Is it better to adopt a dog from the shelter?

Question

I am thinking about buying a dog. Some of my friends think I should adopt but then others think I should buy a dog from a breeder. What should I do?

Answer 1

i would adopt, you can find purebered dogs in shelters, and they usually come with shots, spayed/neutered, and microchipped!! at least they did that to the cocker spaniel puppy i adopted :)!

Answer 2

Adopt. I have to agree with most of the responses. Go to your local shelter or a few different shelters over a couple of weeks. You will fall in love with many of them. Generally, the shelters have foster programs and many volunteers that are training the dogs. I adopted one of my three dogs from a shelter. (The other two came from people who could no long provide good homes and the dogs would have ended up in the shelter.) She is a shepherd/retriever mix and she is my best buddy. She won't leave my side if I am at home. She is protective but playful and very, very sweet. I don't know what kind of life she had before, but her life (and mine since she's been in it) is wonderful.

Good luck.

Answer 3

A shelter dog is the most grateful dog on earth because they know they have been rescued. Sometimes there are even purebred dogs there. Otherwise, mixed breeds tend to be much healthier. Purebreds are usually ( and I know there ARE good breeders out there) bred to death and the pups have many health problems. Why not check petfinder.com?
If you have a breed in mind to buy, chances are there's a rescue for that breed. Then, you are not buying from a breeder, but can rescue the breed you want.

Answer 4

I've had dogs that came from ASPCA, from friends, and from private shelters. The best dogs are ones that are raised with care from a young age in the same family til 1 year. If you're not used to dogs than I really suggest getting an adult or senior dog already trained.I have a perfectly behaved, well trained Aussie who BTW looks purebred, who was raised from a pup by a private no-kill shelter until he was 1yr old. For 80 dollars I got my best friend already neutered as a pup, trained with vaccines, collar leash, and tags. The closest thing you can get in a guarantee for a dog is getting one from a good shelter. Dogs from breeders aren't any different except they have a paper from the akc, and they cost $500 plus you probably have to spay/neuter them yourself. IMHO, if you have to ask you are the kind dog owner that needs a sweet quiet dog. If you really want a dog that is purebred you can get akc registered dogs from breed-specific rescues. Keep in mind that purebred dogs are more likely to have health issues and genetic disorders like hip-dysplaisia.

Good luck with your new best friend, and if you do get a puppy, start them in training right away!!

Answer 5

Why don't you try both?

Visit your local shelters and/or rescue organizations and take a look at their dogs. There's bound to be at least one that catches your eye. Think about the good things that adopting a dog brings--you don't have to worry about the shots for a while, you don't have to worry about spending a bundle neutering/spaying, and your helping out a dog that truly needs a friend.

If you don't find a dog that you like, then try looking on petfinder.com, there are a lot of needy dogs there as well.

Again, if nothing you find interests you--then you can go ahead and search for a breeder.

Good luck.

Answer 6

Shelters. They maybe not be your perfect purebreed. But really if u mix them right they have less problems later in life and they come up with updated shots for the year and they are netuered/spayed. Also they are the sweetest dogs ever. The older dogs are sooo nice and the puppys are easyier to train than u think. U also dont spend 1000 dollars for a dog just cuz it has a few papers.

Answer 7

I think it would be great if you got a dog from a shelter.
You never know what you may find there. We got a puppy from a shelter. He was a Heinz 57. He was so smart. I also got a cat from the Humane Society. Wow.
This cat is so much fun. You would be helping save a life, help out the shelter, and you will feel so good about it. We did. Think it over. I bet you will have such a hard time deciding who to bring home. Go for it.

Answer 8

It is better to adopt!! I have 6 dogs and in my opinion, I think the one that we adopted from the pound is the best dog. Dogs from the pound have been abused and need good homes more then dogs from breeders who are just trying to get money!!

Answer 9

I suggest a couple of trips to a shelter to see if any of the dogs thre just sort of click with you. If you do decide to buy, DON'T go to a pet shop. No responsible breeder would EVER sell a pup that way. Here are some tips for finding a reputable breeder: http://www.qualitydogs.com/choosingbreeder.asp?ret=BA&BN=DCHS

Good luck finding a great new friend.

Answer 10

Shelters are FULL of beautiful, marvelous dogs just waiting to be given a chance. Pure breds are wonderful and beautiful- and nearly 50 % of all shelter dogs are pure. I have been to our local shelter and seen several labs, rotweilers, a saint bernard, english bulldogs, pugs, and on my last visit a mother king charles paniel and her 2 pure pups. Also there are so many adorable deserving mutts that I am sure if given the chance would be one of the best family members ever. You are great for considering a shelter dog, go to your local shelter and see what they have. Good luck!

Answer 11

I recommend adopting from shelters. There are a lot great animals that need homes. People that work at shelters work with the animals and observe each one which helps them to be able to match animals with people.