You know you’re ready to add a new dog to your household and have already begun preparing. You’ve puppy-proofed your house and invested in essential care items like toys, dog shampoo, and a leash. After doing some online research, you already know which local vet’s office you’ll use, so you can find your new companion.
But where do you go? You’ve already been perusing the local shelters and rescue groups and saw a few promising options. On the other hand, you’ve always wanted a Frenchton, and you need to go through a breeder to buy one. Deciding whether to adopt or buy is a tough decision because each method has significant pros and cons.
Why Adopting a Dog May or May Not Be Ideal
The Pros
After the last few years of natural disasters and the pandemic, many animal shelters are still overflowing with homeless dogs. It’s heart-wrenching knowing that so many loving canines live on borrowed time in chaotic environments. Adoption is a great way to save the lives of fur babies that deserve a second chance at life.
Aside from feeling good about saving a dog from being euthanized, shelters can offer a lot of insight about the dog you’re adopting. They had to treat any health issues it had, ensure its vaccinations were brought up to date, and write up its case history. So you’ll get a clear snapshot of why it ended up in the shelter.
Finally, shelter dogs come at a lower price tag despite their breed because the primary focus is getting them a forever home. Rescue groups want to save as many of these misfortunate pups as possible, so they only ask for enough money to cover the cost of their care.
The Cons
A common problem for many shelter dogs is they may not be fully housetrained. This is especially problematic for older male dogs that were neutered when arriving at the shelter. They are in the habit of marking territory, so breaking this habit will take a lot of training and patience.
You may also need to find the breed you’re looking for at the shelter. Then, of course, you can always try independent rescue groups, but you’ll need to find one specializing in the dog type you want to adopt. Then you’ll have to go through a lengthy application process and may not get the animal.
Another challenge you may encounter is helping the dog overcome anxiety from being in an abusive situation. These experiences will deeply affect your new pet, and may take time for it to let its guard down and fully trust it’s no longer in danger. You may even see food aggression issues after you get it home despite the shelter workers not having experienced this behavior.
At the end of the day, the reward of rescuing a dog from a shelter situation is the pride you take in your pet’s progress in adjusting to a happier and safer home. You’ll love every opportunity to shower love, attention, and patience on it. The joy one experiences seeing the contentment on their dog’s face when it feels safe in your home is priceless and well worth the extra effort of owning a rescue dog.
Why You May or May Not Want to Buy Your Dog
The Pros
One of the biggest reasons to buy your dog instead of adopting is that you can work with a breeder and find exactly what you want. For example, if you’re searching for Frenchton puppies for sale, you can visit online directories and locate a reputable breeder in your area.
Another advantage is having access to your puppy’s parental information, medical history, and firsthand information about its temperament. All of these details are especially important if you plan to breed your dog in the future.
You can also expect to receive a guarantee of your puppy’s good health. Breeders often have their litters tested for different genetic issues in addition to receiving preventative care, like vaccinations and deworming treatment.
Many breeders register these litters with the American Kennel Club if you’re buying a purebred dog. This registration adds your puppy to a registry that tracks its genetic information, including sires and lineage.
Finally, buying from a breeder will ensure you get a dog that is already being socialized, free of fleas, clean, and isn’t afraid to go home with you.
The Cons
One downside to buying from a breeder is discovering that they are unethical in their breeding practices. You may be told your puppy was examined and deemed healthy, only to find out later it’s suffering from a congenital health condition not covered by their guarantee.
Compared to shelter pricing, buying a puppy is significantly more expensive. Some breeds cost well over $2000, which is no small sum. Unfortunately, while you might be able to work out a payment plan ahead of the dog’s birth, not all breeders are willing to negotiate.
Puppy mills are a serious issue to look out for if buying your dog. These organizations will continuously breed several different types of canines always to have puppies available for sale. The conditions of these places are typically deplorable and traumatize the animals.
Final Thoughts
So, which is best? Adopting or buying? It really boils down to what you want. If you want a purebred puppy, your best bet is to work with a reputable breeder that produces that type of dog. On the other hand, if you don’t care so much about the breed but want a mid-size dog with a good temperament and sweet attitude, you’ll likely find what you’re looking for in a shelter for a fraction of the cost. Either way, your choice will provide you with a loving new companion that enjoys being by your side.