Adopting a Dog vs Buying From a Breeder: What’s Right for Me?
It’s an age-old debate in the world of dogs, adoption vs breeders. Is one option better than the other? The truth is that each has its place in the world of dogs. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of adopting a dog vs buying from a breeder and how to identify which option is best for YOU.
You’ve decided that it’s time to expand your family and adopt a new furry best friend.
Congratulations!
This is an exciting time, but also one that can feel a little overwhelming.
What breed(s) are you interested in? Do you want to adopt a puppy or an older dog? Have you done everything necessary to puppy proof your house?
The questions just keep coming…
While I could go on and on about the preparation for a new puppy, that would turn this post quickly into a novel.
Instead, I want to focus on the first step. Where are you going to get your new family member?
If you’re on the fence about adopting a dog vs buying from a breeder, this is for you.
Related: ‘How Early Should You Start Leash Training A Puppy?‘
Before I get started, you should know that most people in the pet space are firmly on one side of this debate or the other.
As for me? I find that I fall somewhere in the middle. I can see value in both options.
Personally, I have always owned rescues (dogs and cats) and will continue to rescue my pets for the foreseeable future.
However, what’s right for my family may not be what’s right for yours.
I believe that it’s important to educate yourself on all options before making a decision.
With that in mind, I’m going to break down the pros and cons of adopting a dog vs buying from a breeder.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Before I get started, I want to point out the importance of open communication with rescue organizations, shelters and breeders.
Whatever you decide, it is important to keep in mind that every dog is different.
Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions. More importantly, don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ if you aren’t feeling right about a situation.
This is, after all, a long-term commitment and should be approached as such.
Adopting a Dog From a Shelter or Rescue Organization
If you’ve spent much time here on Shed Happens, you likely already know that I am a huge advocate for animal rescue.
In most cases, a family can find the perfect dog by searching shelters and rescue organizations.
This isn’t to say that there aren’t good reasons to consider going to a breeder (we’ll cover that later), but don’t write off adoption right away.
Why is this important? There are thousands of dogs currently waiting in shelters and rescue organizations for their forever home.
These dogs aren’t ‘damaged’ or ‘less than’, they simply found themselves in a difficult situation.
Each dog has their own story. While some have been through horrific situations, others find their way into a shelter due to a decline in the health of their owner or a rough financial situation.
Whatever brought them to that spot, each of these incredible dogs deserves a second chance!
Pros
- By Adopting, You Are Helping to Save 2 Lives: When you adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue organization, you are helping to save 2 dogs – the one that you have adopted and the one that they are able to rescue due to the fact that you’ve now opened up that space.
- You Have More Age Options: If you’re not ready to take on all the responsibility that comes with a young puppy, an older dog may be the right choice for you. Adult dogs are often potty trained and may even have basic obedience skills already. Senior dogs are also a great option for those looking for a calmer friend.
- Adopting a Dog is Lower Cost: Adoption fees are most shelters and rescue organizations are lower than the cost of purchasing a puppy from a breeder. In addition to the lower upfront cost, dogs generally come sterilized (if old enough), microchipped, and vaccinated. If you adopt a puppy, some shelters/rescues will even offer a voucher to help with the cost of sterilization.
- Better Idea of Temperament/Size/Appearance in Adult Dogs: This only applies if you are looking at adopting an adult or senior dog. However, if you do, you will have a better overall understanding of your dog. This will allow you to select a dog that you know will fit your family and your lifestyle.
- Mixed Breed Dogs are Statistically Less Likely to Struggle with Certain Genetic Health Concerns: While adopting a mixed breed dog doesn’t mean that you will avoid all health issues, there is research saying that it can make a difference. In fact, a 2015 study found that purebred dogs had a 42% higher incidence of 10 genetic disorders including bloat, allergic dermatitis and dilated cardiomyopathy.
Related: ‘Top 10 Reasons to Adopt A Senior Dog‘
Cons
- You May Have to Work Through Emotional Scars: Many dogs that find themselves in shelters or rescue organizations have been through some form of trauma. This could come from abuse, neglect, having to care for themselves on the streets or even the feelings of abandonment that come with being given up by their former owners. These emotional scars can manifest in a number of different ways including physical and behavioural issues that you will have to be prepared to help your dog work through. This won’t happen with all dogs, but you should be prepared for the fact that it may.
- The Exact Breed of Your Dog May Be Unknown: If the breed of dog is important to you, this could be a little challenging when adopting. That being said, unless you’re showing, the breed of dog may not be a concern. Mixed breed dogs are just as incredible as purebred dogs in every way (trust me, I have two that I love dearly).
