Rottweiler dog - Rottie - a large dog breed.

The Rottweiler dog is a large dog breed, a robust, powerful breed, black with rich rusty tan markings. Its compact build denotes great strength, agility, and endurance. The ancestors were Mastiff type dogs, brought through the Alps by the invading Romans into what is now southern Germany. They were used as cattle drovers by day, and guarding the food supply for the legions, by night. Remaining dogs continued this work long after the Romans were driven out. The butchers of Rottweil, Germany, for centuries used the German Rottweiler to drive cattle to market, then protect their money bags, going home. They tied the bags around the necks of their fearless, loyal dogs. The Rottweiler breed came to be known as the butcher's dog. The German Rottweiler dog is basically a calm, confident, courageous breed, having a fearless expression a self-assured aloofness, that does not lend itself to immediate, and aimless friendships. Rottweiler males normally are larger, heavier boned and more masculine looking. A Rottie has a very strong eagerness to work, but is not expected to submit to excessive handling by a stranger. A Rottweiler must never appear reticent, and never be aggressive without just provocation.

The Rottie, as it is affectionately known, is a very devoted, protective family dog, wary of strangers, possibly overly protective if it deems its family is threatened, wherein lies a potential danger with some dogs, if proper early training is neglected. Rotties require daily mental, physical, rigorous exercise like jogging outdoors or a long walk. A Rottweiler puppy needs lots of early socialization and formal obedience training, and plenty of indoor family time for bonding to the whole family. A Rottie enjoys the cold, but can overheat in hot weather. Grooming requirements are minimal. Regular brushing is sufficient. The Rottweiler puppy is intelligent, highly trainable, and makes a good pet for the right family.