Adopt Or Shop: The Great Debate

Adopt or shop? ....or is there a third option?

When bringing a dog into your life, should you adopt from a shelter or buy from a breeder? The truth is, you actually have three options. So what's the best fit for you? There are pros ans cons to both adoption and purchasing from a breeder, but the key difference lies in how that dog was bred (Yes, you can absolutely end up with a poorly bred purebred). Let's break it down.

Option 1: 𝑨𝒅𝒐𝒑𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒂 𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒕𝒆𝒓

This is a FANTASTIC way to go if you don’t have a specific breed or type of dog in mind, or don’t need a dog for a certain purpose. There are so many loving dogs who need homes, and can make great dogs for so many people! I myself have a few shelter/rescue dogs on the family ranch and they couldn’t be more loved or spoiled. If you’re wanting to save an old girl who needs a loving home, go to a shelter and adopt! It is a wonderful way to add a family member to your home.

The Pros: If you adopt, you most likely are bringing home an adult dog, so you are past the puppy stage of potty training, house breaking, crate training, and chewing! You are also rescuing a dog that needed a home, and so many times, these dogs make such wonderful family members for years to come.

The Cons: You do not know what this dog's life has looked like, but let's go back even further. How was this dog bred? We do not know what the genes look like, what health problems their parents and lines carry, we do not know what kind of temperament was bred into this dog. Yes, it may be inexpensive to adopt this dog, but it will be expensive down the line when you run into health and behavior issues.

Option 2 (spoiler, don’t do this): 𝑩𝒖𝒚 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒂𝒏 𝒊𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒆𝒓

These “breeders” are very good at coming off as good breeders! DO. YOUR. RESEARCH. These are the ones who do NOT breed responsibly, do not work to better the breed, do not complete OFA health testing and genetic testing, do not health guarantee, I could go on. They have tons of dogs, care for them somewhat, breed as much as possible, and sell the dogs for as much as they can, then move on. 

The Pros: You may get a better price with a backyard breeder? It will be easy to find these breeders, they will not ask you any questions about how you plan to care for the dog or ask you to sign a contract.

The Cons: It is a common misconception that all breeders (including the responsible ones) are the "problem" and the reason for why there are so many dogs in shelters. The reason you will not ever find a well bred, responsibly bred dog in the shelter, is because high quality breeders have contracts in place that they will always under any circumstances take the dog back, and things like the dog has to be spayed/neutered in a certain time frame. Irresponsible breeders send their puppies off, then wipe their hands clean and move onto the next litter. Then when health or behavioral issues come up, do not want to help, and to the pound the dog goes.

Option 3: 𝑩𝒖𝒚 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒆𝒓

These are the breeders who pour their heart and soul into their program ans set their puppies up for success with their future families. If you're looking for a specific breed, temperament, color, or coat type, this may be the route for you! Going this route also gives you peace of mind knowing your puppy is more likely to be healthy and clear of genetic conditions or other health issues.

Responsible breeders always put their breeding dogs first. Every dog in their program is heath and genetic tested --- typically screened for over 200 genetic conditions and health tested and certified for breed specific things through the Orthapedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) --- and puppies are sold with a health guarantee. But what really goes into the process before you even pick up your puppy? Here are just of few of the (many, MANY) things these breeders do.

They carefully select their dogs based on a number of factors --- everything from color and breed standard conformation to bloodlines, temperament, health, and size. Their females aren't just "puppy producers", they are their babies. they're spoiled with the best food, the best vet care, and more love and attention than most humans get. Most reputable breeders only have a few litters a year, and by the time their females are around four years old, they're spayed and living their best carefree, freeloader life.

the first 8-10 weeks of your puppy's life are crucial, not just for their health, but for shaping their personality and temperament too. Pups at Diddle Bros, for example, byt the time they go home have been fully integrated into dailt life with the adult dogs. They get all the same love and attention --- whether we're watching a movie, snuggling on the couch, or just going on about our day. They're handled constantly, socialized with both people and dogs, and introduced to all kinds of new things --- potty training, meal schedules, bedtimes, and even everyday sounds such as vacuums and TVs. That was, whe your new baby comes home, the transition is easy. All you have to do is keep up with the training and give them a whole lotta love.

Pros: You will know exactly what you are getting, and what to expect in the future with this puppy. These breeders do all of the health, temperament, and genetic testing that is required/recommended for their breed, and if a breeding dog does not pass any of this, they will not be bred. The pairings/breedings are intentional, pairing a bitch and stud that compliment each other in as many ways as possible. There will be temperament testing done on your puppy to be sure they are prepared for their new life, and these breeders pair up puppies with families with a few things in mind. Personality of both the dog and family, lifestyle, yard size, etc. These puppies are set up for success.

Cons: You will pay for what you are getting with these puppies, so they are more expensive. You will have to be prepared to spend a few thousand dollars on this puppy. But on the contrary, because you know exactly what their lines are, what the health and personalities of their parents, grandparents, and siblings are like, you are so much less likely to spend thousands down the road on mystery diseases and temperament problems. You will have to sign a contract that says you will not breed this puppy, and you will spay/neuter the puppy at a certain age. You will have to agree that if you ever cannot keep him/her, they have to go back to the breeder. You cannot just find a home for them. You will have to agree to stay in touch.

Now that might give you about a 10% insight on how responsible, loving breeders run their programs and WHY it is different from buying from a puppy store or puppy mill. These dogs are bred and born on purpose, for a purpose. 

Whatever you choose, do your research, and buy responsibly.