What were Rottweilers originally bread for? Were they bread for,hunting dogs,farm dogs,rescue dogs etc..I was wondering because every one I know that owns a Rottweiler says they are the best loyal dogs they have ever had.I own a rottweiler as well and she is 11 yrs old and I heard their life expectancy is only 10.She seems to be on overall good health accept she is slowly loosing her vision and has some pain in her hips.I'm hoping my precious dog lives for another 4 to 5 yrs.but I don't know much about the bread.There are others who say that they aren't a good breed to own ,because of their temperament,and they could turn on you at any time.Well I never had a problem with my dog having behavior issues.
lol Sorry I meant breed.
Rotts were originally called "Butcher Dogs". They were bred to herd cattle, back as far as the Roman empire. The Roman army had to keep cattle to feed the troops, Rotts were bred broad shouldered and big-headed to bump the cattle back into the herd. A Rott could knock down a 2000 lb. bull if necessary. They also helped butchers, who bought herds to take to market. The butchers would also put their money in the dogs collar to protect it from robbers. This is where the spiked collar image comes from.
They got their name in the 17th century when they were almost extinct. Someone trying to bring back the breed found what was thought to be the last full-blooded female in Rottweil, Germany.
You can see the herding instinct in most Rotts. Watch one with a bunch of kids. My sons used to complain that they couldn't play football or basketball because our Rott would circle them closer and closer until they were all in a little group.
Rotts tend to suffer from hip dysplasia which is very painful for them. Ask your vet for pain medication. A Rott is very loyal and faithful. They consider their human family to be their "pack". They will fight to the death to protect their pack, which is probably where they got their bad reputation. A Rott loves children "pups" and once trained will do their best to please everyone. A Rott is a working dog and is happiest when he has a job to do. Mine were the best kid-keepers I ever had. When the boys were doing something wrong, my Rott always came and got me. I feel your pain, the short lifespan is the only downside.
If you decide to get a pup, don't buy from a pet store. find someone who has a litter in their home. Ask about the medical history, especially hip dysplasia is the parents. Most people who have had Rotts wouldn't want any other kind of dog. Don't listen to the ones who say they will turn on you. IF that happens its because of abusive behavior, and bad training by the owner. As long as you treat your dog with love, it will never turn on you.
Tags: Rottweiler, Rottweilers


The Romans used these dogs primarily for herding the cattle and sheep needed as food for their armies. The modern breed of Rottweiler is believed to have been developed in Germany in a district known as Rottweil, hence the name Rottweiler. The Germans used these dogs as herd dogs for their farming animals. The early Rottweilers also were worked as beasts of burden, carrying wood and other products to market. In addition, they were used as draft animals to pull carts filled with various products for their owners. During the first and second World Wars, Rottweilers were put into service as war time guard animals. Currently they are frequently used as guard and police animals. Some people have trained these fine animals to be hostile and many sad stories have resulted from these situations. However, a Rottweiler which has been properly trained, will be as gentle as any other breed of dog.
Rottweilers generally live 7 to 10 years, but 12 to 13 years of age are occasionally seen in this breed. Hip displasia and other disorders are often seen, especially in purebred dogs from unscrupulous breeders
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The Rottweiler was originally bred as a herding dog, although throughout history, they have also been used as guard dogs.
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I hate when people blame the breed of dog for its aggression i know a few rotties who are lovely its the owners who make the dogs nasty due to lack of socialising training etc even a poodle can be nasty is not trained properly Give rotties and shepherds and pitt bulls a break. Anyway sorry i dont know their history
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Hello,
Rottweiler is originated in Germany, where it was used to drive cattle and pull carts for farmers and butchers.
Here's more info:
http://tinyurl.com/5fkp5k
References :
Rotts were originally called "Butcher Dogs". They were bred to herd cattle, back as far as the Roman empire. The Roman army had to keep cattle to feed the troops, Rotts were bred broad shouldered and big-headed to bump the cattle back into the herd. A Rott could knock down a 2000 lb. bull if necessary. They also helped butchers, who bought herds to take to market. The butchers would also put their money in the dogs collar to protect it from robbers. This is where the spiked collar image comes from.
They got their name in the 17th century when they were almost extinct. Someone trying to bring back the breed found what was thought to be the last full-blooded female in Rottweil, Germany.
You can see the herding instinct in most Rotts. Watch one with a bunch of kids. My sons used to complain that they couldn't play football or basketball because our Rott would circle them closer and closer until they were all in a little group.
Rotts tend to suffer from hip dysplasia which is very painful for them. Ask your vet for pain medication. A Rott is very loyal and faithful. They consider their human family to be their "pack". They will fight to the death to protect their pack, which is probably where they got their bad reputation. A Rott loves children "pups" and once trained will do their best to please everyone. A Rott is a working dog and is happiest when he has a job to do. Mine were the best kid-keepers I ever had. When the boys were doing something wrong, my Rott always came and got me. I feel your pain, the short lifespan is the only downside.
If you decide to get a pup, don't buy from a pet store. find someone who has a litter in their home. Ask about the medical history, especially hip dysplasia is the parents. Most people who have had Rotts wouldn't want any other kind of dog. Don't listen to the ones who say they will turn on you. IF that happens its because of abusive behavior, and bad training by the owner. As long as you treat your dog with love, it will never turn on you.
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Rotties were used for herding and pulling. They are the "working class" dog's. I have a 12-1/2 year old rottie and 3-1/2 year old twins that have fallen on her, pulled her ears (not being mean, just being kids) you name it they have done it, she has NEVER even growled at them. We always supervise them, but I have no worries that our dog would ever harm them. She has been a wonderful part of our family and I would NEVER own another breed. The only reason why they have such a bad rap is IRRESPONSIBLE OWNERSHIP!! ( and because they are sooo powerful) Out of all the dog's they have the strongest psi of bite.
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In addition to what everyone else said, they are a cross between 5/6 different breeds. I cant remember all of them, but some are Doberman, German shep, Newfoundland and others.
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