Chloe is a 1/2 English Shepherd 1/2 German Rottweiler Cross.
What about the Rottie side?? Most individuals are very unaware of Rottweilers in livestock history…
What about the Rottie side?? Most individuals are very unaware of Rottweilers in livestock history…
ORIGINS:
The Rottweiler is a mastiff type breed that traces back in history as one of the oldest European stock dogs. And until the late 1800’s, herding was their primary purpose. Their breed was used predominately in Germany for moving livestock from one location to the next, as well as pulling the harvested meat to market via dog cart. However, with the turn of the century, mechanized transportation of cattle gradually altered the lives of Rottweilers from farm dogs to serve as guardians, trackers, and for military service. The use of their breed on ranches have been more rare in the modern century and their talents less realized. I believe this has been in part because most are unaware of the talented make-up of this breed for farming. In the more recent years, however, there has been some cross-breeding of the English Shepherds with the Rottweilers, bringing back some of the old herding traditions.
How do Rottweilers work…
The Rottweiler, in general, will seek out the dominant animal of a herd, and establish order from that standpoint. With the herd leader submitting to the dog, the rest handle more easily, following their leader's behavior. This, in turn, allows the dog to use less energy as he works. Once he has his typical herd trained for their destinations, the dog needs only to point them in the direction and watch for any trouble makers. It must be noted that in this setting, the Rottweiler seems to thrive on the challenges and problem solving involved with herding. (But as in all dog breeds, there are individuals more suited to a given job while others are not.)
The Rottweiler's style of herding can be described as: loose-eyed and gathering. Some handlers have found that they are especially suited to move stubborn stock that basically ignore smaller herding breeds - Rottweilers are not a cower to danger breed, which well equips them for the tougher jobs. In action, they will sometimes use their shoulders and body to intimidate the obstinate animal, maneuvering him where desired.
(We have seen this trait in Chloe (½ English Shepherd ½ Rottie) and her father)
These dogs were originally bred to drive cattle for extended periods during round up, etc. Their physical makeup is well suited as the Rottweiler is a natural trotter. This energy-saving gate enables the dog to cover long distances. I must insert, that Chloe also inherited the Rottie trot.
These are smart, loyal natured dogs. If you give them a job and work with them, they create STRONG bonds with their handlers.
In ending this article, we feel that a percentage of Rottweiler is a great asset when crossed with the English Shepherds. Our cross puppies will be ¼ Rottweiler ¾ English Shepherd.
Research Sources: Daily Dog News, National Rottweiler Council, Southwestern Rottweiler Club, and our own experience
The Rottweiler is a mastiff type breed that traces back in history as one of the oldest European stock dogs. And until the late 1800’s, herding was their primary purpose. Their breed was used predominately in Germany for moving livestock from one location to the next, as well as pulling the harvested meat to market via dog cart. However, with the turn of the century, mechanized transportation of cattle gradually altered the lives of Rottweilers from farm dogs to serve as guardians, trackers, and for military service. The use of their breed on ranches have been more rare in the modern century and their talents less realized. I believe this has been in part because most are unaware of the talented make-up of this breed for farming. In the more recent years, however, there has been some cross-breeding of the English Shepherds with the Rottweilers, bringing back some of the old herding traditions.
How do Rottweilers work…
The Rottweiler, in general, will seek out the dominant animal of a herd, and establish order from that standpoint. With the herd leader submitting to the dog, the rest handle more easily, following their leader's behavior. This, in turn, allows the dog to use less energy as he works. Once he has his typical herd trained for their destinations, the dog needs only to point them in the direction and watch for any trouble makers. It must be noted that in this setting, the Rottweiler seems to thrive on the challenges and problem solving involved with herding. (But as in all dog breeds, there are individuals more suited to a given job while others are not.)
The Rottweiler's style of herding can be described as: loose-eyed and gathering. Some handlers have found that they are especially suited to move stubborn stock that basically ignore smaller herding breeds - Rottweilers are not a cower to danger breed, which well equips them for the tougher jobs. In action, they will sometimes use their shoulders and body to intimidate the obstinate animal, maneuvering him where desired.
(We have seen this trait in Chloe (½ English Shepherd ½ Rottie) and her father)
These dogs were originally bred to drive cattle for extended periods during round up, etc. Their physical makeup is well suited as the Rottweiler is a natural trotter. This energy-saving gate enables the dog to cover long distances. I must insert, that Chloe also inherited the Rottie trot.
These are smart, loyal natured dogs. If you give them a job and work with them, they create STRONG bonds with their handlers.
In ending this article, we feel that a percentage of Rottweiler is a great asset when crossed with the English Shepherds. Our cross puppies will be ¼ Rottweiler ¾ English Shepherd.
Research Sources: Daily Dog News, National Rottweiler Council, Southwestern Rottweiler Club, and our own experience