When choosing a dog why....?

Bullseye1

I've noticed that when someone enquires about getting a pure breed dog that quite often that people recommend that people should adopt from a dog pound or shelter. Why give this advice if the OP is specifically looking for certain breed with good characteristics.

Its very admirable*adopting dogs from shelters but they are not for everyone.

Cherry Blossom

I agree completely that the general get a recue dog instead posts are completly off topic. If posters know of a particular dog of that breed that is in a rescue or can recommend a breed specific rescue then that's fair enough but other than this these posts are off-topic and if reported will be removed by mods straight away. I started a thread a while back with the purpose being an informative resource on the specific health issues of various breeds from the perspective of those who own them, half the posts were telling people this is why they should get a rescue dog instead and claiming cross breeds where problem free/much healthier etc.

lrushe

If someone isn't looking specifically for a pup to show or certain work / sports a rescued purebreed from a reputable rescue can make a good alternative to going to a breeder, especially in this current economic climate there are some excellent purebred dogs being surrendered to shelters.
You will get a dog who is temperament tested, health tested, s/neutered, chipped and vacc'd for a nominal fee plus you get to give a dog a home. Win, win situation really.

TooManyDogs

I'd imagine part of the suggesting a rescue is that many people aren't aware that rescues and shelters are full of purebred dogs as well as cross bred dogs, and also if peope are inexperienced if can be easy to buy a dog from a bad breeder but a rescue will health check, temprement check, vaccinate and neuter the dog before they adopt it out.

peasant

The other thing is ...when you choose a pup from a breeder you're buying an idea. Good breeders have waiting lists and you basically commit to "your" dog before it's even born.

Getting a dog from a rescue, you have a choice. You can look at the (more or less) finished article and compare.

Especially for first timers the "seeing in the flesh" without the obligation to take it home immediately can be a good thing.

kylith

There are many breed rescues which deal specifically with certain breeds. If I were after a pedigree I'd definitely check those first.

micheleabc

I met a great number of people who would choose a pure breed only because they know somebody with that same breed and they are in love with. Many people is not even aware that there are shelter with lots of dogs both pure breed or cross breed all equally good.
Another good reason for adopting a dog is that as much as puppies looks fantastic, to rise one is not an easy task, especially for working singles or couples. Instead adopting a already grown up dog means no problem with chewing, no problem with house training, good chance to get over quickly with separation anxiety issues and, of course, the humanitarian factor.
If the OP is opening a discussion about what dog to choose, in the end of the day means that he/her is willing to discuss the topic; if there is no interest in a rescue dog OP can simply skip the post and read the next one. I don't think that there is nothing wrong in remembering to everyone that out there there is an umbelievable number of fantastic dog looking for an home.

Toulouse

Not everybody is aware that the shelters are teeming with pedigree dogs as well as crossbreeds.

There was a post a while back from someone who hadn't realised that shelters were full of puppies, they thought they only had grown dogs!

People in Ireland can be very ignorant when it comes to shelters, it's no harm to point it out the facts in case they are not aware.

adser53

In saying that though, who knows the origins of a pure breed dog in a shelter? When people come here asking about buying a puppy, we all give them advice on how to choose a good breeder, see the parents, how to avoid puppy farms etc. If I wanted another cav, I would want to do all that homework to make sure I'm getting the best and healthiest dog. We all know the health issues with cavs, for example, and I for one would be wary of getting one from a shelter as there are so many questions they couldn't give an answer to. what's it's breeding history (i.e interbred with family, from a puppy farm etc), what's its family's health history (i.e heart murmers, syrngomyelia, luxating patellas etc). You say a rescue health checks but surely that's a once over from a vet and such? I wouldn't expect a PB GSD in a rescue to have IKC papers, family history and hip scores from it's parents? I know there are thousands of dogs in reScues but if someone wants a specific breed that is known to have health issues (pugs,cavs GSDs) etc then would a rescue dog not be a bit of a lottery in the future? Just a thought and I have great respect for rescues and rescuers so I'm not slating them or anything. in fact I'd love to run an Akita rescue some day.

lrushe

adser53 wrote: »

