| Every year around the time of the Westminster Dog | | | | few things to keep in mind before you visit a rescue |
| Show, the debate of adopting dogs from shelters | | | | shelter to adopt a dog. See if the shelter is sponsored |
| versus purchasing one through a breeder is brought up. | | | | by the state or county you live in, is recognized by the |
| Each side has their argument, but for somebody | | | | SPCA, or is an independent shelter. Those that are |
| looking to bring a dog into their life for the first time, it's | | | | recognized by the SPCA and are sponsored by the |
| a question that needs answering. Which way of finding | | | | state or county tend to have stricter standards by |
| a dog is better? Rescue adoptions or breeders? | | | | which they operate, and while many independent |
| The first question that you have to ask yourself | | | | shelters are well run, there are enough bad apples to |
| before even considering to adopt a dog using either | | | | cause concern. |
| method is what kind of dog do you want? This doesn't | | | | Many shelters will show their dogs on their website, |
| always mean which breed to you want (though that | | | | and this is a great way to see what dogs they have |
| can certainly help), but what kind of temperament are | | | | available for adoption, as well as find out what their |
| you looking for in your dog. Are you looking for a | | | | fees and standards for adoption are. While most |
| guard dog or one that will cuddle up next to you in bed | | | | shelters can't vouch for the bloodlines of the dogs they |
| at night? Do you want a dog you can carry around in | | | | have available for adoption, the better shelters will |
| a bag or one that small children can ride? With these | | | | spend time with the dogs to see if they're good with |
| things in mind, here are the arguments for both the | | | | children, other dogs, like a particular type of dog treats, |
| breeder and the rescue adoption. | | | | or have bad habits like chewing that will need to be |
| Breeders | | | | curbed with chews like bully sticks. |
| Breeders tend to get a bad reputation because of | | | | The downside to rescue shelters is that there are no |
| puppy mills that have gained notoriety for turning out | | | | guarantees about the dog you'll be adopting. You may |
| puppies en masse that are often less than healthy. | | | | get a great dog that somebody spent a lot of time |
| While a certified breeder is very different from a | | | | with, is well trained, and is in the shelter because it ran |
| puppy mill, looking into a breeder's credentials is a | | | | away or the previous owner couldn't keep it, or you |
| crucial first step when looking to get a dog from a | | | | may get a dog that has been abused and had to be |
| breeder. | | | | taken away from its previous owner. While most |
| One advantage to going to a breeder is that they can | | | | shelters will take a dog back if you discover a trait that |
| give you the dog that you're looking for, usually with | | | | you can't live with (like being destructive or biting your |
| documentation to prove the health of the dog. If you're | | | | small children), it can still be a frustrating process for a |
| looking for a Boston Terrier or a Poodle, you can find | | | | first time dog owner. |
| them at breeders that specialize in these particular | | | | So What's the Answer? |
| breeds, and you can even find breeders that specialize | | | | The answer is that there is no answer. While getting a |
| in mixed breed dogs such as Labradoodles (Labrador | | | | dog from a breeder or a rescue shelter has both pros |
| and Poodle) or Puggles (Pug and Beagle). The dogs | | | | and cons, the decision ultimately comes down to what |
| purchased through a breeder tend to have fewer | | | | you want in a dog. If you're looking for a purebred dog, |
| surprises for the new owner, and often come with | | | | a breeder is probably your best option, whereas you're |
| guarantees to their health and temperament. | | | | just looking to bring a dog into your life without concern |
| The disadvantages to a breeder are the price (some | | | | for the breed, then a rescue shelter is the best way to |
| dogs can cost you more than $1000), and the chances | | | | go. |
| of finding yourself getting a dog not from a quality, | | | | Whichever you choose, be sure to do your homework |
| licensed breeder but a puppy mill, which is why it's | | | | on the breeder or shelter you're adopting from to |
| imperative that you do your homework on where | | | | make sure they are a quality location so that you |
| you're getting the dog from. | | | | know the dog you're getting is one that will be with you |
| Rescue Shelters | | | | for years. Whichever you choose, you can never go |
| Rescue shelters are a great place to find a dog that's | | | | wrong by bringing a dog that needs a home into your |
| just looking for a new home. That being said, there a | | | | life and showering it with love and dog treats. |