- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
The rescue vs breeder debate is a contentious topic in the pet world, with strong arguments on both sides. Many people have deeply held beliefs about the ethical and practical considerations of each approach.
The question of whether to adopt or shop for your new dog can be a tricky sea to navigate. Ultimately, both breeders and rescues can operate responsibly and offer good dogs.
To sort fact from fiction, we spoke with experts from both sides: breeder Kate Dalman, founder of Herzog’s German Shepherds, and Kerry Neaf, foster coordinator at the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter. In this deep dive, we’ll explore the pros and cons of buying from a breeder vs adopting from a rescue. We’ll also dispel some common myths about both options and offer insights to help you make an informed decision.
Why You Might Choose To Get a Dog from a Breeder
Dog breeders specialize in one breed type and offer purebred puppies for sale. They are passionate about maintaining the breed’s integrity and producing offspring that adhere to breed standards. Many people choose to buy from a breeder when they are looking for a specific breed or a young puppy.
Benefits of getting a dog from a breeder
One of the major benefits of going to a breeder is predictability. “Breeders can provide important information about the puppy’s lineage, potential size, appearance, temperament, and potential health issues, making it easier to predict how the puppy will turn out as an adult,” says Kate Dalman. Unlike a rescue whose background may be a mystery, a breeder can give you details about a puppy’s parents and how they’ve been raised.
Moreover, a reputable breeder will ensure that the breeding pair has no underlying health issues and perform health screenings to reduce the risk of genetic disorders.
There’s also the benefit of deliberate socialization that good breeders provide. “Puppies from good breeders are often well-socialized from an early age, which can lead to better-adjusted adult dogs,” says Dalman. Furthermore, good breeders often offer lifelong support and guidance to new dog parents.
You might find a breeder a good fit if:
- You have your heart set on a specific breed
- You want a puppy you can raise from a young age
- You want to maximize predictability in terms of size, temperament, and behavior
- You’re looking for a working dog
Why You Might Not Want a Dog from a Breeder
Of course, there are some downsides to consider—not least of which is the steeper cost associated with purebreds. Dalman explains that puppies from breeders can be expensive due to the costs of health testing, proper care, and breeding practices. Also, unlike a shelter or rescue, breeders don’t receive donations or have volunteers.
In addition, you could be looking at a longer wait time. Most breeders work on a schedule and only breed their dogs once or twice a year, so litters aren’t always available.
You’ll also need to do your homework to avoid puppy mills or unethical breeders. “Not all breeders have their dogs’ best interest at heart, which is why it’s so important to choose a breeder wisely,” points out Dalman. To do so, ask for referrals from friends, your veterinarian, or an official breed club in your area.
It’s important to choose a breeder who lets you meet the puppy’s parents and see where they live. A breeder should be open to answering questions and be transparent about vaccines and health testing results.
Finally, it’s worth noting that while breeding can increase predictability in temperament and behavior, it doesn’t guarantee it. No matter where you get your dog, training is still going to be a big project, and every pup is different.
sduben via iStock
Busting Myths About Breeders
There are a lot of misconceptions about dog breeders.
First, many think getting a dog from a breeder guarantees good health. This isn’t entirely accurate, since any dog can develop health problems. While reputable breeders work to minimize genetic issues, Dalman explains that some purebred dogs can still experience breed-specific health issues.
On the other hand, some individuals believe that purebred dogs are more likely to have genetic disorders than mixed breeds. However, a recent study shows that purebreds are no more disease-prone than mixed breeds.
In addition, while purchasing a dog from a breeder may provide a clearer idea of the dog’s traits, it’s crucial to understand there’s no guarantee, and surprises can still occur. A recent study revealed that a dog’s breed has less of an impact on temperament than previously thought. Instead, a dog’s environment, upbringing, and training play a more significant role in determining their tendencies and behavior.
Finally, breeders often face criticism for being “unethical” and contributing to shelter overpopulation. However, Dalman emphasizes that not all breeders operate irresponsibly. There are plenty of reputable breeders who prioritize the well-being of their dogs and work to uphold the integrity of their beloved breed.
Many breeders even request by contract that in the event a dog needs to be rehomed, they’re returned to the breeder—not a shelter.
Why You Might Choose To Get a Dog from a Shelter or Rescue
Shelters and rescue organizations take in strays, abused or lost animals, and owner surrenders. While shelters typically have a variety of dogs available, the specific breeds and ages can vary, since new animals are constantly being taken in.