In saying that though, who knows the origins of a pure breed dog in a shelter? When people come here asking about buying a puppy, we all give them advice on how to choose a good breeder, see the parents, how to avoid puppy farms etc. If I wanted another cav, I would want to do all that homework to make sure I'm getting the best and healthiest dog. We all know the health issues with cavs, for example, and I for one would be wary of getting one from a shelter as there are so many questions they couldn't give an answer to. what's it's breeding history (i.e interbred with family, from a puppy farm etc), what's its family's health history (i.e heart murmers, syrngomyelia, luxating patellas etc). You say a rescue health checks but surely that's a once over from a vet and such? I wouldn't expect a PB GSD in a rescue to have IKC papers, family history and hip scores from it's parents? I know there are thousands of dogs in reScues but if someone wants a specific breed that is known to have health issues (pugs,cavs GSDs) etc then would a rescue dog not be a bit of a lottery in the future? Just a thought and I have great respect for rescues and rescuers so I'm not slating them or anything. in fact I'd love to run an Akita rescue some day.

I agree with you to any extent, in no way am I against anyone buying from a breeder, my own three dogs where aquired that way but it is nice to put forward the option of rescuing as many peoples' image of rescued dogs are mostly mixed breeds.
It shouldn't be an either or situation imo, both options should be given to someone looking for a dog so they can make the best decision for their situation.

adser53

lrushe wrote: »

I agree with you to any extent, in no way am I against anyone buying from a breeder, my own three dogs where aquired that way but it is nice to put forward the option of rescuing as many peoples' image of rescued dogs are mostly mixed breeds.
It shouldn't be an either or situation imo, both options should be giving to someone looking for a dog so they can make the best decision for their situation.

I agree with you there and like others have said, most people think shelters only have older crossbreeds which we know isn't the case. I'm all for promoting rescues but buying a dog from a good breeder is ok too and sometimes that gets lost in threads where "go to a rescue" type replies are a majority

Angelmangle

Bullseye1 wrote: »

I've noticed that when someone enquires about getting a pure breed dog that quite often that people recommend that people should adopt from a dog pound or shelter. Why give this advice if the OP is specifically looking for certain breed with good characteristics.

Its very admirable*adopting dogs from shelters but they are not for everyone.

I would wonder why not give this advice! Breed characteristics are the same in rescue dogs as in puppies from a breeder are they not? The only difference is that you do not generally know the history of a rescued animal. I imagine the majority of posters here are dog lovers and as such the current situation with thousands of poor dogs being put to sleep for want of a good home every year is extremely distressing to them and as such advising somebody to consider a rescue dog is the right and ethical thing to do. Saving a life in my opinion should always be the first option unless you want to show or work your dog.

seamus

Bullseye1 wrote: »

Its very admirable*adopting dogs from shelters but they are not for everyone.

I just want to explore this a little bit more and ask why you say this? Aside from the fact that you miss the 8 months or so of "cuteness" in a puppy, what do you get from a purchased pup that you don't get from a rescue dog?

There seems to be an attitude in many quarters that a dog taken from a rescue will have behavioural problems, will be aggressive against people and other animals and overall is a lot of work. Whereas a puppy is fresh and new and no hassle at all.

Perhaps it comes back to the percieved Irish attitude that pets are property and if you go to a rescue you're getting pre-owned or damaged goods?

Rescues can have behavioural problems, I don't think anyone would dispute that. But not to any great extent. It could be as simple as a fear of loud noises. Of course, given that case, it's very rewarding to see a rescue's attitude and confidence change as it responds to your care and attention.

lrushe

seamus wrote: »

I just want to explore this a little bit more and ask why you say this?

Here's my situation, I've 3 dogs, I bought all 3 of my dogs from breeders as I work full time and my dogs are outside when I'm not home, I'm thinking there are more people in the same situation. My youngest dog is almost 17 months so I won't be getting anymore dogs for 5-10 years and when I do I want my next dog to be a rescued greyhound as I've had them before, they are terrific dogs and there are so many in need of homes. I am hoping by then to be home more so I will be a better candidate.
I think rescuing is great, both my parents dogs are rescues and that is why I always give this as an option to people looking for dogs however I myself just can't rescue at the moment.
I can also understand peoples' desires to to buy from a breeder they can vet for themselves. There are some lovely purebred dogs in rescues but one must also keep in mind that the majority will most likely have come from BYB's because reputable breeders will always take their dogs back, my 3 dogs have sales contract which includes the fact that they go back to their breeders if I can no longer look after them, they will never end up in shelter. With this in mind, as another poster pointed out, you need to keep in mind their health history. With a breeder pup you get more of an insight into their future health, no guarantees of course but they are in a slightly better position from that point of view.
As I've said I can see both side, neither should be pushed down someones throat of course but both should be explored by someone looking for a dog so they can make the best descision for them.

