Nemo — Descendant of Roman Warrior Protector and Cattle “Drover”

Story and Photos By Sheila Brown

LEBANON, OH -- Meet Stephen R. Bowling, owner of  Hausdermacht Rottweilers. Hausdermacht (Haus Der Macht), which translates as House of Power, is where Nemo, an eighteen-month-old Rottweiler, can be found.

The business name Hausdermacht Rottweilers and the breed of dog match in character and strength. The Rottweiler breed is a descendant of the Roman mastiff-like drover dog where their strength pulled heavy laden carts of military equipment and meat for the army. These drovers moved herds of cattle from one location to another, accompanying Roman soldiers as they swept across Europe being herders and protectors to animals and soldiers. Some dogs were left behind when the armies moved on. The local German sheep dogs bred with the mastiff-like drovers producing the rottweiler.

Nemo of Hausdermacht Rottweilers.  The Standard of the rottweiler is a set of guidelines that describe the ideal characteristics of the breed, including their size, coat, color, temperament and movement.  The Standard helps to ensure that the breed is healthy and sound and that the quality of the breed is maintained and improved.  Rottweiler males are 24 -27 inches tall and weigh 95 - 135 pounds, while females are 22 -25 inches tall and weigh 80 - 100 pounds.  

“Nemo is a complete Rottweiler where beauty and work is one and the same,” voiced Bowling. “He stands at the shoulder 66 cm (approximately 2.2 feet) and weighs 115 pounds. Recently, Nemo placed First in his age group, Intermediate Class, at the Buckeye Working Dog Rottweiler Club, held in Germantown, Ohio, a showing specifically for Rottweilers. He was judged by two judges, one each from Germany and Denmark. He received excellent ratings in accordance with the Rottweiler Standard.”

Nemo of Hausdermacht Rottweilers.  Discipline and socialization are important.  Rottweilers have a bite force of over 300 pounds per square inch. This breed of dogs have been bred for hundreds of years to be powerful and confrontational.  Research indicates the importance of a person interested in getting a rottweiler, to thoroughly research the breed, ensurng they have the time and commitment needed for proper training and socialization.

Bowling emphasized the standard is “always to improve the breed.” There is public concern about dog breeders in the dog breeding business for profit. Puppy mills are high-volume dog breeding facilities that force dogs to reproduce in inhumane living conditions and overbreeding.

Nemo of Hausdermacht Rottweilers. Nemo is obedient; he wants that green ball, but he will wait until Stephen throws it.  Rottweilers are powerful dogs that require a dedicated owner with strong training skills to manage their protective instincts and high energy levels.

Living quarters housing Nemo is shared with two other rottweilers: Jenny (female, 95 pounds) and Faye (female, 85 pounds). Each dog has an individual space, separated by physical barriers – an elaborate inside kennel– sheltering the rottweilers from seasonal weather, and keeping them safe. Nemo and Jenny are the sire and dam of seven whelps (four males and three females), all placed in homes.

Jenny of Hausdermacht Rottweilers.  Rottweilers may vary in gender and size, but loyalty, intellect, protective instincts and strength have been the dominant characteristics of this breed of dogs for centuries.

The long list of rottweilers at the House of Hausdermacht started with Jerry Lee, a Certified Therapy Dog, representing Miami Valley Pet Therapy Association, with 95 facilities. Jerry Lee bonded with Alzheimer’s patients, veterans with PTSD, students (all grades), and those approaching the end of their life. Jerry Lee was a rottweiler in strength, color and intelligence; his personality was “sweet, loving and loyal.”

Faye of Hausdermacht Rottweilers.  Female rottweilers are generally more aloof than males, with a more independent personality.  Females are far less attention-seeking than males but are still affectionate and loving, just in a less needy manner.  The coat of a rottweiler is short and coarse, with a black topcoat.  The hair is shortest on the head, ears, and legs.  The markings on the muzzle, chest, legs, over the eyes and under the tail should be black/rust, black/mahogany or black/tan in color and not make up more than 10 percent of the dog's body color.

The names of rottweilers after Jerry Lee are Anse, Joline, Myra Gail, Pocket, Django, Jenny (Django’s daughter, supper sweet, who can hit you like a rocket), Faye (she has the drive to get the ball ... and she wants the ball), and Nemo. Bowling stressed the importance of being a “responsible breeder who provides a high quality of care” for their dogs. This includes nutritional food, clean water, proper shelter, exercise, socialization and professional veterinary care. Handsome and beautiful, Nemo, Jenny and Faye are clean and well groomed.

The Hausdermacht Rottweilers business owner is an active “control and aggression” trainer for all dog breeds. Once a week, Stephen and Nemo meet with other dogs and their owners. These weekly training sessions are “hands on” instruction for both handler and dog.

For more information visit www.hausdermachtrottweilers.com or if interested in training your dog, call 513.614.0013 or e-mail: meganbowling72@yahoo.com

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