Rescues operate a little differently from shelters, as they typically don’t have a physical facility to house animals. Instead, they rely on volunteers to foster dogs in their homes until they find their forever family. To adopt from a rescue, potential adopters must typically complete detailed application forms, undergo interviews, and may even have their homes inspected. These steps ensure that the dogs are well-matched with their new families.
Benefits of getting a dog from a shelter or rescue
One of the most compelling reasons to adopt is the ability to save a life and reduce the number of animals in shelters. It’s incredibly rewarding to give a homeless dog a second chance at a loving life.
Another advantage of adopting from a rescue is the lower cost. Adoption fees are generally more affordable than buying from a breeder and often cover vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and microchipping.
What’s more, rescues and shelters offer a wide variety of dogs, including purebreds, mixed breeds, puppies, and adult dogs. “You can find any breed in a rescue if you’re willing to be patient,” says foster coordinator Kerry Neaf. There are also breed-specific rescues for those interested in a particular breed.
Since there are always dogs in need of homes, you can bring one home relatively quickly. (Though a rescue organization will likely take longer than a shelter.) As a bonus, many of these dogs will already have some training under their belt.
Rescue dogs are carefully evaluated for temperament and compatibility with children and other pets to ensure they’re a good match for potential adopters. Additionally, foster caregivers can provide their insights to give a more accurate idea of how a dog might behave in a family setting.
You might find a rescue or shelter a good fit if:
- You want the satisfaction of saving a life
- You’re looking for an adult dog with an established personality
- You’re looking for a more affordable option
- You’re flexible with a dog’s breed and age
Why You Might Not Want a Rescue Dog
Getting a dog from a shelter or rescue can have drawbacks. While it’s not impossible, finding a specific breed can be considerably harder than going to a breeder. Neaf also points out that it might be challenging to find a young puppy.
Additionally, rescue groups often require some effort on your part. In most cases, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to take in a dog with application forms, interviews, and home visits. While this may not be a dealbreaker for most people, it’s something to be prepared for.
Rescue dogs can also have unknown past experiences or medical histories. They could also be undersocialized. While these dogs are not inherently “bad” or “broken,” some may have experienced trauma or neglect and require extra patience, training, and care. This doesn’t make the dogs unadoptable, though; it simply means they need a well-matched home.
Julia Gerasina via iStock
Busting Myths About Rescue Dogs
A common misconception about rescue dogs is that they must have something wrong with them. But this is not the case, says Neaf. “Dogs end up in shelters for all manner of reasons—most of them are not because they are bad!” Some dogs get lost, and their owners don’t come looking for them. Others may be surrendered by owners facing unexpected health or financial challenges.
Another misconception is that you can’t find a purebred in a shelter. But Neaf confirms there are purebreds in shelters—they just get adopted quickly. “Every breed has a dedicated rescue group or network, and there are rescues across the country rescuing directly from puppy mills,” she says, adding that this includes retired breeding dogs who are purebred.
Some people also believe that older dogs cannot bond or be trained, but this is not true. Adult and senior dogs are capable of learning new things and forming strong bonds. They may just need a little extra time and patience to get there.
There’s also the mistaken idea that shelters are only concerned with moving dogs along and may lie to potential adopters to get them to take an undesirable dog. While unscrupulous shelters exist, most prioritize finding the perfect fit. You can identify a good rescue by their screening process. They should ask you a lot of questions about your home life and make an effort to match you with the right dog.
In fact, many shelters and rescue organizations pride themselves on their low return rates—a measure of their ability to successfully match pets and pet parents.
Finally, some believe mutts are healthier than purebreds, but recent research has discredited this claim. Getting a mixed breed is no guarantee of better health.
How To Choose
Neaf recommends thinking about your “must have” qualities in a pet. “If you have really specific requirements for things like coat type or size, a breeder or breed-specific rescue may be the best route for you,” she says. “If you’re more flexible or unsure what kind of dog you want, a shelter or rescue can find you a perfect pet based on energy level, personality, and your family dynamics.”
Beyond that, it’s helpful to adopt realistic expectations when it comes to your future pet. While you can choose your dog’s breed, age, and sex, there are a lot of things you can’t control. Getting a dog from a breeder doesn’t guarantee your dog will stay healthy or lead a life free of anxiety and behavioral issues. And rescuing a thoroughly assessed shelter pup doesn’t mean you’re promised smooth sailing and a mutt free of genetic issues.
The truth is, all dogs are pretty great. It’s all about finding the pup you’re excited about—whether that’s a specific breed you’ve dreamed of raising or a mystery mix in a shelter who needs a helping hand.
