THE HISTORY OF THE ROTTWEILER

The Rottweiler we know today descends from mastiffs that lived in the Roman Empire more than 2,000 years ago. These rugged dogs accompanied Roman legions north through the Alps, since these soldiers were on their way to invade what’s now Switzerland. Along the way, ancestors of the Rottweiler helped move cattle that was intended to be eaten or eventually sold, and kept the livestock safe from predators and thieves.

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The Romans frequently stopped in what is now Rottweil, Germany, a significant center for livestock trade in the south. The city gets its modern name from its red roof tiles, but in ancient times, it was known as Arae Flaviae. After the Roman Empire collapsed, Rottweilers became valuable working companions in this part of Germany. They herded livestock in butchers’ yards, and would pull heavy carts full of meat to market.

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- akc.org

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