The Brottweiler dog has limited history due to it being a new and rare hybrid breed. By looking into the history of the parent dog breeds, we can see the likely characteristics that the Brottweiler may inherit. The Rottweiler descended from the Molossus, which was a mastiff-type dog. The ancestor of these dogs marched to Germany with the Romans driving the cattle that sustained them as they conquered the new lands. Over the centuries the descendants of the Rottweiler were employed to drive the cattle to town for butchering. To keep the money safe from thieves after selling their livestock, the cattleman would put their filled purses around their neck when they returned home. The dogs were also used to pull carts loaded with meat. When rail transport replaced cattle drives, the Rottweiler nearly became extinct. At a dog show in Heilbronn, Germany in 1882, only one Rottweiler was exhibited. In 1901 when the Rottweiler and Leonberger Club was founded, the first Rottweiler breed standard was written. Rottweilers have been used in police work, then in the 1920s the Rottweiler came to the United States of America. After World War ll the breed became more popular and disreputable breeders produced dogs to fill this need without regard for temperament or health issues. Thus, the Rottweiler fell into disrepute, until present times when dedicated breeders are turning this around to ensure the breed is the type of dog that the Rottweiler was always meant to be. The Brussels Griffon originated from Brussels, Belgium. The first dog of this breed was shown at the Brussels Exhibition of 1880. These vital, energetic little dogs were originally bred to rid the cities stables of vermin but soon found their way into the hearts of noblemen and workers alike. The Griffon became a companion breed because of its appealing temperament and lively character. The Brussels Griffon is a result of cross breeding with the Affenpinscher, the Pug, and the English Toy Spaniel. While the breed nearly went extinct during the World Wars, the English breeders struggled on and produced the loveable dog that we know so well today. The Brussels Griffon is a somewhat rare dog today, but its hybrid, the Brottwieler, has captured the best of its characteristics and combined them with the strength and athleticism of the Rottweiler.
