Choosing between adopting a dog and buying from a breeder can be a complex decision, but there are distinct advantages to the former option.
Adopting an adult or mature dog can provide you with an array of benefits that wouldn’t apply if you purchased a young puppy from a breeder. First off, an adopted dog will have outgrown the middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks and the phase of rambunctious puppy behavior. Their size, temperament, and appearance will already be evident. Chances are, they will be house-trained and may even have received some training, which saves you a lot of time and hassle.
Adopted dogs are typically already neutered or spayed, saving you that cost. The average adoption fee, which covers housing, feeding, medical checks, temperament evaluations, and necessary medications, is typically around $150, a fraction of what you could pay a breeder. And you’ll leave the shelter knowing you have a friendly, non-aggressive companion.
In terms of health, many hereditary issues become apparent in dogs between three months and two years old. Adopting an older dog increases the chance they are past this stage and will require less medical care. Kennel staff, experienced in assessing their dogs, can guide your selection process. And if your choice doesn’t work out, most shelters allow returns – an option not usually available with breeders.
Adopting a dog also gives you the satisfaction of providing a second chance to a dog in need. Walking out of the shelter with your new pet at your side brings a unique joy and anticipation of the shared journey ahead.
However, adoption does come with uncertainties. The history of the shelter dog, such as whether it’s a product of a puppy mill or has been mistreated, will be unknown, potentially leading to behavior requiring re-training. You’ll have to trust the shelter’s evaluation of the dog’s behavior and health status. Most shelters also require that if you can’t continue to care for the dog, it must be returned to them. But despite these potential drawbacks, adoption can be a rewarding choice for many prospective dog owners.
Advantages of a Breeder
Choosing a breeder to bring home a new puppy is a decision that’s not to be taken lightly. It’s critical to find a reputable breeder who genuinely cares for the breed and their puppies, not just the profit they can make. You should seek recommendations from dog groomers and local vets, and avoid any breeders who keep dogs in poor conditions.
A reputable breeder will be driven by passion for the breed, striving to produce the best quality puppies. They’ll likely ask you a lot of questions about your lifestyle to ensure their puppy is going to a suitable home. A bonus is that some breeders even offer advice after you’ve taken your puppy home.
Now, here are some reasons why choosing a breeder can be a good idea:
- If you’re after a specific breed and you want it now, breeders can provide.
- If you relish the idea of raising a puppy from its earliest days and teaching it everything, a breeder can make this possible.
- If you plan to show your dog competitively and need pedigree papers, breeders are your go-to.
- If you’re keen to have a puppy free from hereditary illnesses, breeders may offer more assurance – although it’s important to remember nothing is ever completely guaranteed.
In addition, some breeders are willing to offer advice and guidance if you encounter challenges as your puppy grows. This can be a very beneficial aspect of buying from a breeder.
However, there are downsides to breeders as well:
- Finding a genuinely reputable and honest breeder can be challenging.
- The cost of buying a puppy from a breeder can range from $500 to $1500, depending on the breed, breeder, and location. This is significantly higher than the cost of adoption.
In summary, buying from a breeder can be the right choice for some, particularly if you’re keen on a specific breed or are intending to show your dog. But it’s crucial to ensure you’re dealing with a reputable breeder who treats their dogs well.
The Good & Bad of Puppies:
Like human babies, puppies are a full-time job. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- You’ll have to shoulder the cost of spaying or neutering your puppy. Most prefer to do this when the pup is 5 to 6 months old, although some do it as early as 8 weeks.
- Expect extra vet costs for a series of necessary vaccinations as the puppy grows.
- Puppies require constant attention. They’re always active, nibbling on everything, whining, and needing frequent toilet breaks. After a flurry of activity, they simply crash out and sleep. This reality of puppy parenthood might tip the scales in favor of adoption for some.
Just as with a newborn, a schedule is essential for a puppy. This schedule should include exercise, sleep, toilet breaks, crate training, behavioral training, feeding, and grooming. Sticking to this routine is crucial as dogs of all ages thrive on consistency.
However, it’s not all demanding schedules and sleepless nights. There are many wonderful aspects of raising a puppy:
- If you buy from a reputable breeder, your puppy should be disease-free and of a good lineage.
- A well-bred puppy would have been socialized and accustomed to the typical noises of a household, from the vacuum cleaner to the dishwasher.
- A new puppy hasn’t picked up any bad habits yet.
- If the breeder has been diligent, the puppy might even know some basic commands like “sit” and “down.”
- You should have an idea about the puppy’s eventual size by looking at its parents, something that might not be possible with a shelter dog.
- Finally, raising a puppy offers the unique satisfaction of knowing that the adult dog’s character has been shaped by your care and training.
In conclusion, whether you adopt or go to a breeder depends on many factors. It’s a decision that calls for careful thought and thorough understanding of what each choice entails.
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