Greater Swiss Rottweiler

The hybrid called the Greater Swiss Rottweiler is a new breed of dog that does not have a detailed history. The two breeds that combine to create the breed both have interesting, full histories. It is thought that the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is one of the oldest breeds in Switzerland, having been discovered around 2000 years ago. Multiple theories exist about how this sweet and loyal canine came to be. The most common thought is that the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a descendant of dogs that are similar to the Mastiff that arrived in the Alps by Roman Legions, as helpmates. Excelling at herding, guarding and as draft dogs, at the time he was one of the most popular farm dogs in Switzerland. His usefulness was lessened by the availability of machinery to handle farm responsibilities. Today, these eager to work dogs are useful once again as guardians, watchdogs and competitors in agility and obedience. The common belief about the origin of the Rottweiler is that the breed evolved around 74 AD upon Roman soldiers of the 11th Legion of the Roman Empire settling in the Wurttemberg region of Germany. It was there that the soldiers bred German Shepherds with Roman drover dogs or Mastiffs that they had brought with them in an effort to develop a strong, large dog that could guard the camp as well as could control large bulls in order to herd cattle. That area of Germany became known as “das Rote Wil” in reference to the red roof tiles on the town’s small villas. The name evolved into Rottweil, which led to the breed’s name. By the middle of the 19th century, the building of railways led to cattle driving being outlawed. As a result, donkeys became the main draft animal and the Rottweiler’s popularity decreased. Butchers were able to use the dogs to pull carts of meat and began to be called “Rottweiler metzgerhund” which means Rottweiler butcher dog. Rottweilers began to work as police dogs in the 1900’s and were put to work in World War I. The breed became recognized by the American Kennel club in 1931.