rescue dogs vs purebred/petstore dogs

[Gargamel]

Hi there, anyone got any burning opinions on whether adoption dogs make good pets as a general rule or not? What sort of problems do dogs from rescue shelterse usually have? How much work are they compared to a dog that hasn't been damaged by previous owners?

[Muggsmom]

I believe the biggest problem dogs in shelters have is previous owners that did not care enough to put the effort in. One of the best dogs I have came from a shelter. I have never heard of anyone that regretted rescuing a dog from a shelter. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER buy a dog from a pet store. Almost all of these dogs come from backyard breeders and the only way to put them out of business is not to purchase from them.

[Dog Obsessed]

Hey,

In my opinion, the main difference between the two is "Love". Dogs from shelters usually are missing something--that's love. Dogs from shelters usually have been abused or abandoned. And then there's dogs at shelters that have known love, but their owners become allergic or move away and can't take care of them anymore. But 90% of them have been abused or abandoned. It's sad to think about. If you are considering another dog, or a dog, then I would FOR SURE go to a shelter first. Because it's not their fault that they're there. Dogs are like kids, they turn out how their parents have raised them. And in dog's cases, I'm talking about their owners. I've known many dogs from shelters, and all of them have turned out to be great dogs. They just need love and a place of security. Keep in mind that not every dog is perfect, but everyone deserves a 2nd chance. Good Luck!

-Dog Obsessed

[glaiza]

When you get a dog from a shelter, it may take some time before that dog warms up to you - especially if they've had a history of abuse. Some of them may also need medical care. However, as what I've seen with my own rescue dogs is that once they trust you, that bond is near unbreakable. You see, most of these dogs are just starved for love. Some of them have been loved, but have been abandoned - so they are seeking it again. Some have never known love at all.

With dogs in pet stores, it seems logical to say that you will be getting a clean slate - something you can mold into the dog of your dreams. However, many of these dogs come from 'puppy mills' - not all though because some are bred by responsible and caring breeders.

I recommend that you go to a shelter first and find a dog that you have a connection with - sometimes it may even be difficult to leave with just one. But, if you think you'd be better off with a petstore pup - buy one that is from a responsible breeder. We need to put these inhumane breeders out of business.