The decision is set, you want a dog. You have already planned EVERYTHING out: the pics you would take, the trips and the cuddle sessions. Maybe even matching outfits? But now the million-dollar-question: Adopt or Buy?
Look, I get it. You have done extensive research, you have found the perfect breeder, the most responsible one. They probably tuck the puppies into bed at night. They even eat better than you and have a structured morning routine. But hear me out: there is literally not a single reason for not adopting from a shelter. Whatever excuse you think you have, let`s talk about it.
- “But I want a specific breed.”
Good news: Shelters have breeds. Even if you want a super rare specific one, breed specific rescues exist. You would be surprised how many pure-bred dogs are in need of a home. Even if you want a designer dog (for whatever reason)… You would be even more shocked at how many are just sitting in tiny cages, waiting for someone who has done as much research as you. Let`s hope your research concluded in no designer dogs, though.
- “I want to know the temperament and skill set of the dog.”
Breeders won`t hand you a guaranteed personality profile. Dogs can`t be created like you create your Sims. You can get to meet the shelter dog just as good as dogs from a breeder. The volunteers will be happy to tell you everything about the dog because they actually care about their wellbeing and spend time with them. And if you must see the parents… Just look for puppies born in a shelter and believe me; it is not hard. They exist. We wanted an English Setter eligible for the Hunting Aptitude Test and we found one in weeks.
- “Breeders promise good health and genetics!“
Even the best breeders do not have a magic crystal ball and they can not see the dog`s entire future. Even if the parents may be healthy, no one knows what might develop later. And a little spoiler: shelter dogs get testing done too (one might even say more precisely because again, they actually CARE). Purebred dogs come from a very exclusive genetic club. When the same limited gene pool gets recycled over and over, you end up with a higher risk of hereditary diseases. Mixed breeds, on the other hand, have the advantage of genetic variety, which can make them more resilient. This is thanks to hybrid vigor (heterosis effect), a fancy way of saying nature prefers a little diversity.
- “I want a puppy so I can train it my way!“
Oh come on. A responsible breeder won`t hand over a puppy before the age a shelter would adopt one out. Also, adult dogs exist. They have a stable character because they have finsihed puberity and can be trained just as well. But you do you.
- “Ethical breeders aren’t the problem!“
Totally! They are just the fancy tip of the iceberg. Sure, they aren`t running a puppy mill but they still steal a place from a shelter dog that already EXISTS. They produce new dogs and contribute to the overpopulation crisis in the same way puppy mills do. And by buying from them, so do you: supply and demand, one might say. We have way more dogs wandering around than we have homes willing to take in a dog. And if you choose to buy one; you are part of the problem.
- “Adopted animals always come with a baggage.“
No, they don`t. You can choose a dog that you have to work with more intensely than with others, but both require training. No dog is predictable, breeder nor rescue.
Look, you are right. In the end it IS your choice, but you have just as many options in the shelter. Whatever breed, size, colour, age, personality you might want: you will find it. Plus: you will save not one, but two lifes by creating space in the shelter for another dog. So yeah, go ahead and make your choice. Option A makes you a hero, and Option B… Well, it makes you a person which knowingly PAID for a dog.
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