I want a dog. A very small dog. Those are hard to come by in the shelter. Is it wrong to go to a breeder?

Question

I check the animal shelter all the time, but they only have really big dogs. I love big dogs, but I refuse to get a big dog unless I have a big yard. I'm wanting to get a chihuahua or something small like that. Is it morally wrong to get a dog from a breeder? I know it's bad to go to pet stores. I also check the paper too to see if anyone has dogs, like that they can't take care of anymore.

And yes I've tried petfinder. Also, I need a dog that will get along with two cats. That's why I'm thinking a puppy might be best.

Answer 1

While I understand it's sometimes hard to find small dogs in your local shelters, don't rule out purebred rescue.

If you know which breed you're looking for, chances are there's a group with just the dog you want sitting in a foster home, not a shelter. Petfinder is a good option, and there are plenty of purebred rescue groups with their own websites:
(Using Chis as an example)
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=chihuahua+rescue

Lots of hits!

If all else fails, go to a responsible breeder, preferably one who does genetic testing on their dogs and is willing to discuss the breed with you for hours on end.

Good luck!

Answer 2

The anti dog activists have convince a lot of people that breeders are the enemy. Of course, you should go to a breeder! Before doing so and falling for some puppy that has adorable eyes, do your homework. As in everything in life, there are good breeders and bad just like there are good doctors and bad. Read about the breed as much as possible in order to learn of any health screens that are recommended and ask to see the results of the health screens before you ever look at a puppy.

I do not think you are very likely to find a quality breeder at Petfinder. You are more likely to find a puppy from someone who knows what they are doing through the national breed club. Here is a link for the Papillon Club of America There you will find a breeder's link for the entire country.
http://www.papillonclub.org/

Here is where you will be able to read the breed standard:
http://www.akc.org/breeds/papillon/index.cfm

Answer 3

Why would it be wrong to go to a breeder?

If you can't find the type of dog you want at the animal shelter then by all means try a reputable breeder.

Pet store dogs are usually a little older and possibly more difficult to train than a puppy straight from the breeder due to their age. It is better to get a dog at 8 weeks vs. 16 weeks, for example. Pet shops also tend to be a little more expensive than breeders, too.

Answer 4

If you know what you want and what works with your lifestyle and are unable to find it at a shelter then it's not wrong. It is better to wait for the right dog than to settle for the wrong one. The only thing about buying from a breeder is that the animal will be much more expensive. You may ask local shelters to notify you if they happen upon a small dog or put a Want Ad in the paper.
Good luck

Answer 5

There is nothing wrong with getting a dog from a breeder. It is a personal choice and if you can not find what you are looking for in a shelter, a breeder is your best option. You are going to live with the dog you choose for the next 12 or more years so it is best to get a dog that you will be happy with.

Answer 6

I sure do not think it wrong to buy a dog from a reputable breeder, However, here is a better list of Chihuahuas that may be available in your area, that really need you. You might put in your own zip code and check it out first> http://search.petfinder.com/search/search.cgi?action=1&pet.Animal=Dog&pet.Breed=chihuahua&pet.Age=&pet.Size=&pet.Sex=&location=ca&preview=1&scope=0&x=12&y=10

supporting puppy mills is morally wrong. Just be certain to visit the home where your dog is bred, and meet the parents.
Just as with any business, you only want to support the ones that are doing it right.

I used to breed Chihuahuas, back in the 60's-70-'s. I never saw one that aggressive to cats. However, some cats are aggressive to small dogs!

Answer 7

I had the same issue with shelters here in Southern California. I went in looking for a small dog and all they had were pitbulls and pitbull mixes. The shelter attendant in Upland told me that normally 50% of their dogs were pit mixes, and that small dogs were usually adopted within the first 12 hours because they were in such high demand. So no I don't think that going to a breeder is a bad thing. That's why they breed dogs, you know? If you want a small dog, that's really the only reliable place you're going to find one.

Answer 8

You might want to consider searching on petfinder.com or 1-800-save-a-pet.com where you can search geographically, by size & by breed (yes, you can find a purebred). Many rescues & shelters are listed there. I personally found my dog via petfinder... one of the best decisions I ever made. Many rescues do charge a fee & require a home visit, but this goes to continuing the constant need for them to aid homeless pets and to ensure the re-homed pets find forever homes. Breeders are not morally wrong, but if you must go that route then seek those who specialize in a single breed, spay/neuter pet quality animals, participate in rescue, & will take back an animal if you can no longer keep them. With millions of pets dying in shelters in year, a rescue dog will always be my next dog.

Answer 9

No, its not morally wrong to get a dog from the breeder. But do your research before you buy, and go see the breeder. Do an Internet search for a chihuahua breeder in your state (or within driving distance). Go visit the breeder before you buy to make sure you're not buying from a puppy mill breeder, and that the puppies are well taken care of. If the puppies pass your pre-purchase check, then buy one. Thats how I got my German Shepard puppy.

Answer 10

Well i wanted to get a second Boxer and i know that the SPCA for a fact will not take that breed in. However if you research online for a certain breed that you want..and something to do with "adopt" or "rescue" then you'll most likely find a web site. I now have a contact person for "boxer rescue"
I would recommend adopting if you can, i bought my first dog but now being involved with so many organizations just from online kills me to see how many homeless animals there really are. Like seriously why do ppl get animals if they cant keep them/take care of them. Is this what you do with children??? Doesn't make sense .
Good luck and I'm sure you could find something.