K-9 Lifesavers, a 501c(3) non-profit organization, rescues homeless and abandoned dogs from high-kill shelters, owners
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Bella's Family Tree
Rottweilers are an ancient breed, dating all the way back to the Roman Empire. They originated in Rottweil, Germany where they were known as "Rottweil butchers' dogs" because they were used to herd livestock and pull carts laden with meat to the markets. Rottweilers are said to have been used by traveling butchers as guard dogs during the Middle Ages to protect the money pouches they traveled with.
As railroads became more prevalent, and the primary means for moving cattle and other stock to the market, the need for the Rottweiler as a herding dog declined. The breed declined so much that by 1900 there was only one female left in the town of Rottweil. In order to save the breed, two different breeds, the German Pinscher and the Bernese Mountain dog, were cross-bred with the last female. The German Pinscher was chosen to maintain the coloring of black and tan, while the Bernese Mountain Dog was chosen for their Mastiff-like head. The off spring were carefully selected for further line breeding and to start eliminating any characteristics not in line with the original Rottweiler appearance.
During World Wars I & II, the breed revived and Rottweilers were put into service positions such as messenger, ambulance, drought and guard dogs. Today, their role as a service dog continues as they are often employed in search and rescue teams, guide dogs for the blind, as police dogs or guard dogs.