Cherry Blossom

seamus wrote: »

I just want to explore this a little bit more and ask why you say this? Aside from the fact that you miss the 8 months or so of "cuteness" in a puppy, what do you get from a purchased pup that you don't get from a rescue dog?

In my case I had very specific requirements which all had to be met. I have a very active lifestyle and I wanted a dog that would be part of my life as a whole and fit in with that lifestyle. I have 4 young kids here on a daily basis and a bunch of rescue horses so I had to either know the whole history of the dog and ensure I was being told the complete truth about it or start with a blank slate that I could mould into what I wanted it to be, I chose the later and I honestly couldn't be happier about the decision as it is turning out brilliantly. It also involved a little bit of selfishness in that having had dogs all my life this is the first 'brand new' puppy I've had since I was 4 (which was a terrier cross that was born blind, I overheard the owner tell my father it would be drowned and screamed untill he agreed to bring it home with us ). I had always fancied the challange of rearing a puppy up to adulthood. This last point really wasn't a deciding factor though, more of an aside.

<ETA> My first experience of posting on API was a thread asking for an owners perspective on a few breeds I was looking into, basicly all I got were posts telling me that I had gone for very active breeds, I wouldn't be able to handle them and I should get a rescue dog anyway.

ISDW

I have a siberian husky here that has just turned one and I have his papers, he is registered. He is stunning, the reason he ended up in rescue was because his owner had very low fencing and he went to play with some sheep. He's coming to Galway tomorrow for his first mushing experience, going by his size and speed, I think he's going to be a fantastic sled dog:D

I have had a good number of dogs come into me that were IKC or KC registered, mostly a change in owner's circumstances led to them being surrendered.

kiersm

When i initally was looking to get my dog I did look at rescuing a dog and was completely put off rescuing becasue i rang a rescue centre in Munster bout a puppy i had seen on the website that i wanted to find out more about one of the first questions i was asked was did i work full time and i said yes i was then told Sorry no we won't let you adopt a dog someone has to be there with the dog. Now i understand a dog has an adjustment when it comes to your house but I was told no way would they let me have a dog and I have to say I will not look at rescuing a dog again. I have to say I was soo put off of a rescue centre then and just decided to go to a breeder to get my dog which i did and now have a beautiful cav.

Unfortunately tho I did do research on the breed but not enough research on my cav's breeding background but against that you live and learn and while he has had health issues he is fine now.

DonnchaMc

adrenalinjunkie wrote: »

I agree completely that the general get a recue dog instead posts are completly off topic. If posters know of a particular dog of that breed that is in a rescue or can recommend a breed specific rescue then that's fair enough but other than this these posts are off-topic and if reported will be removed by mods straight away. I started a thread a while back with the purpose being an informative resource on the specific health issues of various breeds from the perspective of those who own them, half the posts were telling people this is why they should get a rescue dog instead and claiming cross breeds where problem free/much healthier etc.

To be honest i think a lot of it started as a campaign to encourage people who werent sure or were in 2minds about details to consider an IGNORED option etc.. but it kind of has run out of control a bit with every pet comment being diverted to adopting and now people just repeat what they have pumped with for so long ( i mean no disrespect)

Adopting is a great idea, but its not for every1

rabbit.84

kiersm wrote: »

When i initally was looking to get my dog I did look at rescuing a dog and was completely put off rescuing becasue i rang a rescue centre in Munster bout a puppy i had seen on the website that i wanted to find out more about one of the first questions i was asked was did i work full time and i said yes i was then told Sorry no we won't let you adopt a dog someone has to be there with the dog. Now i understand a dog has an adjustment when it comes to your house but I was told no way would they let me have a dog and I have to say I will not look at rescuing a dog again. I have to say I was soo put off of a rescue centre then and just decided to go to a breeder to get my dog which i did and now have a beautiful cav.
.

