How can anyone justify buying from a breeder when there are so many dogs in the shelters?

Question

Why pay hundreds or sometimes thousands for a pure bred when you could literally save a life for pennies????

I suppose I should have eliminated the "show crowd" in my question. I am talking purely of being a human being and having compassion for a creature in need.

Dogjudge: You did not just compare a dog to a child?

Rhetoric is ugly and contagious. I'd watch out for that slippery slope you are tumbling down.

I am so happy to have such diverse responses. It helps to see all of your points of view.

Two things I have learned so far:

1. Make sure to be more specific in my questioning.
2. People are passionate about their pets! (and thats good to know)

Thanks everyone.

Marna O: I think the fact that you choose to call a dog a "something" shows exactly what your mindset is and it's not answering the question.

Answer 1

I did animal rescue for years fostering homeless dogs. Probably 50 total over 5 years. But when it came to a family pet for my young kids, I knew exactly the kind of dog I wanted. I was sure of the breed from so much experience fostering different kinds of dogs.

I did find a breeder- a good breeder who worked with my specific criteria- and paid for our family pet. I appreicate your perspective. And, there are a lot of different kinds of breeders out there- 90% of which I would never consider patronizing. However, you can't fault those who have a vision to better their breed and dedicate their life to that work. Careful breeding has resulted in thousands of service dogs, police dogs, search & rescue dogs, and countless beloved pets. That said, if you're not going to choose a breeder in the top 10% of their profession- I'd go to the shelter. I've had wonderful dogs, some which I wanted to adopt with all my heart. Most of the dogs that have touched my heart have been shelter dogs who came into my home just happy to have some shelter and food. I hope this answer helps some.

Answer 2

When you go to a shelter, you dont get what you want, you settle. You are told things about the dogs available there, but how do they know the truths as to the homes these dogs have come from, they certainly dont know how this dog will be in your home. All "reputable breeders" started out just like any other breeder, being labled as not reputable. If you want a dog just for show, then fine. show off your dog, it is no different than the mix that someone shows, by walking down the street in a cute outfit. just that there are not any judges sitting there telling you that you have the best in breed. Most dog owners want a "Dog" that is a companion, weather it is a mutt, designer, or pure breed. I have a shelter dog, i have and have had pure breeds, that i got from breeders. As far as i am concerned any dog, bought any where is still a dog. And all dogs came from a mix of somekind, some time in their parentage.

Answer 3

If people have research a breed and been waiting for one to come into the shelter for months there is a point when they just want a dog so they go to a breeder. I waited 10 months for a rat terrier to come to the local humane society. I was not going to have one shipped in or travel long distances. Finally I gave up and went to a breeder who I know has a good reputation and I adopted a 12 week old dog that most likely wouldn't have been adopted because there was another large little of 7 week old pups almost ready to buy. People aren't going to buy an older dog when they can get the smallest pup possible. I have adopted from shelters in the past and I will do it again but there are exceptions. Don't look down on people who want certain breeds of dogs.

Answer 4

We purchased our puppy from a very reputable breeder. I did look at several rescue groups but none of them had exactly what we wanted. When buying from a reputable breeder you pretty much know what you're getting but I understand that nothing can be 100% guaranteed. I do know that the parents were screened for health probems, that they exhibit the desired temperament and physical standard. I was able to see and interact with both parents and have a good idea of what my puppy will look like and how big he will get. I was also able to see full grown dogs from the parents' previous litters.
I have no problem with adopting from a shelter or rescue and have plans on doing so, when my puppy gets a little older. I don't see anything wrong with wanting a dog that is a fine example of its breed whether it's for show purposes or just a family pet. I don't see a problem with breeding dogs or cats with the intention of improving the breed.
What I do have a problem with are people who refuse to neuter their pets because they don't have the money, are worried that it will change their personalities, or want to experience the "miracle of birth." I also have a problem with people who decide to breed their pets without doing any research, who don't care about the breed standard, who don't follow through with health checks, and just want to make a few extra bucks.

