The Rottweiler is believed to be a descendant of the drover dogs of ancient
Rome. As the Roman Legions advanced into Central Europe they were
accompanied by herds of sheep and cattle. During this time period
for an army to move it had to bring it's own food and supplies. Butchers,
wheel-wrights, blacksmiths, carpenters, many people of every trade and
skill were necessary to equip and maintain this city on the move.
The mastiff-type drover dogs served as escorts to the herds and guardians
of the camp. One of the Legion's campsites was on the banks of the
Neckar River at a place which became known as Rottweil. The encampment
at Rottweil lasted a particularly long time. In fact, the village
derived it's name from the red tile roofs that were built by the Romans.
As a legacy of their presence, the Roman Legions left their impact not
only on the name of the village, but established a cattle industry in the
area - as well as the drover dogs to accompany these herds.
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