Buying a Dog From a Breeder
If you are looking for a specific purebred dog or a dog that is registered with organizations like the AKC, you may struggle to find the perfect dog through the rescue network.
That isn’t to say that they don’t exist…
However, you may be better off getting your new puppy from a responsible breeder.
The key phrase here is a responsible breeder.
This means someone that truly cares about the animal and their impact on the breed, not someone that is just in it for the money.
A great place to start in your search for a responsible breeder is to consult the lists provided by both the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Canadian Kennel Club (CKC).
The breeders on this list are members of these organizations and, as such, are held to a specific standard.
That being said, if you are speaking with a breeder and get a bad gut feeling, trust your instincts and keep searching for the right fit.
Pros
- Know Your Dog’s Lineage/History: When you purchase from a breeder, you are able to access information about your dog’s lineage that may not be otherwise available. This includes not only having an idea of the likely size, appearance, and temperament of the dog, but also a deeper insight into their genetic health.
- Get the Exact Breed You’re Searching For: You may be able to find the breed you’re looking for in a rescue, or you may not. Alternatively, if you’re contacting a breeder you will know with 100% certainty what breed you are adopting. This can be important in some situations. For example, if you’re looking for a specific breed due to their hypoallergenic nature.
- AKC/CKC Registration: If you are adopting your dog for a purpose like showing, having a registered dog with all the correct documentation will be high on your list of importance.
- Connect with a Breed Expert: A responsible breeder will be there for you long after you’ve brought your new puppy home. This means that you have someone knowledgeable specifically about the breed on call if you have questions that you need to ask.
Related: ‘How to Puppy Proof Your Home: What You Need to Know‘
Cons
- You are Taking on A Puppy and All the Work That Comes with It: Unless there is a unique situation in which the breeder is looking to rehome an older dog (for example, someone has been unable to keep their dog), you are going to be taking on the responsibility of a puppy. This includes potty training, basic obedience, etc.
- Breeders Generally Cost More: While there are cases where this isn’t true, more often than not a puppy purchased from a breeder is going to cost you more than adopting from a shelter or rescue organization.
- It Can Be Difficult to Weed Out Backyard Breeders and Puppy Mills: If you’re in a hurry to find that perfect puppy, you better take a step back! When purchasing a puppy from a breeder, it’s important to do your research. Backyard breeders and puppy mills are more worried about money than the dogs, often leading to unhealthy dogs, genetic issues, behavioural problems and more.
So, we come back to the original question. Adopting a dog vs buying from a breeder, which is the right choice?
Only you can decide which is right for you and your family.
At the end of the day, it’s not about being pro-rescue or pro-breeder. It’s about being pro-dog!
Did you adopt your dog or purchase him/her from a breeder? What factors influenced your decision?
I’ve got 12 rescue cats, 2 of which are “apparent purebreds”, 3 others are mixed breeds where I know the exact breed mix (oops.)
My next will be a breed standard, registered, well bred, Norwegian Forest Cat. I’ve even selected several breeders I want to work with. I just need the money.
That’s what I mean, you don’t have to be solely pro-rescue or pro-breeder. There is room for both in the world! All 4 of our pets right now are rescues, but that doesn’t mean that I would never consider a breeder down the road if that was the best option at the time.
Our pets were all rescues or strays over the years. We tried to find the owners, but were not successful. They found a good home.
That’s the most important part, right? That they have the opportunity to live out their lives in a loving home.
All 4 of our pets right now are rescues from various organizations. They are living the high life now! Lol
Awesome post! I’ve always said that adopting and getting a pet from a (responsible) breeder are equally valid choices. What’s most important is that you get the pet that’s right for you! I think if more people took the time to carefully select the pet that fits best into their family/lifestyle, no matter where they get it from, we’d see less pets ending up in shelters.
Exactly! Too many people just adopt the ‘cute dog’ without taking the time to do their research and make sure that they are prepared for the commitment that they are making. For example, I LOVE my German Shepherds and German Shepherd mixes – it’s the breed I grew up with and know best. However, as much as I love them, I’ll be the first person to say that they are definitely NOT a good fit for just any home!
I got my first dog from my father’s friend and the second one from a breeder. But I prefer to adopt it from a shelter because I’ve seen that most dogs in the shelter have been through horrific situations or because the owner doesn’t want them anymore (due to health or financial issues) – as you said. I want to give them a warm home, a lovely family, and the happiness that they deserved :’) Hope I can adopt dogs in the near future! Thanks for sharing this, Britt 😀
Yes, our pets are all rescues and I love knowing that we’re able to give them the loving home that they deserve. They have SO much love to give!
