According to the theory, dogs used for herding were lighter built and more varying in appearance. The only consideration in their breeding was if the dog could do the work that was required of it, not its looks. They were faster and more agile.
On the other hand, a larger strain was used solely as a draft dog. According to The World of Rottweilers by Anna Katherine Nicholas, these bulkier dogs were probably too large to have much stamina when working cattle over great distances. Because of their height, there was a danger of them nipping the cattle in areas that would damage the stock and reduce the value of the animals at market.
Also, because the main function of the dog was simply as a draft animal, breeders could devote more attention to the dog's physical appearance. Instead of just producing a dog that could "do the job", they could focus on animals that were pleasing to look at, or stylish. Sort of like a Rottweiler Cadillac I imagine.
Gradually, over the years, one of the two strains was weeded out and our modern Rottweiler was born. Which strain is our modern Rottweiler from? It depends on who you read. Nicholas's book states that the larger, draft strain is the dog of today. However, according to the breed description on the website "Dog Owner's Guide" ( http://www.canismajor.com/dog/rottweil.h... ), the smaller, herding version is the survivor.
So, is this theory correct?
Good question. It seems that for every website or book I find that supports the theory, I can find another that makes no mention of it at all. Muriel Freeman's book The Complete Rottweiler, which was considered one of the best books on the breed for many years, makes no mention of the Two Strain Theory.
In fact, the American Rottweiler Club's official website doesn't list two varieties in it's section on breed history ( http://www.amrottclub.org/rottweilers.ht... ).
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