Most rescues wont allow you to take a puppy unless someone will be there for the day. Its because they need to be fed so often during the day. We got a pup from a rescue last year, my father is out of work so at home all day. The pup also had to be kept inside.

My friend bought a cav a week before we got our pup. Instead of feeding him 4 times a day like she was supposed to she switched his meals to twice a day straight away and his growth was clearly affected. He used to go at least 9 hours without a meal. And she had him living outside from january because he wasnt toilet trained. But no one was at home to train him! our dog stayed inside until may.

If you wanted a dog to show then I def agree with going to a breeder. But if it is just for a pet then the size and temperment you want is more important. We have no idea what breed our dog is. But he was just so friendly that we had to have him. Our only requirement was that we wanted a small to medium sized dog.

boomerang

Just wanted to point out that rescues quite often know the history/background of the dogs in their care. This is particularly true of purebred dogs, because generally those dogs are surrendered as unwanted, rather than picked up as strays. We can learn a lot about the dog from the family that are relinquishing it - even the details of the breeder and the dog's IKC papers. The number one reason that purebred dogs are surrendered is, as peasant put it, they were bought as an "idea" and the owners honestly didn't anticipate just how much training and exercise goes into keeping them happy and sane members of the household.

Also I think it's fair to say that the vast majority of pups bought in this country come with no health checks done, no pedigree history... Hell, they're lucky if they have been wormed! I think it's great if people have a particular breed in mind and go to a very caring, responsible breeder to source their pup. But in fairness most people just buy their pet off the small ads. It's a complete lottery as to what health problems that pup will suffer in the future, and what it's temperament will be like. So in that case, the person might as well get the same breed from a rescue, where at least they'll be able to get an idea of the dog's temperament and the rescue will have checked for some of the health problems associated with the breed. And the dog will be neutered, wormed and vaccinated.

boomerang

seamus wrote: »

There seems to be an attitude in many quarters that a dog taken from a rescue will have behavioural problems, will be aggressive against people and other animals and overall is a lot of work. Whereas a puppy is fresh and new and no hassle at all.

Great point Seamus! I have two dogs, one I got as a 12 week old puppy and one when she was about ten or twelve months. While the puppy was tremendous fun, she was also really hard work for those first months. I was lucky that I was studying at home at the time so I could give a lot of time to housetraining her and breaking up her meals. I can't imagine how I could take on a puppy while working full time. All the training would take much longer, I'd have less time to socialise her, and it would break my heart to leave a little pup on its own for eight hours a day. Plus my little pup grew into a very nervous adult dog with issues around other dogs and she is very fearful of people she doesn't know. It's mostly down to genetics in her case - her type has a predisposition to fearfulness/shyness if not socialised rigourously early in life. Her parents should never have been bred from as their pups shared their nervous disposition.

My other dog, the one adopted when 10/12 months old is an absolute dream who has never put a paw wrong - in fact she has just qualified as a therapy dog and we'll be visiting a retirement home weekly soon. She is as closely bonded to me as if I'd had her from a tiny pup.

I wouldn't swap my first dog for the world, but when I adopt another dog in the future, I'll definitely go for an adult, because the dog's temperament will already be clear to see and the puppy phase will be over (along with all the hard work and time that goes with it!)

Discodog

Why do people get so hung up over breeds & their supposed characteristics ?. Dogs reflect their owners far more than their breed. There is this huge misconception that one breed of dog is more trustworthy, gentler, easier to train etc etc etc.

I have met hundreds of dogs & they are individuals not breeds. Whatever trait you assign to a breed there will plenty of examples that buck the perceived trend. I have just spent some time with the distraught owner of a beautiful St Bernard that has just bitten for the third time.

Why do many of us suggest a rescue ?. Maybe because we are sick to death of the fact that thousands of wonderful dogs die unnecessarily every year. If just some of the people that buy a puppy took a rescue we could save a lot of lives.

Now here is a suggestion. Breeders love dogs so how about a an agreement to reduce the number of puppies being bred & a campaign to save unwanted dogs from being killed. Lets get our killing down to the level of other comparable countries & then we can all start buying pedigree puppies with a clear conscious.

