Why Is It Important Where We Buy Dogs from?

Dogs are special. The bond between people and dogs has been a strong one since ancient times only to become even stronger in time. With the increasing environmental awareness that we witness these days, there is a growing understanding that dogs and other animals have the same right to a healthy and happy life as humans have. Millions of people buy dogs each year. Unfortunately, not all of these new dog owners are responsible dog keepers. Some buy from puppy farms, others from backyard breeders, thus supporting an unhealthy, profit-oriented industry that causes in the end the death of millions of dogs. The question that rises is: where should you buy your pets from?

Responsible Dog Breeders
Being registered with accredited organizations like the AKC (American Kennel Club) is very important; these breeders have to follow a set of breeding rules. They have purebred show dogs, well trained, with a good temperament and great socializing skills. This is why good dog breeders will pay attention to parents, the health of the litter and the general well being of their dogs. Good breeders you buy dogs from will introduce the parents of the litter to you and will try to make sure the puppy or puppies are going to a good place. It is not rare that they keep in touch with the new owners and pay them occasional visits. However, puppies that do not meet the desired breed requirements might end up in animal shelters.

Backyard Dog Breeders, Pet Stores
With no care for the health of the puppies or for the incidental hereditary diseases that inbreeding causes, backyard breeders mainly focus on profit. Puppies coming from their litters are somewhat cheaper, but often have health problems. Many of them are sold off to pet stores. It is not recommended to buy dogs from anyone who cannot show you at least the mother of the dog, or from anyone trying to force a puppy on you at a street corner.

While puppies in the pet stores are cute and it is heartbreaking to leave them there, buying from such places only supports and encourages this kind of cruel mistreatment.

Dog Shelters, Rescues
A troubling 25% of dogs in dog shelters are purebred dogs. Mixed breed dogs that make the rest of the population in shelters, are not as exposed to breed-related hereditary diseases and are healthier than purebreds. To buy dogs from shelters you will have to pay only a partial amount of what breeders ask for. And you also save a life, or even more lives. Every adopted dog makes room, hence gives another chance to a different dog in the shelter.

Before you decide to buy dogs, learn about breed-related training and lifestyle requirements, compare these with your own life conduct and choose a breed that will easily blend in. Unless you insist on buying a puppy, consider adoption first. There are thousands of wonderful dogs in shelters around the country, only waiting for a loving family to take them in.

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