Where the Rottweiler came from
The Rottweiler is named for the town of Rottweil in southern Germany. The dogs there were known as the Rottweil butcher's dog. They herded cattle to market and pulled meat carts, and the story goes they also guarded the butcher's money. Their ancestry is often traced to Roman drover dogs, though this is a story and not certain.
In the mid-1800s, railways replaced cattle drives. Demand for police dogs before World War I helped revive interest in the breed, and Rottweilers later served as messenger and guard dogs. German breed clubs began in the early 1900s.
The AKC recognized the Rottweiler in 1931. Today they are family dogs, guardians and working dogs.
- Mid-1800s Railways end the old cattle drives and the breed declines
- 1914 The Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub is founded in Germany
- 1931 The AKC recognizes the Rottweiler
The job a Rottweiler was bred for
The work was driving large herds on foot, pulling carts, and guarding. The dog needed strength, steadiness and calm judgment. At home you see a confident, loyal dog who watches their house, leans on you, and needs clear boundaries.
What you see at home
Watchful, leans on you and can body block. A confident, loyal dog who needs clear boundaries and a calm job.
Watching the window or door
That is the guarding drive. They are checking things are safe. Give them a settle spot and calm routines.
Leaning on you
Closeness and trust. Lean back, then give them a job so they have something to do.
Body blocking a doorway
They are managing the space. Teach a place cue and reward them for moving off.
Pulling on leash
Adults are strong. Teach loose leash early with food and short, easy wins.
Sports that fit a Rottweiler
- IGP. A sport made for this kind of working dog, with a good trainer.
- Scent work. A good use of their brain.
- Tracking. They have a good nose and steadiness.
- Carting. A natural fit for strong dogs.
- Weight pull. They like pulling.
Training tips for a Rottweiler
- Socialize widely and calmly while young.
- Use food and clear, kind rules. They respond well to trust.
- Teach loose leash walking early, because adults are strong.
- Give them a job, such as carrying a pack or learning tricks.
Body and health
Rottweilers are big and heavy. Watch hips, elbows and bloat, avoid hard jumping while growing, and keep them lean and cool.
Fun fact. Rottweilers were first shown at Crufts in 1936, five years after the AKC recognized the breed.
Breed is where we start
A study of more than 18,000 dogs found breed explains only about 9 percent of the differences in behavior between dogs (Morrill and others, Science, 2022). So your Rottweiler is a starting guess, not a label. We find the drive your dog actually runs on, give it a job, and teach you to read them.
Looking for a different breed? See what 75 breeds were bred to do.