Rescue Puppy?

Question

Now that I'm seeing the cost for purebred dogs, and their medical problems, I'm thinking of adopting a puppy from a shelter.
I've been looking through a few shelters in my area, and I've seen a few healthy, active, mixed breed I like. Are there any downsides (other than not knowing what their parents were like and if they had shots, health problems, etc. and not knowing what they will be like when they are older) to adopting a shelter puppy?

Answer 1

You have better chances of getting a healthy pup at a shelter or rescue than from a byb anymore.

When you pay the fee they will give you a record of all the shots and vetting done so you can follow up with your own vet.

Answer 2

I've had a few rescue dogs and they have been wonderful. The one did have a heart condition that the vets didn't detect at first. I've had friends though that have spent a fortune on a breeder and have had medical problems as well. If you're worried, a good option is to adopt from a local rescue organization. Many of these organizations house the dogs in "foster homes" instead of cages. the "foster" parents can tell you all about the dog and even help to match you up with the perfect pet. There are many purebred dogs that end up in rescues and even some rescues specifically geared toward specific breeds. Check out petfinder.org Good Luck!

Answer 3

Definately do a rescue. It's not something you will regret. The important thing is to remember to have lots of patience, but you'd need that anyway with a puppy. Shelter dogs are pretty much like bringing a puppy home too, my first dog adopted from the SPCA was 8 years old and only had 2 accidents before she realized where the door was. The dog we just got is from a rescue organization which takes dogs from high kill shelters and places them in foster homes for you to adopt, she is still having difficulty going outside (we got her a week ago) but she was a puppy mill dog and spent her life in a cage so it's understandable she's not getting it yet. Just try to find out as much info as possible and be as compassionate as possible!
Good luck!

Answer 4

The shelter should give the dog a clean bill of health before they release into the society. You could always take to your own vet too - making absolutely sure. Usually mixed breeds are stronger in health than thoroughbreds. You cant guarantee how any dog will turn out whether pure breed or mixed. But I imagine the love and attention you give the dog will reflect later on. Good Luck. A animal is for life not just for christmas.

Answer 5

I have had several rescue dogs and several pure bred puppies. Mixed breed puppies can also have health problems. PLEASE DO NOT GET ANY DOG IF YOU HAVE FINANCIAL PROBLEMS.Dogs are expensive regardless of their parentage. You will love a mongrel a mixed breed or a pedigree dog and if they need the Vet you need to be able to pay. Puppies can damage your furniture and your carpets, some also need special diets.

I adore dogs and when I worked full time I paid someone to take my dogs out for additional walks. I have always hated the thought of leaving my dogs for a long period of time.

I have never put my dogs into kennels to enable me to go on holiday, however if you want holidays you must consider the kenneling costs.

Dogs are a huge commitment and if you have never had a dog you must consider the ongoing problems. Dogs can be a pain in the butt, however I could not live without them.

The costs of shots can be a problem, I have never considered the cost of this. I have however considered the detrimental effect of shots, consequently I use homeopathic treatment instead. I also use herbal treatment to prevent fleas.

Answer 6

I'd say not knowing what their parents were like - meaning you won't know whether or not the parents had good temperaments, or hip dysplasia, or elbow dysplasia, or PRA, or any other health problems, is probably enough of a problem.

And by the way, purebreds from reputable breeders won't have the myriad of health problems because the breeders screen their breeding stock and DO NOT breed dogs with health problems. On the other hand, breeders of mutts, just stick any 2 dogs together without regard for temperament or health.

So in the long run you may or may not save money. If a shelter puppy is what you want, by all means get one, just don't assume it's going to be cheaper down the road.

Answer 7

Usually the only downside are the ones that you mentioned. The upside is that you're giving a home to an otherwise homeless animal. Typically their shots are all taken care of by the shelter unless they have to wait to a certain age. I currently have two rescue dogs in my home and wouldn't trade them for anything. With attention and training they will make a great family addition.

Answer 8

You would be much better off getting a puppy from a family. Often you can find a family whose dog has puppies that they are giving away or selling for very little. Most shelters dogs have issues and almost all of them end up with medical problems such as kennel cough. If you can't find a puppy from a private family, then get one from the shelter, but be aware that they usually have issues.

Answer 9

No! Adopting dogs is great! Kudos to you for adopting a dog in need!
You should watch out for any behavioral idiosyncrasies, but talking to the shelter volunteers, you should have a pretty good idea about what each of these dogs is like,

Answer 10

The best dogs I have ever had were rescue dogs. Purebreds are overrated and come with their own problems. If you do have your heart set on a particular breed, check petfinder.com, you would be surprised how many purebreds are out there. Best of luck!