Answer 5

I guess it depends on what you want. If you want a show dog or a pure bred you would go to a breeder. I know what you are saying - so many dogs need homes and it would be wonderful if we all went to help out the ones who are already here and in need. We are all different and so are our animals but we have done both! We have a mixed breed and two pure breds and we love them all! Good question though! Food for thought for those who are looking for a special companion!

Answer 6

Now thats a question with many angles to look at.
For one, yes It is actually extremely sad that their are soo many animals in need of a loving home. :(
But think about it....money wise.
Sure! It's way cheaper to purchase a dog from a shelter...but then in MOST cases your paying the fee and sooner or later paying the fee of giving the animal the proper shots AND medical treatment. Many shelters dont have background history on the animal and leave it up to the buyers to find about it later on.
But when buying a dog from a breeder you get the history on the dog, medical records, what shots he ws given, which one he still needs, ect. So in SOME cases your paying about the same in both places. Only with breeding you get the package deal, and in shelters everything is dispersed and left up to you to gather up.

Dont get me WRONG I LOVE dogs and would protest anyday or volunteeer at any time to help out animals in shelters. But the world revolves around money, and thats the truth.

Answer 7

I have a purebred, but I am not opposed to mutts. (I am, however, opposed to people purposely breeding them. And also I am also opposed to people purposely breeding pet-quality purebreds. But those issues are another topic entirely.) Don't get me wrong, dogs from the pound, whether they be purebred or mutts (25% of dogs in shelters are purebred), can make great pets. Just some people have different preferences on what they want.

I chose a purebred from a reputable breeder for several reasons, some of which are:
* I knew what look & temperament I wanted in a dog.
* I knew I was getting a healthy dog because the dog's parents had been health tested and my puppy had already made several visits to the vet to get started on vaccinations.
* I want to compete in AKC agility.
* I know what health issues to watch more closely for as my dog ages.

(PS: I got my cat from the animal shelter.)

Answer 8

I want a dog as my lifetime companion and my agility dog.

For this commitment, there is a particular type of dog that suits me. I have a particular personality, and I know it clashes with some personalities in particular dogs. There is a size I like. I want an athletic dog. I like the herding breed personality and temperament. I like a happy dog, a funny dog, a willing dog, a biddable dog, a loving dog. I want a healthy dog. I want to know what it's life was before I got it, and what experiences/training it has had. And I want to have a true bond with my dog.

Knowing this, I want to see the parents of the puppy I get. I want to know their temperament, their intelligence. I want to know the history of the line. I want to know that the line has been checked for genetic disorders.

I don't want to rush and just get a dog and find out later we just don't "mesh", not like it, and give it away. To me, that is a horrible experience. I had kids. I couldn't pick them. I will pick my dog.

I know I like Shelties, Border Collies and Aussies. I've been around them since like 1967.

Why should I take a chance on something from a shelter?

It's my choice.

I have chosen to get my dogs from a person who CARES enough about their dogs to make sure they are healthy, sound and have CHOSEN to have a litter of puppies rather than the irresponsible person whose dog has never been to a vet and is left to wander the street.

And you are chastising me?

I am supporting responsible, knowledgeable breeding.

Answer 9

Because some people like certain breeds. I wanted a pug but searched high and low for a reputable, responsible breeder. Not a backyard breeder that is breeding for money and not betterment of the breed.

My next dog is a mutt from a rescue. I also foster "mutts".

Answer 10

How can any *unexperienced* person BREED, when there are dogs dying in shelters?

Every question about breeding on here makes me cringe. Idiots should never breed. If you don't even know how long a dog is pregnant for, a dog's signs of being in heat, ETC, you should NEVER, EVER breed.

That said, I am a show person. I love show dogs. I love dog shows. Therefore, I can't show a rescued dog, so when I want to get a *show* dog I will go to a reputable breeder. When I want just a pet, I will rescue. :o)