Non-Sporting Dogs

The Rottweiler. Named after the town of Rottweil in Southern Germany, Rottweiler is a well-known cattle dog. It's ancestors drove the cattle that fed the Roman legions when they were conquering Central Europe. Some specimens were very large and used for pulling carts. This medium-large dog (21-27 inches tall) is such a good guardian that it often carried its master's purse around its neck during a buying trip. Holdup men had no wish to tangle with such fierce, loyal guardians.

Since it was usually kept by livestock dealers he got ,the name "Butcher's Dog of Rottweil". His strong guardian instinct, obedience, and unexcitable nature equipped him splendidly for military and police duties. These same qualities and strong affection for his master, make the Rottweiler an ideal guard-companion dog. Broad-skulled between his uncropped ears, he has a short, coarse, flat coat. Preferred colour is black, with tan to mahogany markings on cheeks, muzzle, chest, and legs. Body strong and muscular; tail docked very short.

The Sheepdogs of Russia. There are three ancient breeds of sheepdogs in Russia. These are the Caucasian Sheepdog, Middle Asian Sheepdog and South Russian Sheepdog. All of them are large, powerful dogs about 27 inches tall, used to protect flocks against wolves. They proved themselves not only as fierce but as responsible guards. In the first two breeds ears are cropped short. Tail is docked only in the Middle Asian variety. The white bear-like South Russian sheepdog has its ears and tail intact.