Dogs have been our loyal companions for thousands of years, but the way we acquire them has changed dramatically in recent times. While many still dream of bringing home a purebred puppy, the reality of dog breeding practices and their consequences is often overlooked.
According to the ASPCA, approximately 3.1 million dogs enter animal shelters annually in the United States, with 390,000 dogs being euthanized each year.1
Before you set your heart on that adorable purebred puppy, consider these 18 reasons why adopting from a shelter might be the better choice.
1. Overcrowded Shelters
Animal shelters across the country are bursting at the seams. Every year, millions of dogs enter these facilities, hoping for a second chance at life.
Sadly, many of these animals never find their forever homes. By choosing to adopt rather than buy from a breeder, you’re directly helping to reduce the number of dogs euthanized in shelters due to lack of space.
2. Health Issues in Purebreds
Purebred dogs often suffer from genetic disorders due to inbreeding. This practice, aimed at preserving specific traits, can lead to serious health problems.
From hip dysplasia in German Shepherds to breathing difficulties in Bulldogs, these issues can cause lifelong suffering for the animals. Adopting a mixed-breed dog from a shelter often means bringing home a healthier pet.
3. Puppy Mill Cruelty
Many breeders, especially those supplying pet stores, operate puppy mills. These facilities prioritize profit over animal welfare, often keeping dogs in deplorable conditions.
Mother dogs are treated like breeding machines, forced to produce litter after litter without proper care or rest. By refusing to buy from breeders, you’re taking a stand against this cruel industry.
4. Financial Burden
Purebred puppies from breeders often come with hefty price tags. These costs can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the breed.
In contrast, adoption fees at shelters are typically much lower and often include initial vaccinations and spaying or neutering. Choosing to adopt not only saves money but also provides necessary care for the animal.
5. Encouraging Overbreeding
When you buy from a breeder, you’re contributing to the cycle of overbreeding. This practice leads to an excess of dogs in a world already struggling with overpopulation.
Overbreeding also puts unnecessary strain on mother dogs, who may be forced to produce multiple litters per year. By adopting, you’re helping to break this cycle and promote responsible pet ownership.
6. Limited Genetic Diversity
Purebred dogs often come from a limited gene pool, which can lead to a higher risk of inherited diseases. This lack of genetic diversity can result in weakened immune systems and shorter lifespans.
Mixed-breed dogs, on the other hand, often benefit from hybrid vigor, making them healthier and more resilient. Adopting a mixed-breed dog from a shelter could mean bringing home a pet with fewer health issues.
7. Supporting Unethical Practices
Not all breeders adhere to ethical standards. Some may prioritize profit over the well-being of their animals, leading to poor living conditions and inadequate care.
By purchasing from a breeder, you risk inadvertently supporting these unethical practices. Adoption ensures your money goes towards caring for animals in need rather than potentially funding harmful breeding operations.
8. Perpetuating Breed Stereotypes
Certain dog breeds are often stereotyped, leading to discrimination and even breed-specific legislation. These stereotypes can result in unfair treatment and difficulty finding homes for certain breeds.
By adopting a mixed-breed dog or a breed often overlooked in shelters, you’re helping to challenge these stereotypes. You’re showing that every dog deserves a chance, regardless of its breed or appearance.
9. Overlooking Senior Dogs
Breeders typically sell puppies, which means older dogs are often overlooked. Senior dogs in shelters face a higher risk of euthanasia due to lower adoption rates.
By considering an older dog from a shelter, you’re giving a second chance to an animal that might otherwise be overlooked. Senior dogs often make wonderful, calm companions and can be a perfect fit for many households.
10. Contributing to Shelter Euthanasia
Every time someone buys a dog from a breeder, a shelter dog loses a potential home. This contributes to the heartbreaking reality of shelter euthanasia.
Millions of healthy, adoptable animals are euthanized each year due to lack of space and resources. By adopting, you’re directly saving a life and reducing the burden on overcrowded shelters.
11. Missing Out on Unique Personalities
Shelter dogs come with a wide range of personalities and quirks that make them unique. These dogs have often had life experiences that shape their character in interesting ways.
When you adopt, you have the opportunity to meet and interact with dogs of various ages and temperaments. This allows you to find a pet whose personality truly matches your lifestyle and preferences.
12. Encouraging Impulse Purchases
Breeders often market puppies as cute, irresistible bundles of joy. This can lead to impulse purchases by people who aren’t prepared for the long-term commitment of dog ownership.
Adopting from a shelter typically involves a more thorough process, ensuring that potential owners are ready for the responsibility. This reduces the likelihood of dogs being returned or abandoned later on.
13. Lack of Transparency
Not all breeders are forthcoming about their breeding practices or the health history of their dogs. This lack of transparency can lead to unexpected health issues or behavioral problems down the line.
Shelters, on the other hand, often provide detailed information about a dog’s health, behavior, and background. This transparency helps ensure you’re making an informed decision about your new pet.
14. Reinforcing Harmful Beauty Standards
Some breeders focus on exaggerated physical features that are considered desirable but can be harmful to the dog’s health. This includes flat faces in brachycephalic breeds or excessively wrinkled skin in certain breeds.
By adopting, you’re not supporting the perpetuation of these potentially harmful traits. Instead, you’re choosing a dog based on its individual qualities rather than arbitrary beauty standards.
15. Ignoring Local Regulations
Some breeders may operate without proper licenses or ignore local regulations regarding animal breeding. This can lead to substandard care for the animals and contribute to overpopulation issues.
Adopting from a reputable shelter ensures you’re working with an organization that follows local laws and regulations. This helps promote responsible pet ownership and animal welfare in your community.
16. Missing Out on the Rescue Experience
Adopting a rescue dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Many adopters report a special bond with their rescued pets, knowing they’ve given them a second chance at life.
This unique connection often leads to a deep, lasting relationship between owner and pet. By choosing to adopt, you’re opening yourself up to this special experience that buying from a breeder simply can’t provide.
17. Overlooking Mixed-Breed Benefits
Mixed-breed dogs often combine the best traits of multiple breeds, resulting in unique and lovable pets. These dogs can be healthier and longer-lived due to their diverse genetic makeup.
By adopting a mixed-breed dog, you’re embracing the unpredictability and charm that comes with these one-of-a-kind animals. You might just discover your perfect companion in a dog you never expected.
18. Contributing to Environmental Issues
Large-scale breeding operations can have significant environmental impacts. These facilities often consume large amounts of resources and produce considerable waste.
By adopting from a shelter, you’re making a more environmentally friendly choice. You’re not supporting resource-intensive breeding operations and instead giving a home to a dog that already exists.
The decision to bring a dog into your life is a significant one that carries far-reaching consequences. By choosing adoption over purchasing from a breeder, you’re not just gaining a loyal companion; you’re making a powerful statement about animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.
When you adopt, you’re not just changing a dog’s life; you’re changing the world for dogs everywhere.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.