A Rottweiler is an ancient, noble breed that is thought to have originated with the Roman Army trying to create an all-purpose dog. The breed as we recognize it today arrived around 1910, appropriately enough, in the southern German area called Rottweil. Rottweilers are highly trainable, handsome dogs that look a lot fiercer than they are. They are easy to groom but require a lot of exercise. They are one of the perfect breeds of dogs for families with children, as Rottweilers bond better with kids than with adults.

Variety is not encouraged in the breeding of purebred Rottweilers. Breeding Rottweilers to the breed standard is a lot like cloning without the laboratories. Any variation is usually in size, weight, amount of red-rust tan, coat thickness, roundness of head and, of course, character. Ideally, Rottweilers are one hundred pound black and red bricks on legs. They used to pull wagons, so their bodies resemble draft horses with slimmer legs. They are solid muscle and their coats usually gleam. They should exude controlled power.

According to the breed standard, Rottweilers should be mostly black with rust-red points only. The points include the paws, legs, belly, chest, jaw, dots where their eyebrows would be, and underneath the tail. No white markings are allowed on show dogs. No dewclaws are allowed on show dogs (although rarely some puppies are born without them). They may have short coats or double costs, neither of which should be long or wavy.

Rottweilers should average about one hundred pounds and look solid as a rock. They should exude a sense of controlled power and be well muscled. These dogs can easily become overweight so it is important to monitor their diet and exercise.

Rottweilers love people despite the cruelty and tail-docking they often have to go through with people. They are loyal and devoted to their families and wary with strangers. Since they are so easily trained, they also can be easily trained to attack.

Rottweilers have undeservedly gotten the reputation for being vicious. It is true that they make good guard dogs, but they are gently and forgiving with their families and usually with all children. They can be taught to attack, but it is not in-born.

Rottweiler breeders are now breeding for a breed standard character as well as a breed standard body. More and more, only Rottweilers with gentle temperaments are allowed to breed (although puppy mills are still a problem, but not so much with Rottweilers anymore due to their size).

This is not a breed that does well chained in a yard. They become mental very quickly that way. They need interaction and to be part of the family they are protecting.