The Rottweiler was originally bred in Rottweil, Germany, as a cattle guarding and herding dog. This now-popular breed was on the verge of extinction in the early 1800's.

Although the Rottweiler, like all dogs, is a descendant of the wolf (which is a natural predator of cattle and other mammals), the Rottweiler does not attack the animals that it was bred to herd.

Anatomy: The Rottweiler is about 22 to 27 inches (58-69 cm) tall at the shoulders and weighs roughly 90 to 110 pounds (41-50 kg). The coat is black with tan markings.