If you love dogs I cannot understand how you can buy a puppy & not save a life instead. It really is that black & white.

kiersm

Sorry Rabbit but i dont agree with you there, my OH was at home at the time and when i got my cav i took some time off to spent with him and train him etc and we never fed him 4 times a day we only ever fed him twice as thats what his breeder had been doing and I guarantee you it has not halted his development in any way, as far as cav's go my dog is huge!!! and we did all the socialising, training etc that was needed while i was working full time as he is my dog I wanted to do it myself and my OH helped me. We took him to a trainer etc, i did at one time think bout breeding from him but changed my mind as he's not suitable for that. I think if rescuing is for you great but thru my own personal exp I won't be rescuing because of the attitude of the person i spoke too. I have to say having had him froma puppy I've learned loads thanks to him and eventho he was & is hard work sometimes i still wudn't have gotten him any other way

Vel

kiresm, you seem to be basing your opinion of all rescues on one phone call with one individual. Its a shame you are choosing to write off a rescue dog on that basis alone

kiersm

I'm not cos before i got my first dog I went to a rescue centre a few times looking for a dog and i could never see one i liked or wanted. So initally i did think bout rescuing a dog but i wanted a puppy and unfort i couldn't get one and as time went on i decided to buy a dog because then i could decide what i was getting and pick what i wanted.

boomerang

The rescue will only be thinking of the pup's best interests, and it is widely accepted that a young pup should not left on its own for long stretches. Sure a lot of people get a pup when they are out working all day and will tell you the pup is just fine. Personally I don't agree and neither do most rescues. We just want what's best for the pup - it's usually come from a pretty sh*tty situation and we want to make up for that with the best possible start in its new home.

kiersm

I agree with you boomerang but i wasn't told that i was just rudely told no way there wasn't any discussion or wasn't explained to me why. The person just told me a flat out no. I understand why now as i've had to house train my cav etc but her attitude on the phone left an awful lot to be desired, I was in the animal rescue in Kilfinane and the peps there couldn't have been nicer or more helpful but my opinion has been coloured by the other person i talked to at some other rescue mite i add not the one in Kilfinane. But i had my heart set on a puppy & i could never seem to get one at a rescue so that's another reason i went to a breeder

boomerang

There is no excuse for rudeness, I'm really sorry you had that experience.

kiersm

Me 2 but now i have a most beautiful cav who is the most lovable pet & is currently sitting with me keeping me warm so I still came out the best end of that one. My only fear is how many other people has she put off rescuing an animal with her attitude

threeleggedhors

Bullseye1 wrote: »

I've noticed that when someone enquires about getting a pure breed dog that quite often that people recommend that people should adopt from a dog pound or shelter. Why give this advice if the OP is specifically looking for certain breed with good characteristics.

Its very admirable*adopting dogs from shelters but they are not for everyone.

just ask a vet how many dogs are destroyed each year in ireland, it's a ridiculously large number. It's logistically and ethically a more intelligent choice to rescue and abandoned dog, imop

Whispered

kiersm wrote: »

I was in the animal rescue in Kilfinane and the peps there couldn't have been nicer or more helpful but my opinion has been coloured by the other person i talked to at some other rescue

It's such a pity that you had a bad experience and a good one and the bad one is the one which has coloured your view on rescues.

Some of them really need to be more careful of how the public sees them. You get some people who just can't deal with people. Please don't let it put you off if you're ever going to get a dog again.

lrushe

Discodog wrote: »

Why do people get so hung up over breeds & their supposed characteristics ?. Dogs reflect their owners far more than their breed. There is this huge misconception that one breed of dog is more trustworthy, gentler, easier to train etc etc etc.

I have met hundreds of dogs & they are individuals not breeds. Whatever trait you assign to a breed there will plenty of examples that buck the perceived trend. I have just spent some time with the distraught owner of a beautiful St Bernard that has just bitten for the third time.

Why do many of us suggest a rescue ?. Maybe because we are sick to death of the fact that thousands of wonderful dogs die unnecessarily every year. If just some of the people that buy a puppy took a rescue we could save a lot of lives.

Now here is a suggestion. Breeders love dogs so how about a an agreement to reduce the number of puppies being bred & a campaign to save unwanted dogs from being killed. Lets get our killing down to the level of other comparable countries & then we can all start buying pedigree puppies with a clear conscious.

If you love dogs I cannot understand how you can buy a puppy & not save a life instead. It really is that black & white.

