PSA: The Adopt-Don’t-Shop Myth
I have a huge problem with this idea, and all of it stems from those who belittle and criticize us who buy dogs from breeders. This doesn’t mean that I’m against adopting dogs--before I came along, my family owned all rescue-dogs. It also doesn’t mean I condone puppy mills, backyard breeders, or even your average “dog breeder” (which I consider better than BYBs, but wouldn’t ever consider buying from them). It means I support responsible breeding and breeders. You see, there’s this idea in the dogworld called “due dilligence,” which basically means doing YOUR part as the buyer and researching everything you can about a breeder you may be considering buying a puppy from.
So why don’t I agree with Adopt-Don’t Shop?
Myth #1: For a long time, it was believed that mutts were in much better health than purebreds because of the method of in-breeding. Totally false, and a big part of this is because of genetics. In-breeding with animals is very different than in-breeding with humans. And if it is done carefully and correctly, we can extinguish undesirable traits both physically and health-wise. If you don’t know the genetic background of the dog, you can’t guarantee that that dog is going to be in better physical shape than a dog whose genetic background you DO know. Good, responsible breeders will have their dogs thoroughly examined and tested for any health problems that their breed might be vulnerable and pre-disposed to (such as hip dysplasia for German Shepherds and retrievers).
Myth #2: You’re giving a dog a second chance at life. Or a third chance. Or Fourth. Fifth...you catch my drift? Adopt-Don’t-Shop only works if the dog is adopted successfully--and the majority of that responsibility falls on the rescue organization. Many reasons why dogs are brought back to shelters is because it’s not a good fit, which again is fault on the employees of the shelter. Responsible breeders work with the buyer in finding the right puppy. From the day the puppies are born, these breeders will take notes and observe the pups, while keeping their buyers updated. When I got my lab and my Dutch shepherd, I was very specific in what I was looking for: I wanted a confident drivey lab that was a little more on the independent side, while I wanted the Dutch shepherd to be more dependent on me and have a more medium-drive if possible. Both dogs have turned out fantastic, and I have no complaints with them or the breeders.
Myth #3: Adopting a dog is less expensive than purchasing from a breeder. As an owner of both rescue and purebreds, I can honestly say that my purebreds are very much LESS EXPENSIVE than my rescues. Why is that? Refer to the first myth.
Secondly, I hear people complain and criticize the prices of purchasing a puppy. Again, part of that stems from all the work that is put into the breeding and whelping of the puppies. Testing the parents for any genetic or pre-disposed problems, caring for the mom both during the pregnancy and after the pups are born, and of course, the care for the puppies themselves. The breeders who take breeding seriously will tell you that they’re not in it for the money--because there is VERY little money that can be made from breeding dogs. Just because you can get a German Shepherd puppy for $800 doesn’t mean that it’s going to be just as good or better than one that is over $1000. In fact, the one that’s cheaper is probably going to have problems, if not genetically then temperament and personality wise. Just like anything else in life, you get what you pay. My black lab and Dutch Shepherd were both $1000 each. The lab came from a small family business who not only tests the hips, and elbows, AND eyes of their dogs, but also trains and competes with them in hunting trials. The Dutch Shepherd was a little cheaper than I would’ve gone for, but they still perform health tests on their dogs, and all of them work. I was originally suppose to get one from a different breeder who sells his for $2000. The latter has all of his dogs tested, and they’re KNPV titled. He’s very well-known in the dog world and military working dogworld. Currently, I will be getting a Belgian Malinois from him when I can come up with the rest of the money (I have a deposit down which gets me a spot on the waiting list).
Again, I’m not criticizing shelters or rescues. But I’m certainly not lumping all breeders together and believing that all breeders are bad. I’m not going to push someone to adopt a dog if they have a certain breed in mind; I may point them in the direction of a breed-specific rescue, but if they want to raise the dog themselves, I have no qualms with that. So long as they: Do the research, pay their due dilligence, and if a breeder doesn’t have what they’re looking for, don’t do business with them. One of the things I learned from attending professional dog training school is learning to wait and be patient. Don’t go for the very first dog you see. And listen to the breeder. If a breeder recommends a certain pup based off what you’re looking for, but you want a different pup in the litter, walk away. Wait for the next pup. BUT, if you’ve found a good, responsible breeder, LISTEN TO THEM. They will work with you. They want nothing more than to help find you the dog you want. Do your part and pay your due-dilligence.
Pay. Your. Due. Dilligence.
P.S. In my opinion, just because a breeder registers their dogs and puppies with AKC doesn’t mean squat. I’d rather have an unregistered dog that’s in good health and has a good temperament and disposition than an averaged-health dog that is nervy and unstable.