Rottweilers
The actual origins of the Rottweiler breed are unknown. Most sources point to Rottweilers being decedents of the drover dogs used by ancient Romans during their conquest of Europe. Back then supplies for the Roman army had to be carried "on hoof", in this case "on paw". Tremendous strength, intelligence, endurance, and herding capabilities made this type of dog ideal for carrying supplies. Their natural guarding instincts were an added bonus when it came to guarding supplies at night time. Many many years latter in the German town of Rottweiler, these dogs were specifically bred to be used as herders, guards, messengers, and as police dogs. Rottweilers once had the nick name of "butchers dogs" because butchers would use these animals to pull their carts full of meat to the market. Once the industrial revolution came about these dogs nearly fell into extinction. There was no longer a use for dogs to pull wagons once railways and trains were invented. Around 1900 these dogs had a rebirth as many people began to see their value as guard and police dogs. Today there is a healthy population of Rottweilers throughout the world used in many aspects of life from police dogs, family pets, even to servicing the handicapped.