ROTTWEILER

COUNTRY: Germany

WEIGHT: 90-110 pounds

HEIGHT: 22-27 inches

COAT-: Short, smooth

COLOR: Black/tan only

GROUP: Mastiff

As Roman soldiers marched across Europe, they were accompanied by their food "on the hoof." With the armies came specific types of mastiffs used for driving and guarding the cattle; the dogs also changed the minds of would-be thieves and army deserters. As the cattle were eaten, dogs were discarded along the way as excess

baggage. Others were left as guardians at the various outposts established by the Romans. Since the main route of travel was over the Alps through St. Gouhard Pass, these dogs figured in the background of many of the Swiss breeds. The northern boundary of the army's ventures traced through southern Germany, including the town of Rottweil, which became a major European center for livestock commerce during the next 18 centuries.

The Roman's canine contribution to Germany produced the "butcher" dogs of Rottweil, driving cattle and pulling wares to market. The trip was dangerous, with highwaymen lying in wait for the unwary, and traders tied their money belts around the Rottweilers' necks.