A visitor to my Doodledawgs Facebook page recently posted a comment that suggested people should rescue rather than buy from a breeder. She posted her comment on an ad that I had to pay for, so it upset me more than a little. I deleted her original comment only to find that she quickly commented again saying the same thing.
I responded after her second try, giving an analogy comparing the choice of what dog to add to your family was similar to choosing a new car. You research, decide what model you like, what color, whether you want to go with a new car or an older one, what gas mileage it gets and so on.
Getting a new dog is a very similar process. First you research and decide what breeds you like best. You may prefer a certain coat type, like non-shedding poodles or doodles. You certainly want to know the history of the new family member. Did it have its start in a cage in a puppy mill? Did its parents have any genetic diseases? If it is a mixed breed, is there any way to know what the temperament might be without knowing what breeds are involved? Would it be safest to get a purebred dog or a hybrid from known breeds and known temperaments? All these are questions that new dog owners have to consider before adopting a new family member.
I had a neighbor once who had a female miniature poodle. She had it mated with another miniature poodle and had a litter. She sold all but one male puppy that she fell in love with. He grew up, was not neutered nor was his mother spayed. Soon another litter was imminent and the son was the daddy. When I asked the neighbor what she would do with the puppies, she said she would take them to the humane society.
The person adopting one of those cute mini poodles from the humane society would have no way to know that the pup was a product of canine incest. Later, when genetic health problems showed up they would spend a lot of money and time trying to keep their baby out of pain and alive. Now some would say, yes, but those poor babies need rescued as do all the dogs in rescue. Many see only the poor animals with their beseeching eyes and pathetic situations and never think of the possibility that adopting these animals can create two problems.
First the problems for the adopting family. Some dogs adopted from rescues are success stories. Sadly, many are not because the reason they are in rescue is because of abuse, neglect or a puppy mill history or something like I related above with the mini poodles. Research has shown that human children raised in a setting where they do not get love and proper care or where they are abused can have life long effects. Would not the same be true for canines?
The second problem is that adopting from a rescue rather than searching out a good responsible breeder is actually perpetuating the rescue problem. Neutering and spaying of dogs that should not be bred is the real solution. This creates a problem because many dogs that are not intentionally bred, which I call street breedings, are because their owners have not bothered to spay or neuter their animals. I don’t know the solution. But I do know that it is wrong to blame responsible breeders for the problems caused by irresponsible breeders and owners.
It is a personal decision when adding a new family member whether you want to adopt from a rescue or buy from a responsible breeder. You should not feel guilty either way. If you examine and know what to expect and are willing to put in the extra work and time and training needed to “save a life” by rescuing, then do it. If you want to know for sure what you are bringing into your home and what to expect and to know that no matter how rough your kids get, your dog will never hurt them, then get a dog from a good breeder.
with AKC Standard Poodle Sir Lucas Beauregard
Facts
Here’s a link to some statistics about the Pitbull breed that makes up a large proportion of dogs in rescue. The statistics show that 19-32% of Pitbulls end up in rescue. This does not include Pitbull mixes or other aggressive breeds.
https://dogbitelaw.com/vicious-dogs/pit-bulls-facts-and-figures
In the city I live in there is a ban on Pitbulls, Pitbull mixes and any aggressive breeds. If you decide to get a dog from a rescue, be sure to check the ordinances where you live before adopting. Know what you are getting.