Rottweiler, << ROT `wy` luhr, >> is a muscular dog with short, coarse black hair. They were developed in southern Germany, near the village of Rottweil. They are descended from the camp dogs that followed Roman armies in their conquest of southern Europe about 1,900 years ago. The Romans used these dogs to herd the cattle and sheep that provided meat for the armies.
This breed of dog has tan or mahogany markings on the head, chest, and legs. When full-grown, rottweilers stand from 22 to 27 inches (56 to 69 centimeters) high and weigh 75 to 125 pounds (34 to 57 kilograms). Most males are larger than the females.
Rottweilers are loyal, loving, and powerful. They make excellent pets and guard dogs, but owners must train them carefully.