While I agree with most of your post, I find the last part a bit condescending and judgemental. If I didn't buy my dogs I wouldn't have a dog at all and either way no extra life would have been saved.
If rescues weren't so rigid with their policies maybe more people would consider them a source for obtaining their next dog. Instead many people are turned away feeling like the aren't good enough to own a dog. I have first hand experience of this thus I went down the route of buying my dogs.

Discodog

If I wanted to rehome a dog I would be turned down by some, predominantly the bigger, rescues. But a lot of them would be happy to let me take a dog. There are loads of rescues that are very flexible in their rehoming policy. There are also 6500 dogs that die in the Pounds - anyone can take one of them without being vetted.

If anyone gets turned down or does not like the way that they are treated they can decide to buy a puppy, try a few other rescues or go to the Pound. I actually found two of my three wandering having been dumped & I could find more very easily.

The amazing Suzi, who posts here, rescues puppies - literally hundreds of them. Every single pup that she gets has the potential to be just as wonderful a pet as any pedigree. A rescue may mean a little more work. It might require some persistence & patience in finding the right dog, but the rewards are huge. All three of my dogs arrived unexpectedly & on an instant. They are the sweetest natured bunch that you could ever wish to meet.

If everyone who has one dog considered getting a second from a rescue it would make a huge difference (two are much easier than one). If even 50% of the people who were going to buy a pup took a rescue instead it would make an even bigger difference.

If you are turned down by a rescue be annoyed with the human but don't take it out on other rescue dogs who's lives literally depend on being rehomed.

magentas

Toulouse wrote: »

Not everybody is aware that the shelters are teeming with pedigree dogs as well as crossbreeds.

There was a post a while back from someone who hadn't realised that shelters were full of puppies, they thought they only had grown dogs!

People in Ireland can be very ignorant when it comes to shelters, it's no harm to point it out the facts in case they are not aware.

I think you may be referring to me there!

although I'd call it naivity over ignorance TBH

I imagined that it would be all dogs basically, the fact that there were new born pups really saddened me because I wasn't aware that that level of neglect and cruelty was so common in ireland:(

magentas

Can I just tell a story that I think is relevant to this discussion?

I know of a guy that breeds dogs because he loves them (his words)
he breeds a specific breed once a year and has something like 7dogs himself that are honestly very well looked after.

earlier this year he bred a litter of 6pups. he could only sell 2. he sold one or two more at half the price of the first 2. he had to give the last 2 away as he couldn't get anyone to buy them. they were pedigree dogs and he could show 5generations of the dogs.

when he had difficulty selling the last 4 pups, I heard he was considering putting them down as he couldn't keep them himself. It upset me so much and I was so angry. Coming from a supposed "dog lover" he was willing to kill them if he couldn't make a few quid (I've been told "that's not the way it was" but that's the way I see it:mad:

basically, if he hadn't bred this litter, he wouldn't have put the mother through this, or the pups, he wouldn't be down money, he wouldn't be adding to the already hugely over-populated dog situation in ireland and a shelter could have potentially re-homed six more dogs

Angelmangle

lrushe wrote: »

While I agree with most of your post, I find the last part a bit condescending and judgemental. If I didn't buy my dogs I wouldn't have a dog at all and either way no extra life would have been saved.
If rescues weren't so rigid with their policies maybe more people would consider them a source for obtaining their next dog. Instead many people are turned away feeling like the aren't good enough to own a dog. I have first hand experience of this thus I went down the route of buying my dogs.

I really don't understand how this statement is condescending and judgmental. In my opinion it is a simple statement of fact. There are thousands upon thousands of dogs who are put to sleep in this country and to my mind it is immoral and unethical to pay for a dog when you can save a life instead - to me it is that black and white.

kiersm

It feel it is judgemental to say that you should always rescue a dog before buying a dog, it is up to each individual to decide which they want to do. Resuing a dog is great but there is nothing wrong with buying a puppy. I went to a rescue at least twice looking for a puppy but they never had any and i knew what kind of dog i didnt want but was just waiting to see a dog that i fell in love with to take home with me. At the time i couldn't find a listing anywhere for a pound (i found out where it was later) but i have the right to choose the dog i want & to sound very selfish i wasnt sure if i wanted to have to put in the extra effort that is required with a resue dog. So I will not be told that i was wrong to buy both of my dogs.

