Am I really missing out?

[Picklepaige]

People I know tell me that, by never going to a breeder for a dog and always rescuing one, I'm missing out. These people have always obtained their dogs from responsible breeders, and they are always talking about how wonderful it is to know their dogs are close to being free from genetic disorders and how great it is to know they're not getting a dog with an unknown history and all that stuff. I know it must be wonderful to get a perfect dog, but are they really right that I'm missing out by never getting a puppy from a responsible, reptuable breeder? I know most people here have gotten at least one of their dogs this way. I just don't think I could get the same satisfaction from getting a perfect puppy as I do rescuing a dog that would otherwise be put to sleep. I'm not into conformation or anything, just agility, and I can do that with a mutt. I'm just as happy getting a rescue dog as I would ever be with a purebred, healthy puppy, but should I at least experience a well bred dog once in my life? I would feel so guilty getting one when I know there is a dog in rescue perfect for me that could die because of my decision. What do you guys think?

In no way am I bashing responsible breeders or those that buy from them =)

 

[Paige]

You aren't missing out at all! To each their own, right? I will never buy a dog from a breeder so long as there are dogs in need. Doesn't matter how great of a breeder they are. I only want an active companion to share my life with. I can find that pretty much anywhere and the proof of it is in my home.

 

[SarahFish]

No, I wouldn't say you are missing out. Whilst pure-bred, genetic disorder free dogs from responsible breeders are wonderful pets (I have 1!) it's just as good to have a mix breed rescue. They're still all dogs! And they can all be fantastic loving pets, I don't think specific breeding would change that. Good on you for rescuing dogs I say!

 

[Renee750il]

Oh, I don't know that you're missing out on something. Most of mine have been rescues, and now that I've had some experience with Filas, I'd be up for taking in rescue Filas in the future too, even though I really do want to develop my own bloodline.

 

[Kayla]

You are missing out on the puppy years of your dog ( or at least a partial amount of it depending on how old he/she is when you adopt him/her), but at the same time owners who only buy from a breeder also miss out on the other points you mentioned, niether are more rewarding then the other their simply just two different experinces.

As for knowing the genetic stability of their dog, i disagree unless they are the type of owner who doesnt mind going out of their way to find a breeder who hip,knee and etc test their lines for many generations back their is always a chance, varying from line to line of some problems down the road.

 

[Babyblue5290]

You aren't missing anything IMO (though I've never had a dog from a breeder ) lol

I won't ever (that I can see now) have a dog from a breeder. They just aren't for me. I prefer saving a life and for some reason mixed breed dogs just call to me.

As for puppy years, you don't miss that if you get a puppy, duh lol Otherwise, with older dogs, they just seem much more greatful to me. I bond better with older dogs than puppies.

 

[elegy]

are you happy with your dogs and happy with the adoption experience? if so, then no, i don't think you're missing out at all. my dogs are all rescues. sometimes i get a little sad that i didn't know them as puppies and that i don't have puppy pictures, but i think that's all a fair trade for not having to housebreak them

 

[RD]

Ditto, elegy.

My dogs are from breeders but I've had rescues in the past too, and I've loved them all dearly.

The only way you miss out is if you don't get a dog at all.

 

[ACooper]

I don't think you are missing out at all.

They may get some things that you don't, like the puppy time (in most cases) and knowing where/how their dog got here. But even with the VERY best breeder there is NO sure fire way to tell the dog is going to be perfectly healthy and stable it's whole life. The odds are in your favor............but no guarantee. And of course you have the breeder to fall back on for help/advice.

You get some things that they don't. You get the wonderful feeling that you helped out another living being in need. Your dog might already be through the puppy chewing phase, could be housebroken, and may even know some basic commands depending on the foster home it came from.

So I think it's apples to oranges...........both delicious fruits, just depends on which one you like best

 

[shazbot]

I certainly don't think your missing out. I think they are missing out. They don't realize how wonderful shelter dogs are There's a special love their, like they know you saved their life by adopting them and giving them a special home

People like that drive me NUTS. My ex inlaws had that same mind set. They absolutely loved my golden who was gotten from a breeder. But would completely ignore my dane mix. They had the attitude that he was a lowly little mutt and didn't want anything to do with him. My ex husband had the same attitude. He looked at me like I was crazy when I got my boy from shelter, but he quickly realized that all dogs no matter where they come from love you just as much as the other.

I tried explaining to them several times that just because they get their dogs from reputable breeders that they aren't always free from genetic disorder or perfectly behaved, which their dogs weren't the greatest. And there are a ton of purebred puppies/adults in the shelters. It always drove me nuts, to see them ignore one dog and love on the other just because of where they came from...

 

[bubbatd]

Nashnseger'mom went to a breeder for her Golden because she was brought up knowing how important early socializing was . Also to bond with Nash . I understand her reasoning and it paid off . I adopted Ollie as I didn't need a pup .

 

[*Amy*]

I've wondered if I'm missing out, as well. I've now adopted two dogs from rescues (well, picking up my 2nd one tomorrow). I always wonder what Carlie's past life was like and if she'll have health issues in the future, but I think we should only think about the present and what great we've done for these animals. I don't believe we're missing out at all! We're doing something wonderful, and should feel nothing but proud.