You may find them violent or you may find them difficult to train – but Rotties are cute and one of the most popular dogs in the world. Many people think that Rotties are violent but it is not so at all. Rottweilers actually need a lot of training and their training is a bit special. You need to be a bit of an alpha when you are training. All of this traces back to Rottweiler history. If you read the history of Rottweilers, you will realize why Rottweilers act the way they do.

Read: The Curious Case Of A Long-Haired Rottweiler(Opens in a new browser tab)

Why Are Rottweilers So Protective As Per Rottweiler History?

Rottweilers go back to the Roman civilization. Yes, that far. During that time, there were no storage facilities for food and so, during army expeditions, armies used to carry live cattle with them. Now, how do they keep the herd in control? Enter the Rottweiler. As per the Rottweiler history, Rottweilers were initially trained as drover dogs. Drover dogs needed to be agile and strong and they needed to have immense energy. Rottweilers met all these criteria. So, they kept the herd intact by not letting any of it escape and they could also cross large expanses of land. They also protected the cattle from getting attacked by predators. The result – the Rottweiler developed a strong guarding instinct.

Where Does The Name Come From In Rottweiler History?

Rottweilers are named after the town Rottweil, which dates back to Roman history. After the Roman empire collapsed, drover dogs were used to herd cattle and protect them as they were driven to the market place of Rottweil. It was from this place that the name Rottweiler came into being and attached itself with the Rottweiler breed of dogs.

Rottweilers In Germany

When cattle were slaughtered, the meat had to be taken from town to town and Rottweilers were used for this rigorous transporting job. A money pouch was attached to the neck of the Rottie where people placed their money. That’s how Rotties got the name Rottweiler Metzgerhund or the Butcher’s dog. By this time, Rotties were working dogs and no longer just drover dogs. Many Rottweiler breeds were being found all over Europe, by that time. Other types were Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog,  Appenzeller, and Entlebucher. Germany also had many Rottweilers and it is assumed the Roman ones were introduced there.

Near Extinction

After the industrial revolution, there was no need for drover dogs to transport cattle. Railroads did the job. Cattle herding was also outlawed. Rottweilers were out of jobs and were on the verge of extinction.

Re-Birth

But the Rottweiler breed was intelligent and they survived. Their intelligence could be seen throughout the Rottweiler history. They kept themselves warm and endured the blasts of time until the 20th century when they were appointed as police dogs. Rotties were soon recognized as the fourth preferred police dog by the German Police Dog Association in 1910. They were used for military purposes too. In the end, Rotties were also used as guide dogs.

Read: Different Kinds of Rottweilers American Rottweiler Vs German Rottweiler(Opens in a new browser tab)

Modern Rottweiler history

Nowadays, the Rottweiler is a favorite among many dog owners. They are not only cultivated for working purposes or as a police dog but to improve the breed. Their protective spirit is appreciated by most people. Now, they have truly shown themselves to be man’s best friend.