Ch Tapferen's Blac Rose, CD, CGC, HIC
The Rottweiler is an outstanding companion and guard, but ownership of a Rottweiler carries much greater than average legal and moral responsibilities. The Rottweiler IS NOT a breed that fits into every home. Your first consideration in buying a Rottweiler should be the knowledge that for the next ten or more years that dog will be a part of your household. As a companion to your whole family, your Rottweiler will reflect the love and affection you show him. He will represent an emotional investment, not just a financial investment. Therefore, choose him carefully. Know as much as possible about the breed and his breeder before you buy. Deal only with a reputable breeder!
History
The Rottweiler is said to be descended from the drover dogs of ancient Rome. These mastiff-type dogs accompanied the Roman Legions across the Alps herding their cattle and guarding their camps. One such camp, on the banks of the Neckar River in what is now southern Germany, was the origin of the town of Rottweil (named for the red tile roofs of the villas built by the Romans). Through the mid-1800's, the cattle trade flourished in Rottweil, as did the Rottweiler Metzgerhund (butcher dog), who drove the cattle to market and returned with the filled purses of their masters around their necks. As rail transportation became the primary means of bringing cattle to market, the dogs were used less frequently. Legend has it that by 1905 there was but one Rottweiler left in the town of Rottweil. By the early 1900's though, the Rottweiler gained popularity as a police dog. In 1931, the first Rottweiler was admitted to the AKC Stud Book.
A copy of the AKC Standard can be read at
Health Concerns
* Hip Dysplasia
* Elbow Dysplasia
* Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)* Panosteitis
* Von Willebrand's Disease (VWD) * Bloat
* Heart Diseases * Allergies
* Eye Diseases * Epilepsy
* Hypothyroidism * Cancer
