Additonal Breeds Starting
With Letter:
Sponsor
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COUNTRY:
Germany
WEIGHT:
90-110 pounds
HEIGHT:
22-27 inches
COAT-:
Short, smooth
COLOR:
Black/tan only
REGISTRY:
FCI, ARC, UKC, TKC, CKC
GROUP:
Mastiff
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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.
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