Rottweiler History and Temperament

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Rottweiler Guide

The Rottweiler’s working past as a Roman drover dog shapes its temperament today more than most owners realize — understanding that history explains a great deal about the breed’s instincts.

From Roman Cattle Drives to German Butchers

Descended from mastiff-type dogs that accompanied Roman legions and their cattle across the Alps, the breed later settled in the German town of Rottweil, where local butchers used it to drive cattle to market and guard the day’s earnings tied around its neck.

A Working Temperament, Not an Aggressive One

Properly bred and socialized Rottweilers are calm, confident, and steady — traits selected over centuries for reliable work, not indiscriminate aggression. Poor breeding or inadequate socialization, not the breed itself, is behind most behavioral problems.

What the Temperament Means Day to Day

A well-adjusted Rottweiler is typically aloof but not hostile with strangers, deeply bonded to its own family, and calm indoors despite its size — traits that make early, consistent socialization essential rather than optional.

Did You Know?

The Rottweiler nearly disappeared as a breed in the early 20th century as cattle droving declined, before dedicated German breed clubs revived it for police and personal protection work.