I’m a big fan of adopting rather than purchasing from a breeder but I can understand why people would prefer a purebred puppy. I have 3 rescue cats and I’d love to adopt a rescue dog sometime soon.
That’s how I look at it as well. I personally have never purchased from a breeder, I’ve found all of my dogs through my life from rescues and shelters. However, I can definitely see why a breeder may be the best choice for others.
I don’t have a dog yet but I would love to do both in the future. I love the idea of adopting an older dog just as I would like to foster kids as well! They have more difficulty finding homes so that influences my decision the most! The photos you attached just touched my heart. So cute xo
http://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
Definitely – so many dogs are overlooked simply because they aren’t little puppies. However, they still make GREAT pets and have so much love to make.
This is very informative. Thank you so much for this comparison!
https://www.emilyclareskinner.com
Thank you!
Wonderful information! Especially for someone like me who will likely be adopting a dog in the near future. I do want to go with a rescue dog most preferably. That way I can feel like I’ve done some good in the world and helped a poor dog from living his life in a shelter or being euthanized.
In most cases, a rescue can provide the perfect dog for you and your family. There are so many incredible dogs waiting to find their forever home!
It’s so refreshing to see an open-minded post that understands every family can be different and is looking for different things in a dog. It’s super interesting to see the true pros and cons of both, rather than just one side of it! x
There is too much ‘us vs them’ in the pet industry. While all of my pets are rescues, that isn’t to say that there won’t be a situation where a breeder is the best choice someday.
Thank you for sharing such a detailed post. I found this information very useful, and I will be sharing this with my sister. My sister recently purchased her puppy from a breeder, and now they are faced with high vet bills. They had no clue that the puppy had so many health issues, and the breeder was in such a hurry to get rid of the puppy, she even lowered the price. It was a very unfortunate situation, but after having her for some time now I am happy to say she has made a complete turn around. I will use this information when we go out and look for our next family dog. Thank you so much for sharing.
That is so sad to hear. Sounds like a ‘breeder’ that shouldn’t be allowed to continue. A responsible breeder will stand by their pups and work with new owners if something does come up.
such a great review! I have always wanted a rescue dog because of how rewarding it can be – thank you for a beautiful insight into the reality of it all!
I am a HUGE rescue advocate. Our rescues are INCREDIBLE. From my experience, they have SOOO much love to give. That being said, I do acknowledge that there are situations where that isn’t the best fit.
For most people, it looks like a rescue would be the better option. I never thought about the fact that you are actually rescuing two dogs, but that’s a really lovely thought.
Correct. In most situations, I would say that rescue is the ideal approach to getting a new dog. That being said, I can’t subscribe to the ‘you MUST adopt’ mindset because there are cases in which that’s not going to be the best option. It’s important to consider the bigger picture and the best outcome for both the family and the pup.
This is great information for those of us who are trying to decide which route to go. We were thinking of adopting and you helped to confirm this decision.
I’m glad that I was able to help! Rescuing is a GREAT way to find that loving pup that you can share your life with. There are so many great pets out there just waiting for their forever home.
Happy New Year Britt and all the best for 2021. We are thinking about getting a dog and we are exactly in this conundrum and I am glad i read your post here. It was timely. There are always issues to consider. I like how you pointed out that when you adopt you are saving two lives and creating space for another dod. Loved the pics. Take care and stay safe
That’s correct, there are always issues to consider. That’s why it’s so important to weigh the pros and cons and determine which fits into your lifestyle best. Finding the ‘right’ dog also means that dog is able to find the ‘right’ family… it’s about finding a situation where everyone benefits.
We don’t have dogs but I think what you’re saying is applicable to any pet. Personally I’d always adopt rather than shop for all the reasons you’ve outlined. There are so many pets out there needing new homes, often through no fault of their own. Great post, Britt, definitely food for thought!
Yes, there are so many great pets waiting in shelters and rescue organizations for their forever homes – all types of pets, too! Dogs, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds… They’re all available.
Adopting or buying from a breeder are both choices that require a lot of thought and I am good with people who do either as long as it is the right call for them and their new canine friend. I love that you list the pros and cons of both options; dogs and cats are both animals that provide empathy and companionship and, in the right home, are loved. 🙂
Exactly! The right decision means that everyone will have the ability to live a long, happy life together. Settling for a dog that isn’t right for your lifestyle (or your lifestyle isn’t right for the dog) too often leads to that dog finding their way back into a shelter again down the road, facing the feelings of abandonment yet again. I would rather see someone consider a reputable breeder and make the right choice from the start.