BengaLover

I have had a similar experience with cats..
Last 2 were rescue cats from kittens, one had to be put down and then we decided rather that get another rescue cat we would like to buy a Bengal from a breeder.
This decision was looked down upon by a few animal rescue people I am aquainted with - they had this attitude of 'oh my goodness how could you actually buy a cat instead of rehoming a poor abandoned one from the animal welfare'.
We chose a Bengal (see my sig) because of their temperament and personality, and whilst there is nothing wrong with rescue cats, WE wanted a Bengal, and i'm so glad we did, and we are currently desperate for another.
On the other hand, I have known Animal Welfare people to actually REFUSE to allow someone to adopt a cat if they get the slightest suspicion the animal would be kept outside!

Whispered

It's about peoples priorities, some people have getting a rescue as a number 1 priority. We knew we would get a rescue, breed, size etc meant nothing to us beyond not wanting a toy breed.

For others having a certain breed, age, size, temperment etc is their priority and they are entitled to make their decision based on that.

It is hard for people who prioritise differently to understand each other sometimes. It's like this in all decisions in life though really isn't it.

Discodog

kiersm wrote: »

It feel it is judgemental to say that you should always rescue a dog before buying a dog, it is up to each individual to decide which they want to do. Resuing a dog is great but there is nothing wrong with buying a puppy. I went to a rescue at least twice looking for a puppy but they never had any and i knew what kind of dog i didnt want but was just waiting to see a dog that i fell in love with to take home with me. At the time i couldn't find a listing anywhere for a pound (i found out where it was later) but i have the right to choose the dog i want & to sound very selfish i wasnt sure if i wanted to have to put in the extra effort that is required with a resue dog. So I will not be told that i was wrong to buy both of my dogs.

It is your decision. If everyone made the same decision as you then thousands more dogs would die. A rescue can involve more effort. But today's rescue is just yesterday's adorable puppy. They were all lovely puppies once.

It is all about choices & clearly the majority in Ireland chose to let thousands of perfectly good dogs die. A UK documentary featured a Vet putting down unwanted Pound dogs. As he said the killing should be done openly & not hidden away so that people can forget that it happens. Many people simply do not know that so many dogs die here.

Our neglected horses have become big news all over the World recently with stories in New York & even on Al Jezeera. Apparently a German MEP questioned why they are bailing out a country with such an appalling record on animal welfare.

Thanks to the internet Ireland's record is being exposed.

ISDW

OK, obviously I agree with rescuing dogs, but why should people who are posting on this thread be made to feel bad for buying a dog from a responsible breeder? Why should they have to let somebody else buy that puppy, wait for it to grow up and get dumped and then get it? Somebody who buys a puppy and looks after it for its whole life is not the one responsible for all of the unwanted and stray dogs in Ireland.

Why should it only be the irresponsible, uncaring people who are allowed to buy puppies?

kiersm

I completely agree with ISDW, I'm not disagreing with the idea of rescue in theory its a great idea but why should i be made to feel guilty over the fact that i decided to buy a puppy instead of rescuing. Not everyone who buys a puppy is going to an irresponsible owner but unfort they are the owners you hear bout.

Also it sounds like i'm not the only person that has had a not so great exp with rescues. The fact that they will only let you adopt a dog if you'll have someone home everyday or as the previous poster said if you're going to leave a cat outside they wouldn't let you adopt....

BengaLover

And then they charge you 30 euro for the privelege!:D

Bullseye1

Generally people who purchase pedigree dogs do not surrender them to dog pounds. Responsible breeders ask people who take puppies to have them spayed and neutered so they are also not responsible for stray dogs wondering the streets.

Therefore people who are interested in pedigree dogs are not the people you should be directing to dog pounds. The way to deal with that problem is to have people who keep dogs in general to get them spayed/neutered. And not to be getting puppies for Christmas.

Most dogs in these kennels are mongrels from people who do not keep them under control, who have no identity tag or chip and most likely no dog license.

