| In its native Germany, this breed is still referred to as
the Rottweiler Metzgerhund (Rottweil Butcher's Dog),
because in the past it worked as a draft dog delivering
meat. It has also been used as a hunter of wild boar
and a trusted cattle dog. Some fanciers believe that
the Rottweiler is a descendant of the early German
Shepherd Dog, while others consider that its ancestor
was similar to the Tibetan Mastiff, brought as a guard
by Roman soldiers. During World War I, it proved
itself to be an intelligent police dog and guard.
The Rottweiler is a large, courageous dog that
makes an excellent companion/guard and responds
to kind but firm handling. However, an inexperienced
owner should never keep this breed, nor should
anyone who does not have considerable time to devote
to its training. It needs space and plenty of exercise,
and daily grooming with a bristle brush or hound
glove and comb.
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