Tag: Dog Breeders

Rottweilers—the protector of humans. Because ultimately, this dog saves lives through its work. And this dog does work; as a police dog, a guard dog, a rescue dog and even as a therapy dog. Read more about the origins of this dog in the Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight on the Rottweiler.

History & Background: Rottweiler’s hail from Rottweil, Germany where they were used as herding dogs for sheep and for carrying carts full of goods to market.  In fact, Rottweiler’s are one of the oldest herding breeds. Rottweiler’s were selectively breed for their herding and guarding characteristics but as the need for these skills diminished over the years, breeding slowed down. At one point in the early 1900s there was only one living female Rottweiler in Rottweil, Germany. Not too long after this, Rottweiler clubs were started to preserve the breed and since, the breed hasn’t changed much at all.

During and since WWI & WWII the Rottweiler has been used a police dog, messenger, ambulance and guard dogs. The AKC recognized this breed in 1931

Height: 24"-27" for males; 22"-25" for females

Weight: 110-132 lbs for males; 77-105 lbs for females

Coat: Rottweiler’s coats are simply designed: a medium-length, dense and flat outer coat and an undercoat, which is mostly present on neck and thighs. The amount of undercoat will depend on the climate the dog is in, but should never show through the outer coat. This breed only sheds seasonally. Read more

Saint Bernard’s are known as the rescue dogs of the Alpines, but what most don’t know about this giant breed is their rich and interesting progression through history.  Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight takes a look into the life of this gentle giant.

History & Background: The origins of the Saint Bernard are thought to coincide with the Sunnenhund breeds, which are the Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs. All of these breeds are descendants of the molosser breed that was brought into the Swiss Alps by the ancient Romans. In 1707, the Saint Bernard was first recorded by the monks of the St. Bernard Pass. It’s believed the monks and surrounding famers and dairymen used these dogs as livestock guard as well as rescue people from avalanches high in the mountains. With its incredible strength this dog would pull people from the deep snowy drifts and cart them off to safety.

The original Saint Bernard is probably very different looking from the dog we know today. The Saint Bernard has a striking resemblance to the Newfoundland and for good reason. During the winter of 1816 through 1818, many Saint Bernards died themselves from being stuck in avalanches, so the dog were bred with Newfoundlands in an attempt to preserve the breed. 

The Saint Bernard is named after Saint Bernard of Menthon, but was called many other things before earning it’s lasting name, such as "Saint Dogs", "Noble Steeds", "Alpenmastiff", or "Barry Dogs.”

Some famous Saint Bernards include movie characters Beethoven and Cujo, sports mascots including Gumbo of the New Orleans Saints and even J.M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan, owned a Saint Bernard named Porthos. Read more