We always favor the rescue breed but we certainly don’t oppose those who buy purebred as long as the breeder is a good one. Thanks for joining our Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
Exactly! While I personally have rescued all of my pets, I completely understand that there are valid reasons to consider a reputable breeder.
We’ve been wanting a puppy for a long time and this is exactly the issue we have. I can see pro’s and con’s on both side and after reading this I thinking I know what we are going to do. Thx for sharing this insightful article, really appreciated!
I’m glad to hear that I was able to help!
I like your attitude of being pro-dog! I have often wondered about the difference between adopting and buying from a breeder – on the face of it adopting does sound like the more ethical option. However, I think your emphasis on a “responsible” breeder helps.
There are situations where it makes sense to reach out to a breeder. However, there needs to be more emphasis put on the difference between responsible breeders, backyard breeders and puppy mills. They shouldn’t all be lumped under one umbrella!
This is a great, balanced guide. I have always supported rescuing animals too, but I also realise that when you buy from a breeder, you have a better idea of what you are getting, which is important for some families. xx
Exactly, there are some very valid reasons to consider purchasing a puppy from a breeder in certain situations. It’s important to make sure that the right choice is being made in each situation. Adopting a dog that isn’t the right fit for your family just leads to it being abandoned in a shelter again down the road, or worse.
Great info ~ I have done both and find right now ~ rescuing a dog is much needed ~ many people get a dog during covid and I wonder what will happen when people can go back to work and have to leave their dog?????
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Unfortunately, I believe that we are going to see a big surge of pets in shelters and rescue organizations as the world starts to return to ‘normal’ again. Too may people jumped into having a pet at home for companionship during the lockdown without thinking about the long-term commitment that they were making.
Thank you so much for this! It’s nice to see someone in the pet space who isn’t 100% anti puppy. We wanted to adopt when we got Hugo but we had quite set criteria and that just wasn’t an option at the time. We’d recently lost a pet and wanted one that would be with us a very long time so ideally a dog no older than 3, it had to be a smaller breed (I’m 5ft tall and under 100lbs, it couldn’t be stronger than me) and unfortunately, those dogs are few and far between at rescue places. The only one available at that time had a lot of emotional baggage, they told us it couldn’t be left alone for at least 6 months, not even for an hour while we went to the supermarket. Obviously, that’s a huge ask for a lot of people. Hugo came from an accidental litter in need of a good home rather than a professional breeder, so we got something in the middle in the end. I’d love to adopt down the line though if a suitable candidiate became available.
It is SO important to recognize which dogs you have the ability to provide for properly and which you don’t. As someone who has grown up with German Shepherds and German Shepherd mixes my whole life, for example, that’s a topic that really hits home with me. SO many people get excited about bringing home a cute little GSD puppy but they are high-energy working dogs and too smart for their own good. That’s why so many wind up in the shelter, referred to as being ‘challenging’ or ‘a handful’. My dog literally turns on the shower when she wants to play in the water, so we have to take steps to make sure that she doesn’t accidentally flood our house lol
So much to know and many don’t do the homework first.
Have a fabulous day and week. ♥
Far too many people just go out and purchase the first cute dog that they see without taking the time to do their due diligence. This is what leads to many of the dogs that find their way into shelters. Before long, that adorable little dog isn’t little anymore, or it has more energy than they can handle. That’s why every prospective dog parent needs to take the time to familiarize themselves with which breeds are the best fit for their lifestyle.
Very well said! Although I am biased towards rescue dogs, I’m really against puppy mills. Finding the perfect dog can sometimes take a long time, and a lot of people don’t realize that and buy the first cute puppy they see. I wish more people knew that many rescue dogs are also purebreds!
I am also biased towards rescue dogs, having had rescue dogs all my life. However, after seeing people attacked for choosing to go to a breeder because it was the ‘wrong choice’, I wanted to make sure to lay out both options in a fair comparison. I am 110% against puppy mills and backyard breeders, but there are great breeders out there that genuinely care about the animals and the betterment of the breed.
This is such a great informative post! I hope to get a dog in the future and this really helped clear up the confusion between buying from a breeder or adopting from a shelter. Like you said both have pros and cons and it all depends on what the person is looking for (adult vs puppy etc), plus I loved your emphasis on responsible breeders!
Thank your for sharing!
Loren
It is SO important to make sure that you do your leg work on finding out whether a breeder is responsible or not. There are far too many puppy mills and backyard breeders out there and it’s the dogs that ultimately pay the price in those situations.