When you picture a herding or farm dog, a Rottweiler may not be the first breed that comes to mind. Many people associate Rottweilers more with being guard dogs or even scary junkyard dogs. But did you know that Rottweilers actually have a long and proud history as highly skilled herding and all-around farm dogs?
In this article, we‘ll explore the Rottweiler‘s background as a farmhand, the specific tasks they excel at, and what it takes for this powerful breed to be a good working dog. You may be surprised to learn just how well-suited Rottweilers can be for life on the farm!
A Rich History as Farmer‘s Helpers
The Rottweiler‘s origins as a farm and herding dog date all the way back to the times of the Roman Empire. In ancient Rome, Rottweiler ancestors accompanied the Roman legion as they marched through Europe. The dogs were used to herd the cattle that fed and supported the army on their long journeys.
When the Roman army traveled through what is now southern Germany, many of the dogs settled in the town of Rottweil. There, they were bred with the local dogs and continued being used for herding and driving cattle. They eventually became the breed we recognize today as the Rottweiler, named for that town.
For centuries, Rottweilers continued working on farms and ranches as hardy herding and all-purpose dogs. Aside from controlling cattle, they also served as guard dogs, pulled carts full of meat and other goods, and provided overall protection for farmers and their property. The Rottie‘s versatility, dependability, and rugged strength made them a go-to choice.
While many modern Rottweilers today serve as companion dogs, those same traits and instincts that made their ancestors excel on farms are still very much a part of the breed. A well-bred, well-trained Rottie retains the intelligence, work ethic, and physical prowess to take on demanding herding and farm work.
Built for the Job
Rottweilers have a number of physical and mental characteristics that enable them to perform well at herding and other farm duties. A male Rottie typically stands 24-27 inches tall and weighs 95-130 pounds. Females are just slightly smaller. Their sturdy, muscular, athletic build gives them the power and stamina to control large livestock.
As a member of the working group, the Rottweiler has an inherent drive to do a job and please their owner. They are highly trainable and capable of learning and following complex commands. Rotties also tend to be even-tempered and not easily rattled, which helps them confidently manage a herd.
Rottweilers are famous for being protective, and this extends to their charges as well as human family. They have natural guarding instincts to watch over and defend the animals under their care. At the same time, they have the discernment to recognize the difference between a threat and something benign.
The Rottweiler‘s dark coloration helps them stand out from the animals they‘re herding for easy visibility. And their intimidating size and loud bark are effective for keeping a herd grouped together and deterring potential predators. When it comes to the physical and mental demands of farm work, Rotties check all the boxes.
Farm Tasks Rottweilers Do Best
So what specific jobs on a farm or ranch is a Rottweiler suited for? While every dog is an individual, these are some of the duties that Rotties commonly excel at:
Herding Livestock
First and foremost, Rottweilers can be exceptional herding dogs for cattle, sheep, goats, and other livestock. Some seem to instinctively know how to gather and drive a herd with minimal training. Rotties have the athleticism to run around a large pasture and the stamina to work all day. Their imposing presence is usually enough to make an animal comply, but they can also use their substantial strength to physically move a stubborn individual.
Droving
In addition to short-distance herding around a farm, Rottweilers are also well-suited for droving, which is moving livestock over longer distances. Historically, Rottweilers helped drive cattle hundreds of miles to market. While today we have modern transportation for this, droving dogs can still be useful for large operations to move animals from one grazing area to another. A Rottie‘s steadiness and stamina help them keep a herd together and on track during a long drive.
Guard Duties
Rottweilers also serve as excellent livestock guardian dogs (LGDs). An LGD lives out in the field with the herd to protect them from predators and thieves. While many LGD breeds like the Great Pyrenees or Anatolian Shepherd are more commonly used today, Rottweilers were often the guardians of choice on farms of the past.
A Rottie‘s sheer size is often enough to deter coyotes, foxes, and other common livestock predators. If not, a Rottweiler will fearlessly defend their charges, even against much larger threats. On the home front, Rottweilers also make superb watchdogs for a farm and family, sounding the alarm if something is amiss and providing protection.
Pest Control
Another way Rottweilers can be an asset on a farm is assisting with pest control. Rotties have a strong prey drive and can help keep the property clear of unwanted critters like rats, mice, gophers, and other vermin. While they may not be as single-minded about hunting as some terrier breeds, Rottweilers are still more than capable of dispatching bothersome pests.
Draft Work
Historically, Rottweilers commonly served as draft animals to pull heavy loads. Their immense strength allowed them to move carts full of meat, milk cans, and other agricultural goods. While this type of work is uncommon today, some Rottweilers still participate in cart pulling as a competitive sport. This can be a good outlet for a working Rottie to put their natural power to use.
Setting a Rottweiler Up for Farm Dog Success
Despite a Rottweiler‘s inherent traits and abilities for farm work, not every individual dog will automatically be cut out for or enjoy herding and the associated duties. A lot depends on the dog‘s specific breeding and background as well as proper training and socialization.
It‘s important to understand that modern Rottweilers, even those from working lines, may be quite different than their farm dog ancestors of the past. Many of today‘s Rotties are bred more for companionship, showing, or protection sports like Schutzhund. They may lack the specific instincts and drive to control livestock.
That being said, many Rottweilers from reputable breeders still retain a strong work ethic and drive to please. With good training and guidance, they can learn to channel their intelligence, athleticism, protectiveness, and eagerness to work into being a skilled farm hand.
One potential challenge of using a Rottweiler for herding and farm work is that their natural guarding instincts can morph into being overly aggressive if not managed properly. They require firm, consistent leadership and boundaries to understand what is and isn‘t a threat. Socialization from a young age to sights, sounds, and animals around a farm is essential.
Rottweilers also need a job or constructive outlet for their physical and mental energy. A bored Rottie may make their own fun by harassing livestock. Giving them designated tasks, lots of exercise, and a secure space when not directly supervised can set them up for success as a farm dog.
The Verdict on Rottweilers as Farm Dogs
So are Rottweilers good herding and farm dogs? History shows us that they certainly can be. From their earliest origins, Rottweilers have proven themselves to be capable and versatile working dogs. Their smarts, strength, work drive, trainability, and protective instincts are all valuable assets on a farm or ranch.
However, the Rottweiler may not be the ideal herding dog for every situation. On smaller farms, their size and power could be overkill for controlling sheep or goats. In situations with a lot of visitors or children around livestock, a Rottweiler‘s guarding nature might be hard to tone down. And for operations that need a dog to live out with the herd 24/7, other livestock guardian breeds may integrate better.
But for the right farm, a well-bred, well-trained Rottweiler can still shine doing the herding and guarding jobs their ancestors did. With their steadfast loyalty, unshakable work ethic, and versatile skill set, Rotties can be a farmer‘s best friend and right hand "man." While relatively few Rottweilers today serve as full-time farm dogs, their working spirit lives on.
