Follow Our Club’s Milestones

Since 1956, the Colonial Rottweiler Club has been at the forefront of promoting the Rottweiler through sport, education, and responsible stewardship. Built by passionate members and unforgettable dogs, our history is filled with milestones that helped define the breed in the United States. Follow along as we trace the moments that made CRC what it is today.

1956
01/06/1956
The Beginning

Organizational meeting at the Brewerytown Tavern in Philadelphia, PA. Attendees: 13 Rottweiler enthusiasts led by Lurline & Bill Stahl.

04/25/1956
AKC Recognition

AKC approves the name Colonial Rottweiler Club.

12/31/1956
Growing Membership

End of 1956: Membership grows from 13 to 38 members.

1957
08/01/1957
Sanctioned Match Approval

CRC authorized for Plan A Sanctioned Matches.

1958
05/18/1958
First Plan A Match

Valley Forge Airport, PA – 8 Dogs Entered.

12/05/1958
Second Plan A Match

Pennsauken, NJ — 6 dogs entered.

1959
05/03/1959
First CRC Specialty Show

First CRC Specialty held with the Trenton Kennel Club — 13 dogs entered.

1966
01/06/1966
10th Anniversary Milestones

46 dogs entered at the CRC Specialty. Membership reaches 86 members. Concept of Supported Shows introduced, later held in multiple states including OH, VT, MA, NY, PA, VA & DC.

1967
06/01/1967
Public Education: Ads in Dog World Magazine

CRC begins classified ads in Dog World Magazine, receiving 8 responses (grows to 400 responses by 1985).

12/01/1967
Health Leadership: CRC hosts Dr. Wayne Riser

CRC hosts Dr. Wayne Riser (University of Pennsylvania, OFA Director). CRC advocates using OFA-certified dogs only for breeding. 

1968
01/31/1968
Educational Publications

CRC recognizes need for breed education and publishes: Rottweiler information booklet for inquiries and translations from the ADRK, including 40 Years of Studbook Recorded Breedings and Der Rottweiler by Hans Korn.

1970
01/01/1970
Rottweiler Population Explosion

Growing number of abandoned or surrendered Rottweilers.