Shelter vs. Breeder Pros & Cons

Are you trying to decide whether you should buy your new pup from a shelter or a breeder? If so, you are in the right place. We are going to help you decide what’s better: adopting a dog from a shelter vs. a breeder.

Pros of Adopting a Shelter Dog

One of the most common reasons people decide to rescue is because it is more affordable. When you rescue these dogs more than likely they were found in the wild. This concludes that the dog is likely not purebred and is mixed with multiple different breeds. Purebreds are rare which causes them to be more expensive. This leads to mixed pups being cheaper because they are more common.

Another pro of rescuing/adopting from a shelter is that there are many options to choose from. Shelters provide dogs with all kinds of personalities and looks. You are sure to find one that fits your lifestyle and needs. They are also very unique and are different from other dogs you may see in your day-to-day life.

if you do decide to rescue you are in fact saving a life. It’s always hard because you will see signs of animal neglect and abandonment. However, once you do bring one home and see them open up to you after years of not having a stable home, you will feel incredible and you will never regret it. Knowing you saved an innocent animal from future hurt is a feeling like no other.

Cons of Adopting a Dog from a Shelter

On the other hand, there are some cons to rescuing that you should take into account when trying to make your decision. First, you may want to be aware of loneliness.

When it comes to shelter dogs they are usually kept in close contact with other dogs. If you don’t have another dog at home it could take time for your new pup to learn how to be independent and live alone.

It can always help to sign your pup up for training groups or even puppy playtime so that they can still have interaction with their own kind.

Next, you want to be prepared to witness some possessive behavior. When it comes to shelters, food and toys are shared among many dogs which can naturally cause some selfish and possessive habits.

If you bring your new dog home just make sure that you show them that they don’t need to feel like they are going to run out of anything if they don’t act quickly and aggressively. If your new pup does start to become aggressive around you, you can always hire a trainer and see if they can try and settle your furry friend’s nerves.

Habits and consistency are also always a great way to end bad behaviors. Lastly, when you rescue there really isn’t a lot of information on their medical history. Even though your vet may express that they have a pretty good idea, they are never really sure and this can definitely be nerve-racking. If your pup ever were to get sick. you wouldn’t know exactly why and probably wouldn’t be able to care for them in the best way possible.

Overall rescuing is an option that some people absolutely love and others find really hard. It’s really all up to you and exactly what you like to find in a pet.

Advantages of Buying from a Breeder

Moving on, our next option is buying from a breeder. Just like rescuing from a shelter, there are many pros and cons to using a breeder. We will start off by discussing the pros of buying puppies from breeders. First, you are able to meet your new puppy’s parents. This is always comforting because you are able to see exactly where they came from and get an idea of what they will look like when they grow up.

You also get the opportunity to see the environment in which your new puppy was brought into. Another pro you will be happy to hear is that when buying through a breeder you will know exactly what you’re getting. Most puppies that come through breeders are purebred.

You will also learn their entire lineage and breed history. This is always good because there will be little to no surprises. Last but not least, if you decide to buy your new pup from a breeder you will be guaranteed a puppy. When researching to find a local breeder you will contact a few to see if and when they will have a new litter. This means a brand new batch of puppies. If you are looking for a puppy with all its information then breeding is for you.

Cons of Buying a Dog from a Breeder

There are also cons that come along with adopting from a breeder. One con that you should be aware of is the fact that you are taking in a puppy which is much like having a newborn baby. You should be prepared for lots of potty training and teaching them good habits. It is a lot of work but can be done with time and patience.

Next, breeding can be tremendously more expensive than adopting from a shelter. Breeders charge a lot for their puppies because of their pre-breeding costs. These include health checks for the parents, stud fees, prenatal care, vet visits, shots, wormings, food, toys, crates, and much more. Also, because these puppies are purebred they are more uncommon which raises the price. The last con on this list is the possibility of travel. It may be hard to find the perfect breeder with the exact type of puppy you would like in your hometown.

You may have to venture out and drive long distances to pick up your puppy. This can always be dangerous because you aren’t sure where exactly the puppy is coming from and you won’t be as prepared. Nevertheless, even though there are cons to purchasing from a breeder, there are cons for everything. So it is really your preference.

We hope that this list helped you make the best decision on where you are going to find the perfect furry friend for your home. Whatever you decide will work out perfectly and you and your new pup will be equally excited despite where they come from.