Rottweilers are considered to be one of the oldest breeds of dog with an origin way back to Roman times where they were used as herder or driving dogs. They marched over the Alps with the Roman legions where they protecting the humans and the cattle from wild animals and theft and herded the cattle. For this, it was necessary to have a dog that was loyal and faithful, calm yet confident. It needed to lovingly care for and defend the young of the heard and its master, yet still be able to drive thousands of pounds of cattle and protect them from wolves and thieves. A deep ribcage was needed for the lung capacity needed for the long miles of running around the herd. Strong bone and muscle was also a must. The large head that the German Rottweiler is now historic rottweiler famous for also served a purpose. The large powerful head is what enables the Rottweiler to have the strongest bite force of any domesticated dog, far exceeding even the Pit Bull and German Shepherd Dog.

Once they reached Rottweil, Germany, the job of the Rottweiler was now to defend all the humans and herds that it had brought here. Rottweil, a town in the south west of Germany and the oldest town in the federal state of Baden-Württember, was founded by the Romans in 74 AD. It was named “Rot Wil” because of the red tiles used in the roof. (“Rot” is red and “Wil” for “Ville”). In Rottweil, the dog became known as “Rottweiler Metzgerhund” which translates literally to “Rottweil butcher’s dog”. The Butchers recognized the power and courage of the Rottweiler and bred them for these traits. At this point in the Rottweilers history, conformation, or physical beauty, was not as important as the Rottweiler’s core character and temperament. However, as form always follows function, a strong dog with a heavy frame, stocky build and powerful head piece, that was biddable and high in courage naturally developed.

In the early 1900’s, the Police Service in Germany began testing different breeds of dogs for use in the police force. It quickly became evident that the Rottweiler was more than capable and very willing. Having been bred specifically for their courage, intelligence, and workability, the Rottweiler was officially recognized as Police Dogs in 1910.

Today, the temperament of the Rottweiler still remains a top priority in Germany. Along with the requirement of correct physical conformation, Rottweilers in Germany must also past Breed Suitability testing to ensure that those character traits that made them so desirable for centuries remain strongly in place.