Should I Adopt or Shop?
Adopt or shop? It’s a question that most individuals searching for a dog ask themselves at some point. First, it’s important to know that one option is not better than the other. As long as you are seeking a dog from a responsible source, whether it be a breeder, shelter, rescue or pet store, you are free to get your dog from the place that best suits your needs.
There are pros and cons to buying a dog, as well as adopting a dog.
Adopting
Pros
Less Expensive
Adopting is typically less expensive than purchasing a dog from a pet store or breeder
Age Variety
A variety of ages are offered, allowing you to select a puppy or more matured dog
Pre-Trained
You can often find a dog that has already been trained
Breed Variety
They offer a wide selection of types of dogs, most commonly mixed breeds
Helping Those in Need
By adopting you are helping an abandoned or homeless dog find a loving home
Guidance
Shelter and rescue staff can provide details on the dog’s health, temperament and overall fit for your family
Cons
Puppy Availability
New puppies are not always available, and you may have to adopt a dog that’s a little older
Breed Specificity
If you are searching for a specific breed of dog, your options will be limited
Trait Specificity
Dogs with desired traits, such as hypoallergenic, may be more difficult to find
History
You likely won’t be raising this dog from scratch, and may not know his history or where he came from
Buying from a Breeder or Retailer
Pros
Full Background
Responsible breeders and retailers will know everything about the dog, including details on his health, behavior, socialization, breed traits and personality traits
Tailored Fit
Breeders and retailers should be able to help you select a puppy that matches your personality and lifestyle
Known History
You will know exactly where your dog came from and how he has been socialized and cared for up until this point
Breed Specificity
You can pick out the exact breed of dog you desire
Training Control
By raising the dog from the time he is a puppy, you will have full control of his upbringing and training
Cons
More Expensive
Purchasing a dog is typically more costly than buying a dog
Legwork
You may have to travel much further to find your ideal breed of dog raised by a responsible breeder
Competition
There is often a lot of competition in getting a dog from a new litter
Vetting
You need to do more than a casual background check to ensure that you are buying from a responsible breeder
Purebred vs Mixed Breed Dogs
With so many breeds of dogs available, it’s tough to know which one is the right fit for you. The good news is that whether you decide to get a purebred dog, which is any dog whose parents belong to the same breed, or a mixed breed dog, meaning that his parents come from different breeds or are already mixed breeds themselves, any dog can grow into a loving companion. However, it's still valuable to know how each differs.
One of the most common reasons people seek purebred dogs is for the predictability in size, appearance, temperament, health issues, grooming needs, and energy level. Historically, dogs were purposefully bred for certain tasks, such as hunting and swimming, making desired traits likely in today’s purebreds.
If you are interested in showing your dog or being a part of a dog breed community, a purebred dog is better suited for you. A community of fellow breed owners often find each other and share the enjoyments and challenges of owning their breed.
There are advantages to buying a mixed breed dog, as well. For example, a mixed-breed puppy can have a much lower chance of being born with inherited congenital diseases, since the mating process naturally leaves out the defective genes found in purebreds.
Hybrid dogs, which are the offspring of two different purebreds, are often desired because it is assumed, they will inherit the best traits from each of the parents. For example, a Labradoodle has the intelligence of a Labrador Retriever with the hypoallergenic coat of a poodle.
Mixed breed dogs are also typically sold at a lower cost than the average purebred. There are exceptions to this rule, of course, but you can often find a mixed breed dog that fits your needs at a local shelter, which is significantly cheaper than buying from a breeder.
If you are seeking a purebred dog, you'll rarely find what you are looking for at your local shelter or rescue. It's best to research responsible breeders in your area to find your purebred pup.
More information on purebred vs mixed breed
Commonly Sought Traits In Dogs To Consider
Do you want to add a furry friend to your family, but aren’t sure which breed to look into? Check out this list of commonly sought traits in dogs to help determine what aspects are most important to you during your dog search.
1. Adaptability To Apartment Living
2. Exercise Requirements
3. Friendly With Kids
4. Friendly With Other Animals
5. Tolerates Being Left Alone
6. Hot Or Cold Climate Preferences
7. Energy Level
8. A Tendency To Bark Or Howl
9. Sensitivity Level
10. Obedience Level
11. Intelligence
12. Affection
13. Hypoallergenic/Low Shedding
14. Size
15. Drooling Potential
16. General Health
17. Grooming Requirements
