Vegas Valley Dog Obedience Club - VVDOC - Breed of the Month August 2011

VEGAS VALLEY DOG OBEDIENCE CLUB

"GRACIE"
Picture credit: PyroImages, Las Vegas, NV

Robust and powerful, the Rottweiler is happiest when given a job to perform. His intelligence,
endurance and willingness to work make him suitable as a police dog, herder, service dog, therapy
dog, obedience competitor and devoted companion. An inherent protector, the Rottweiler is self-
confident and responds quietly and with a wait-and-see attitude to influences in his environment. He
must be medium in size and his coat is black with rust to mahogany markings.

A Look Back
The Rottweiler's ancestors were the drover's dogs accompanying the herds the Romans brought with
them when invading Europe. The controllable herding and guarding instincts were recognized by the
Germans, and dogs were selectively bred for these traits. As need for its services diminished, the
Rottweiler almost fell into extinction. In the early 1900s, a newly formed club established a breed
standard. The breed has not appreciably changed since that time.

Right Breed for You?
Rottweilers love their people and may behave in a clownish manner toward family and friends, but
they are also protective of their territory and do not welcome strangers until properly introduced.
Obedience training and socialization are musts. Rottweilers must be exercised daily, but require
minimal grooming maintenance.

Did You Know?

The Rottweiler is one of the descendents of Roman drover dogs.

About 700 AD the local Duke of Arae Flaviae (what is now Southern Germany) ordered a
Christian church built on the site of the former Roman baths. Excavations unearthed the red
tiles of Roman villas; to distinguish the town, it was then named das Rote Wil (the red tile),
which is of course recognizable as the derivation of the present Rottweil.

As the town increased in prosperity during the uproar of industry, the Rottweiler, called the
Rottweil Metzgerhund (butcher dog), decreased considerably in popularity.

Eventually, in the early 20th century, the reinvigorated Rottweiler remerged as a police dog.

The Rottweiler was admitted to the AKC Stud Book in 1931.

The Rottweiler parent club was founded in 1971.

Summary

Working Group; AKC recognized in 1931.

Ranging in size from 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder.

Guard dog; cattle driver.

© The American Kennel Club, Inc.

The Rottweiler Breed Standard - www.akc.org/breeds/rottweiler/

History of the Rottweiler - www.akc.org/breeds/rottweiler/history.cfm

National Breed Club - American Rottweiler Club - www.amrottclub.org

ACTIVITIES FOR YOU AND YOUR ROTTWEILER
The Rottweiler is a working breed that enjoys pleasing his owner and is happiest when given a task
to perform. There are any number of activities you can enjoy with your Rottweiler.

In addition to playing ball, going on hikes, and taking long walks, you and your Rottweiler might
enjoy the following activities:

Here are some pictures of the VVDOC Rottweilers enjoying their favorite activities !

Agility	Conformation	Nose Work	Swimming
Canine Freestyle	Herding	Obedience	Therapy Dog
Carting	Hiking	Rally	Tracking

AGILITY

Picture credits: KH Photography, Salt Lake City, UT

CARTING

CONFORMATION

" ZOOM "
CH. Havenhaus Fast Forward CD GN RAE
(New Champion)

" HAYDEN "
Havenhaus Here We Go Again
(Major Win at 12 months of age)

HERDING

Gracie learning how to herd sheep

HIKING

Floyd and Barney (on left) and Gracie enjoying a hike in the mountains. And since the Rottweiler is
a Working Breed, these dogs will happily carry the water and treats for themselves and their human
hiking partners !