It's all in the breed?
As a rescuer, I will always tell people to adopt. This particular blog will cover some information on choosing the right dog, breed, and how much adoption helps ALL animals, not just the one you are adopting. I'll go ahead and also say that rescuers can be very strong in their convictions as we see things that many don't see. We touch mangy heads that many people won't touch. We save dogs that many people won't save. All dogs are important, all dogs love and feel in the same ways, so before you go ranting about your AKC registered pooch, please know that every dog in rescue is just as valuable and amazing---we'll get more into that later.
Do breeds matter?
Um..of course they do! Just because we are in rescue doesn't mean that they only rescue mixed breeds or that they feel as though one breed is superior to another. It also doesn't mean that they look down on dogs that are purebred...quite the contrary. One of the most important things to remember about true rescuers, we love dogs...period. All dogs. Not only purebred, not just mixed breeds...ALL dogs. (In fact, many of us carry the love of dogs over to all animals. Of course we aren't a self proclaimed vegan rescue..but if saving our planet, taking a stand on animal abuse , helping our water supply, and becoming healthy is of interest to you then by all means message me :) )
Okay..so back to the breed thing. Yes, breed is important. I strongly feel that each person has their own breed. The biggest thing to remember here is that despite our efforts to end the over population problem by preventing breeding, dogs have been bred for specific traits for years and years and years. Due to this you begin to learn characteristics of each breed. (But also remember that all dogs have their own personality...so just because your bestie has the cutest most well behaved little Yorkshire Terrier you have ever seen doesn't mean that you'll get the same!) Knowing what kind of dog will fit your lifestyle is essential! For example, if you are a runner that spends a lot of time outdoors being active, then you're probably not going to want a dog that tends to be laid back and snuggly all of the time. At the same time, someone with a laid back lifestyle is not going to want to go out and adopt a high energy dog...regardless of how stinkin cute it is!
Here are a couple of links to get your started on choosing the right dog for you!
So, yes, breed traits can be important when finding a dog that suits your lifestyle..not just to benefit you but to benefit them! A high energy dog that never gets to release that energy will be very unhappy and often destructive just because its needs are not being met.
Many rescues will take in dogs of all breeds and sizes and backgrounds.You can see anything from a tiny little Chihuahua to a massive Great Dane.Rescue includes; pure breeds, some with emotional issues, abuse cases, shy dogs, hyper dogs..you name it has been in rescue at some point! So please don't ever think that you can't find the perfect dog for you in a rescue! They aren't defected or bad dogs..they've just been caught in a world where the breeding is out of control and the shelters don't have room...it's no fault of their own.
Adopt vs. Buy
So many people ask me how much rescue dogs cost...nothing can irk a rescuer more. But at the same time we try to remember that many people don't understand that there is a huge difference in buying verses adopting! Adoption of a dog reimburses the rescue for vet care only...and many times with special needs cases, it only covers part of their vet care. With rescue dogs you typically get all vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip, flea/tick/heartworm preventative...and the list goes on. This varies from rescue to rescue. But what you pay to adopt a dog is usually equivalent to what you would spend on a spay/neuter alone. Plus, when you adopt from rescue that opens up a spot for another dog to be pulled from a shelter.
AKC Registered
I will do my best to keep this factual..even though the mere mention on this triggers a rant instinct. Below is a link to a page that gives info on this topic
If you seriously need a piece of paper to tell you that your dog is what you think it is, then maybe the problem doesn't lie with the breeders or the dogs or the AKC. I'll end my rant there.
Purpose
So exactly what was the purpose of this blog? Mostly, I get many questions about breeds and why they should adopt instead of going to a breeder or flea market...(also remember that many of these dogs are bred continually and more often than not are not taken care of..also known as a puppy mill. Yes, I've seen it..witnessed it..rescued from it. Often they also come with health issues due to over breeding..but that' a topic for another day.)
At the end of the day..a rescue dog is just as wonderful as a purchased dog.. They are loving, caring, and unique.. Visit your local shelter or rescue today and truly save a life. Ipromise it will be one of the most rewarding things you'll ever do!
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