Tracing the history of any breed of dog is almost impossible prior to of
the breed societies at about this time. However, one can draw certain
conclusions from the history of man's own evolution, campaigns,
commercial ventures and fossil remains; from these, an intelligent
synthesis can be made.
Most accounts of Rottweiler history start with the Roman invasion of
Germany and the crossing of the Alps by the legions in the first
century AD. Statements made to support or reject this source are
difficult to prove or disprove, but conclusions can be drawn from
premises which have a measure of acceptability. One may say, without
fear of contradiction, that the term 'Rottweiler' cannot be applied to the
herding-guarding dog dogs used by Roman legionaries during the
course of their stay in Germany. The Roman Influence lasted not
much longer than two hundred years, and the dogs they brought with
them certainly influenced the breed, whilst the settlement they built,
das rote wil (which later became Rotwil and still later Rottweil), gave
the breed the name by which it is known today. The romans returned
to Rome in the third century AD, after their defeat by the Germanic
tribe known as the Alemanni.
Bazille, An early Rottweiler authority, accepted the history that the
breed is a direct descendant of the Bavarois Bouvier, dating back to
Roman times, supported by the roads built by early Romans. On the
other hand, Hans Korn, Author of the classic Der Rottweiler, is of the
opinion that the breed descended partly from this early Roman dog
there from the north after the Roman invasion.
A feature that emerges very clearly in the history of the dog's
evolution is that no dog was confined to a particular country. When
one refers to a British or German breed, the reference is only valid if
applied to a definite and limited time period, A dog may have
originated in a particular country, but its ancestors most probably
came from outside, whilst its descendants may have emigrated to
create further breeds elsewhere. The term "Pure Breed" cannot be
applied to any breed except in the very limited sense demanded by
the breed or canine societies, in the context of Pedigrees.
The City of Rottweil
No history of the breed would be complete without some reference to
the city from which it derives its name and with which, to this day, it still
retains strong associations.
Five hundred years after the departure of the Romans, new
conquerors, in the shape of the Franks of the holy Roman Empire,
arrived and exerted considerable influence on the area. A Christian
Church was built and a new settlement grew up. The site, like earlier
Roma ones, was called wil (from villa) and, To distinguish it from
others, it was called das Rote Wil after the red colour of the tiles and
bricks unearthed from earlier Roman buildings and reused.
The City of Rottweil and dogs are synonymous. Pointing out that the
dog featured in numerous early forms AD 180, to stone carvings
featured on a chapel tower.
All of this led to increasing respect for the "Butcher's Dog," and local
owners began selectively breeding them. Since they were considered
far superior to others of their type to be found in that area, the name
"Rottweiler" was bestowed upon them to distinguish them from the
rest. This name has remained until the present day.
In the study of the Rottweiler. It is useful to have some idea of its
antecedents, how the dog developed and how its instincts and
capacities were modified and adapted to carry out its working role.
This knowledge will help us to appreciate the modern breed and see
its mental and physical characteristics in true perspective. This is the
basis for any interpretation of the standard, the correctness of which is
necessary to every breeder, judge and student.
In concluding this brief historical look at the Rottweiler, any attempt to
appraise the relative contributions made at different point in time to
the breed seem quite unfair and inappropriate. A superstructure is
only as sound as the foundation on which it is built, and the
metaphorical extension of this would be to conclude that the Romans
selected the ground and cleared the way for the Renaissance drovers
to lay the foundations; the Swabian Butchers built the superstructure
and the finish was applied by the German Breed clubs.
Information Taken From The Book:
THE NEW ROTTWEILER
For Owners, Breeders And Judges
Of : Jim Pettengell
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