What Is A Rottweiler?
The Rottweiler is a medium-to-large or large-sized domestic dog breed. Because their primary function was to herd animals and drag carts filled with slaughtered meat to markets, the dogs were known in German as Rottweiler Metzgerhund, or Rottweil butchers’ dogs. This persisted until the middle of the 19th century, when droving was supplanted by railways. Although they are still frequently used to herd livestock, Rottweilers are now widely employed as police, security, and search and rescue dogs.
Genesis Of Rottweilers
The Rottweiler is regarded as one of the oldest dog breeds by the FCI Standard. Its beginnings date back to the Roman era. These canines were used as driving or herding dogs. Together with the Roman legions, they crossed the Alps while driving their cattle and guarding the civilians. These dogs naturally crossed over in the Rottweil area and mingled with the local canines. The driving and guarding of cow herds as well as the protection of their owners and their property became the Rottweiler’s primary duties. This breed was referred to as the “Rottweil butcher’s dog” and took its name from the former free city of Rottweil. These dogs were specifically bred by the butchers for performance and utility.
The Demand For Police Dogs
In the years leading up to World War I, there was a huge need for police dogs, which sparked a resurgence in interest in the Rottweiler breed. Rottweilers served in a variety of capacities throughout the First and Second World Wars, including as messenger, ambulance, draught, and security dogs. The first Rottweiler club in Germany, the Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub (DRK, German Rottweiler Club), was established on January 13, 1914. On April 27, 1915, the Süddeutscher Rottweiler-Klub (SDRK, South German Rottweiler Club), which later became the IRK, was established (International Rottweiler Club). Around 500 Rottweilers were counted by the DRK, while 3,000 were counted by the SDRK. The two clubs had various objectives. The DRK did not place a strong emphasis on the Rottweiler’s morphology in order to develop working dogs.
The Rottweiler Clubs In Germany
In order to become the Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub (ADRK, General German Rottweiler Club), the several German Rottweiler Clubs merged in 1921. On January 27, 1924, this was formally entered in the Stuttgart district court’s register of clubs and groups. The Rottweiler’s official home club is known as the ADRK. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Rottweiler in 1931. At Crufts in 1936, Rottweilers were displayed in Britain. A distinct registration for the breed was established in 1966. In reality, the Rottweiler breed had an all-time high in popularity in the middle of the 1990s, when the American Kennel Club recorded the most Rottweilers. The Rottweiler was recognized as the ninth most popular purebred dog in the United States by the American Kennel Club in 2017.
Are Rottweilers Worth It?
The breed of Rottweilers is relatively asymptomatic and disease-free. Hip dysplasia, which affects a lot of large breeds, can be an issue. The various Rottweiler breed clubs have had X-ray testing procedures in place for many years because of this. Due to the breed’s quick growth, osteochondritis dissecans, a disorder that affects the shoulder joints, can also be problematic. All breeding stock will have its hips and elbows X-rayed and read by a recognized specialist, and a reputable breeder will have the documentation to back it up.
How Much Is Rottweiler In South Africa?
Prices for purebred Rottweiler puppies range from R8800 to R90,000. An American puppy costs, on average, R5,450 from a reputable breeder. Puppies with German bloodlines can cost up to R44,000 and start at around $50,700.