Cherry Blossom

threeleggedhors wrote: »

just ask a vet how many dogs are destroyed each year in ireland, it's a ridiculously large number. It's logistically and ethically a more intelligent choice to rescue and abandoned dog, imop

This is a very sweeping statement. For me my rescue horse's are no. 1 priority. I looked, even advertised for a suitable dog to rehome and didn't find one suitable. Put an advert on done deal and in the local free ads, all I got from either was people ringing me trying to sell me unsuitable dogs. For me buying was logistically and ethically the more intelligent choice. Not to mention that there isn't a rescue with 60 miles of me other than the pound. I haven't seen one advert for crossbred dogs (other than so called designer breeds) in the local free ads in the 2 years I was scanning them except for one trying to sell Westie/ terrier cross puppies for €350. No price was advertised and I rang and was told she thinks the father was a Westie if thats what the white pointy teddy-bear dogs are and because of their apperance she'd be selling them for €350 and had plenty of homes from family members to give any unsold ones to :rolleyes:

boomerang

Very disheartened to see people having a pop at rescues here. Rescuers get into it for the love of the animals, go to enormous lengths to ensure they are safe and find the best homes possible. Wouldn't that be any dog's ideal, to have someone home with them most of the time, and to be allowed inside and treated as one of the family? Not everyone can provide that kind of home, but they shouldn't resent animal rescue groups for trying. They treat each dog as if it were their own, and act accordingly. What kind of home would you want for your dog, if you couldn't care for it anymore? How choosy would you be?

As for keeping cats indoors, that is absolutely the rescue's prerogative. Let me tell you, if you've nursed a stray kitten back from the brink of death with cat flu and worms and fleas or an injury from being hit by a car, the last thing your heart wants you to do is give it to someone who'll let it out to stray away, be killed on the road, chased by dogs or have things pelted at it by annoyed neighbours. You take a huge risk in letting cats outdoors. Some people just can't bear to take that risk, me included, and I always try to find indoor-only homes. Other people feel that leaving the cat out is a risk worth taking, that the cat is deprived if never let out. But if nothing else, absolutely a cat should be kept indoors for the first month in its new home and I don't think any kitten should start going outdoors until it's at least six months old and neutered.

I absolutely agree that everyone has a choice to buy or adopt. But buy from a responsible breeder or else you're contributing to the suffering of the mother dog who is churning out the pups in filthy confinement. And don't dismiss the idea of adopting a rescue on the basis that rescue dogs are problematic, or won't bond to you like a puppy, or that you won't find the breed you want in rescues.

(Steps off soap box)

EGAR

Bullseye1 wrote: »

Generally people who purchase pedigree dogs do not surrender them to dog pounds. Responsible breeders ask people who take puppies to have them spayed and neutered so they are also not responsible for stray dogs wondering the streets.

Therefore people who are interested in pedigree dogs are not the people you should be directing to dog pounds. The way to deal with that problem is to have people who keep dogs in general to get them spayed/neutered. And not to be getting puppies for Christmas.

Most dogs in these kennels are mongrels from people who do not keep them under control, who have no identity tag or chip and most likely no dog license.

Sorry but I have to disagree there, I've had plenty of pedigree dogs in rescue here from the Pound, surrendered by their owners, including rare and expensive breeds such as French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs.

boomerang

And Yorkies, Bichons, Westies, Cairns, Kerry Blues, Shih Tzus, Cavaliers, Labradors, Boxers, Golden Retrievers, Irish Setters, English Setters, Springer Spaniels, Bassetts, Beagles, German Shorthaired Pointers, German Shepherds, Great Danes, St. Bernards... All have passed through our rescue in the last twelve months.

Bullseye1

I don't see the resentment towards rescuers at all. The point of the thread is to establish why people feel the need to push people who are looking for a specific breed to a shelter. If your going to recommend a shelter why not a link to a shelter who have the breed the OP is looking for.

How would you feel if you started a thread about rescues and people started posting about approaching breeders to fill your dog needs. Just saying.

Bullseye1

EGAR wrote: »

Sorry but I have to disagree there, I've had plenty of pedigree dogs in rescue here from the Pound, surrendered by their owners, including rare and expensive breeds such as French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs.

Don't know. I'm not paying €1000 for a pup and then going to surrender it. I am positive that the majority of dogs in pounds are mongrels.

toadfly

I got my Yorkie from the pound. Was loads of pedigree dogs there at the same time, westie, beagle, cairn terrier, lab etc etc..

Not just "mongrels".