Maybe you’re searching for the perfect dog for your family but have yet to consider adoption because your heart is set on a specific breed. You may be surprised to discover that many purebred dogs are in need of loving homes just as much as their mixed-breed counterparts.
This article will address some common myths and show why rescuing a purebred can be a rewarding experience.
Why Do Purebred Dogs Need Rescuing?
Many assume that the only way to get a purebred dog of a specific breed is to go to a breeder or pet store. But this simply isn’t true! Â
Since 2021, the number of animals entering shelters has surged. During COVID, many families impulsively bought “pandemic puppies” without understanding the long-term responsibility, resulting in more abandoned pets. Factors like job loss and rising living costs also contribute. Unfortunately, some breeds are abandoned when they are no longer useful to their owners. For example, many greyhounds are discarded when they can no longer race.
Regardless of the reasons, some experts estimate that 20-30% of dogs in shelters are purebred. Other “designer breeds” like Labradoodles, Cavapoos, or Puggles are also often in need of adoption.
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Why Should You Consider Rescuing a Purebred Dog?
- Save Dog Lives:Â Adopting a purebred dog from a shelter gives an animal a second chance at a happy life and helps to reduce shelter overcrowding.
- Lower Cost:Â Adopting from a shelter is more cost-effective than buying from a breeder. The adoption fee typically covers vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping.
- Behavioral Assessments:Â Shelters often evaluate the temperament and behavior of the dogs, providing valuable insights into their personality and compatibility with your lifestyle.
- Support Ethical Practices:Â By adopting a purebred dog from a shelter, you are not supporting puppy mills or unethical breeding practices.
Where Can You Rescue a Purebred Dog?
There are many reputable purebred rescue groups across the United States. The AKC Rescue Network is the largest network of dog rescue groups in the country, and represents 160 breeds with over 450 groups nationwide.
The directory on their website connects you to breed-specific rescue organizations nationwide. These organizations often save purebred dog breeds from bad situations or shelters and help find them their forever homes.
When you visit the website, you can search for a specific breed and it will display rescue organizations associated with that breed. Contact information such as website and email addresses will be available for you to reach out to the organization and inquire about available dogs of that breed.” available dogs of that breed.
Purebred Dogs Available At the Time of Search
What Are Some Considerations of Purebred Dog Rescue?
Many purebred rescue dogs are spayed or neutered before adoption, which means that you can’t breed the dog or show the dog in purebred competitions. When adopting a purebred dog from a rescue organization, the dog likely will not come with its registration papers certifying the dog’s pedigree and lineage. However, many rescue organizations will provide DNA testing results with breed information as part of the adoption.
It’s also important to learn as much as you can about the history and personality of the dog before adopting. Some rescue dogs have had a rough start in life, due to neglect, abuse, bad living conditions, or poor nutrition. If the dog is older, it may have developed bad habits.Â
The last thing you want is to get a dog that isn’t a good fit for you, your family, and your lifestyle. Don’t feel bad asking the rescue organization or fosterer a lot of questions – the rescue organization is also motivated to make sure the dog goes to a suitable home.
Here are some good questions to ask when adopting a dog from a rescue organization or shelter:
Ask These Questions Before Adopting
- Where did the dog come from?
- How long has the dog been at the shelter or rescue?
- What is the dog’s health status, including vaccinations, and if it is neutered?
- Is the dog house-trained?
- Does the dog have any behavior problems?
- What is the dog’s personality and energy level?
- Does the dog get along well with children or strangers?
- Does the dog get along well with other dogs or pets?
- Was the dog rescued from an abusive situation?
The answers to these questions will help you to consider the most important question: is this rescue dog the right dog for my lifestyle? The shelter or foster family wants the dog to go to a stable environment, so they are motivated to ensure the adopted family is a good match.
Don’t Rule Out a Mixed Breed Dog!
Ultimately, the reason most people bring a dog into their family is to have a loyal and loving companion. Many mixed-breed dogs are in need of loving homes. And while these dogs may not have a pedigree, they can be just as wonderful as purebreds. If you’re looking for specific traits in the dog, consider adopting a dog that is partially of the breed you want. Most shelters can provide you with the DNA testing results of their dogs that will show you the breed makeup.
By choosing to rescue a purebred dog, you not only give a dog a second chance at a loving home but also contribute to the broader effort of promoting responsible pet ownership and reducing the number of homeless dogs. Your decision to adopt can make a significant difference in the lives of these animals and support the vital work of rescue organizations dedicated to their care.
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