Generally, rare breeds are bred by individuals who are quite knowledgable about the breed and rescues are not common. Popular breeds have a much broader breeder base and often have well developed programs for dealing with rescues. In addition popular breeds are more likely to be turned into animal shelters.
In 1994 the number of individual registrations of Rottweilers with the AKC (126393) was equal to 7.6% of the dogs registered with the AKC and Rottweilers were ranked #2 in popularity.
Since 1969 the popularity of the Rottweiler has experienced an explosive growth. In this sort of situation buyers need take great care to familiarize them selves with the breed and to be careful that the parental stock has been screened for serious genetic problems. Buying a puppy of a popular breed, especially a recently popular breed, is more like buying a used car than buying a brand name product and the impulsive or ignorant buyer is frequently disappointed in the long run.
Rottweilers are courageous, strong minded and powerful dogs and they are certainly NOT a 'plug and play' dog for everyone. Ownership of a Rottweiler requires time and dedication to training on the part of the owner. For the right owner the intelligence and loyalty of the Rottweiler are ample reward for the effort involved in owning one of these magnificant dogs.
Dogs = Number of Rottweiler individuals registered with AKC. Litters Number of Rottweiler litters registered with AKC. ************************************************************************* Year 1994 1987 1983 1969 Dogs 102596 36162 13265 439 Litters 30471 10928 3788 na‡