How can we promote adoption from shelters, instead of everyone wanting a "Fancy Breed?''?

Question

Why is it so important for people to have a purebred or a fancy breed? Why don't more people want to adopt an animal from a shelter or a rescue group? They are so grateful, loving and you are saving a life.

I mean no offense to anyone who does like purebred dogs. I think that often people "have to have it" then decide it's not what I wanted, or when the newness wears off, the commitment goes away.

Answer 1

This really isn't a question of promoting mutt adoption vs. purchasing a purebred (and remember that in many shelters purebred dogs make up 20-40% of occupants). Look at this board - how many questions are asked about how to breed dogs? Every time someone asks a question about breeding there are at least 10 responses of "don't". But when the questioners respond there is always some reason why they are special and just have to have a litter of puppies. Most of them claim to detest puppy mills and backyard breeders without realizing that that is exactly what they are. There is nothing wrong with wanting a certain type or breed of dog - a person who likes and wants their dog is more likely to keep a dog through its life than someone who adopts from a shelter solely because they think they are doing a good deed. The question is not how to get people to adopt the dogs currently in shelters but how to prevent future dogs from ending up in shelters.

Answer 2

A lot of people choose purebreds for the attention. At the dog park I take my furballs to there was a woman lamenting once that too many people now have Australian Shepherds. She was upset because the breed that was once not very common there now is and she isn't getting that much attention.

As far as people saying they want a specific characteristic or they are afraid of a rescue dog's personality haven't really looked into it. Not all labs are the same. In fact, one of my neighbors has a lab and it is very aggressive.

I got one of my dogs from the local shelter and she is the absolute best dog I have ever had. She is a boxer whippet mix and is very calm and gentle. I went to the shelter a few times and observed her with other dogs. I also spent a lot of time with her there to ascertain her personality. It's not like you are choosing blindly.

If someone really wants a specific breed there are plenty of rescues that specialize in certain breeds. My husband and I wanted an Italian Greyhound so we went to the Italian Greyhound Rescue and adopted an abused dog. It took a little bit of work but now he is a great, sweet little dog.

I have also rescued my cats. One came from a shelter and we took in the other one that was abandoned at the complex we live in. All four of them are great. We have no issues with them at all. I will definitely get any other animals from rescues or shelters.

Answer 3

Some of us choose purebreds because we are looking for specific qualities to fit out lifestyle. In my case I love big dogs and looked for best laid back temperment. I found it, purchases 2 of that breed and have never been happier. I also happen to enjoy showing my dogs on the weekends. Gives both me and them a socialization outlet and a chance to meet new like minded people. I am all for adopting dogs from shelters and encourage people to do that or to adopt from specific breed rescue agencies. If I had the luxury of space and time, I too would adopt from a shelter. It's just that right now, it wouldn't work for me where I'm living and wouldn't be fair to the dog.

Answer 4

I have adopted from shelters, mostly cats, but when I want a dog I want to know the personality of the breed it has in it and I do NOT want to deal with temperment issues. I am not suited for labs,hounds,or spaniels. I do not want a dog that has that personality. So I have purebred dog so I know what temperment and disposition I will be getting. Also I know what the breed is used for and can do performance events.
Face it...a lot of dogs are in shelters because they were not properly trained and then had issues. I do not want to deal with someone elses bad training or lack of training with the potential of a bad out come!!!!!!!!!!

And I am fully aware how many animals are euthanized each DAY. I work at a cat shelter and have put WAY too many cats to sleep!!! That is why I have 13 cats. But I can't save them all.

Answer 5

Because they think that they are getting a pet that is special or fancy or better from a shelter or a rescue service or group.but the reality is that they are not getting anything better.My aunt has her own rescue and I work for her and the horrible things that go on.I really can understand and relate to you because we have 2 chihuahuas she saved and they are so loving ...It does bother me to see people doing that all the time. even though our dogs are chihuahuas they where rescues .But people really do not understand that they pay a lot of money and the just because they say they are purebred does not mean anything and puppy mills are like that they charge a lot of money for puppies and they are not pure bred and the dogs are un healthy trust me I say that .I always encourage people to get dogs cat etc from shelters or rescue groups all the time and I just want to say to you God Bless you for asking that and spreading the word and promoting this ...It is people like you who differences ...Take care hope that helps you just keep spreading and promote adoption from shelters and rescue...God Bless you again.

Answer 6

I wish I knew the answer. I think that educating and public awareness are key. If people knew how many dogs and cats were euthanized every day.... well it makes me sick at heart. We have purebred dogs, but they are rescues too... people often make impetuous decisions when they get a dog... and don't understand everything about the breed they've chosen. So, after the newness has worn off, they get frustrated or bored, and decide they don't want the dog anymore! :-(

In general, society today has a real problem with honoring commitments!

Answer 7

I have always adopted from a shelter. Last one that I got was a pure breed Cocker Spaniel and he has been a great dog. He is papered but the shelter kept them since he was adopted. I had no problem that since it was not for breeding or show. If people want a pure breed all they have to do is call the shelters and they will put them on a list for one.

Answer 8

I think the problem is that children want a puppy whom they can bring up themselves and perants who wish to get a dog see rescue dogs as having potential problems that a "normal" dog would not have.

I think the best way to promote rescue dogs is to do what one of the television chat shows in England does. The host has a "dog week" each series where 4-5 dogs are brough out each night and an explanation about their backgrounds and what family they need is given.

That way people see the dog understand its needs and then go have a look at it in the shelter.

Pehaps if oprah winfrey did a "dog week" every so often on her show more people would be enclined to resuce more animals!!

Answer 9

Well, unfortunately people need to be educated, and you can't educate someone who is not interested in learning. Many people think that paying $150 for a Rott puppy will get them a better dog than they will find at my rescue, plus they figure they make "big bucks" breeding that poor animal later. Well, where do they think I get my dogs?? The same "breeders" they do!! I have had several Rotts that people would go nuts for in public, one show breeder asked for the bloodlines of one of my males, she liked him that much! I find it very sad to see people make horrible decisions because they "don't want to pay that much". Breeding CORRECTLY cost thousands, and not breeding correctly is a crap shoot. If you know what you really want, go pay the money for it, and don't whine. If you don't know, go to the shelter!! If you just HAVE to have those papers, send me proof your dog is altered, and I'll send you a "beautiful certificate, suitable for framing" and I won't even charge you for it!!

BTW, I find it amusing that those "papers" people spent "so much" money for, and just HAD TO HAVE usually end up LOST!