rottweiler

Where does the word "rottweiler" come from? It comes from German Rottweil, passing through German before entering English (1900s).

Rottweiler’s story begins in German: Rottweil meant “the town of Rottweil.” A town in southern Germany where the sturdy cattle-driving dog originated. Within German, it grew into Rottweiler by 1800s. Named the dog breed after the town. It reached English by 1900s as rottweiler. Named for the town of Rottweil in Germany, where butchers used them to drive cattle. Today, rottweiler means a large, powerful dog breed originally used for herding and guarding.

1. Stage 1 · German · medieval Rottweil "the town of Rottweil", a town in southern Germany where the sturdy cattle-driving dog originated.
2. Stage 2 · German · 1800s Rottweiler "a dog from Rottweil", named the dog breed after the town.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1900s rottweiler "a large, muscular guard dog breed", named for the town of Rottweil in Germany, where butchers used them to drive cattle.