- Your local shelter
There are many wonderful dogs (including purebreds) at your local shelter. Statistics
show that 25 percent of dogs in shelters are purebred animals. When you choose one of
these dogs, you often get the added bonus of knowing that you have saved a life. - Avoid pet stores
We don’t recommend that you buy an animal from a pet store. Most pet stores buy from
puppy mills and “backyard breeders” – people who are just in it for the money and often
don’t care about the health or well-being of the dogs. - Reputable breeders
If you decide to purchase a purebred dog from a breeder, do some research and choose
a reputable breeder. All dog breeders are not alike – the top-quality breeders work hard
to produce genetically healthy, emotionally sound puppies. They have an interest in
ensuring that each puppy has a happy life. Good breeders have a return policy if the
puppy turns out to be unhealthy; they offer support if you have questions or concerns.
Some spay or neuter all their puppies to ensure that careless breeding will not occur. - Can you visit their facility and see all their dogs? (If so, is the facility clean and
airy? Do the dogs seem healthy and happy?) - Are they knowledgeable about the breed they are selling?
- Do they show their dogs? (The best breeders are serious about their breed and
want to show quality dogs who exhibit the best of the breed’s standards, and who
are healthy and well cared for.) - Do they belong to breed clubs? (Belonging to breed clubs also shows commitment
to the quality of the dogs.) - Do they breed more than one breed of dog? (If so, breeding for profit may be their
main motivation.) - Have they tested their breeding dogs for genetic problems?
- Animal rescue groups
Getting a dog from a breed rescue group is another option to consider if you have
decided upon a particular breed. These groups rescue purebred dogs that have been
given up, for one reason or another, and find new homes for them. Some breeders also
do rescue for their breed. To find a rescue group for the breed you’re interested in, do a
search on the Internet (for example, search for “dachshund rescue”).
Some questions to ask to determine if you are dealing with a responsible breeder:
These tips were written by Sherry Woodard, the dog training and care consultant at Best Friends.
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I totally agree with getting a pet from your local shelter or Humane Society. Or there is a national pet rescue group called “Pet Finders” (on-line) that have great pets in most cities.
When you adopt a pet from these places, you are saving a life and giving a deserving pet a good home. They will pay you back many times over in love!
I’m a certified professional dog trainer and all my dogs have been rescues from either bad homes or from dog pounds and shelters. These dogs are always grateful and know you’ve saved their lives. Pick a breed that suitable for your lifestyle, personality and wallet. Dogs that need regular grooming adds to money out of your wallet so take that into consideration when adopting. Also, very small dogs for the elderly isn’t always the best idea as they tend to move quickly and owners will sometimes trip over them and fall. A mid size dog is the best bet for someone in their ‘golden years!’
Also, avoid buying dogs at flea markets and swap days as they usually come from puppymills as well!!
if you are considering a purebred dog please please research what the dog was originally bred for. I have worked at our local shelter looking after dogs for the last three years. most of the purebred dogs we have surrendered are border collies, huskies, maremma’s, jack russels, aussie cattle dogs. mixed breed dogs are usually very hardy and not prone to some of the genetic problems of purebreds. they usually don’t have the obssesive temperment traits of some of the purebred. good ol fashion pound puppies..heinz 57