The Rottweiler Gallery 
History: This breed was known at one time as the Rottweiler Metgerhund, named afer the town that produced it and its task as the butcher's dog. It is believed by many that it stems from mastiff stock that crossed the Alps while herding cattle used to feed the Roman soldiers who invaded central Europe. Active, agile, and full of stamina, this dog was later bred to manage livestock. Its outstanding strength also made larger Rottweilers ideal for pulling carts to the market. In the 20th century, cattle driving and the use of dogs as cart pullers was oulawed. The Rottweiler almost became extinct. In later years, it regained favor as a police dog, household pet, and guard dog.
Body: The Rottie has a sturdy, firm body with a well-developed, -muscled, and -boned chest and legs, especially the hindquarters; a wide head in harmony with a muzzle of medium length; a powerful, long, and thickset neck; medium-sized almond-shaped dark brown eyes; high-set pendant triangular ears; and a short single-joint tail,, which is docked at the first joint to be level with the top line of its back. Its double coat of a shor, hard, dense outercoat lying flat on the body, and soft undercoat on the neck and thighs, is predominantly black with tan markings above the eyes and on the cheeks, muzzle, chest and limbs.
Character: This intelligent breed has natural guarding instincts but is not vicious. Furthermore, it loves hard work.
Care: Even though the coat is short it still should be wiped and massaged with a damp towel, then rubbed dry. A bath is needed if the dog gets dirty. Care is also needed in maintaining a healthy balance of diet, exercise, and play, with food being divided in half and given twice a day rather than all at once.
Exercise: After the dog is 1 1/2 years old, vigorous exercise should include running on a lead alongside a bicycle or motor bike.Be aware that even as puppies this breed needs alot of free exercise.
Training: Obedience training should begin early and have as much contact with people as possible to accustom them to activity around them.
Puppies: 4-10 puppies in a litter.
