilities. The dogs also provide comfort at Miami University during stressful periods like orientation, midterms, final exams, and Suicide Prevention Week. “My dogs exude confidence, and they’re comfortable wherever we go,” Maess observes. “At Dominion [Senior Assisted Living Facility], the dogs roam from person to person and will charge at the door to greet someone. They seem to know who needs them the most.”
Maess shares a touching memory from a therapy visit years ago with one of her former Rottweilers, “Boris.” “A frail and bedridden woman tapped on her bed for Boris to hop up. Can you believe my 110-pound Rottweiler climbed up gingerly and lay beside her? He was so careful not to step on her. The woman had the biggest smile.”
Companions, Sporting Dogs, and Therapy Dogs
The Rottweiler’s journey spans millennia, from serving Roman legions and German butchers to becoming cherished companions and versatile working partners across the globe. This breed’s enduring story is one of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering loyalty. Possessing intelligence, courage, and a surprisingly gentle nature beneath their powerful exterior, Rottweilers continue to excel in various roles, from dedicated family pets and successful sporting competitors to compassionate therapy dogs, proving their remarkable capabilities time and again.
