Question For Purebred Dog Owners

[mita]

If everyone only acquired the breed of their choice from ethical dedicated purebred breeders, there would be no need for pounds and shelters. Dedicated breeders care for their dogs and take responsibility for them for their entire lives. They don't sell to people who should not own a dog or who do not suit the breed. Their puppies, that have been bred and placed with care never end up in a shelter.

I'm glad to see another post pointing out that both options...adopting from a good registered breeder, and adopting from a reputable rescue/shelter....contribute to lessening the homeless dog problem. The first by prevention (& research backs that), and the second by direct adoption. So no reason to feel guilty.

[Her Majesty Dogmad]

I am about the most avid fan of rescue dogs you could meet but I often tell people that pose your dilemma to me to not feel bad about getting the dog they want from a registered breeder. This is of course, providing the breed is appropriate for the person - I would hope that a good breeder will discern that of course.

There are some breeds that are far more prevalent in rescue than others and I think if you want a breed that is commonly rescued, it is definitely worthwhile having a look as the rescue option. There will be some with problems but there will be many a good rescued purebred dog.

I don't ever recall seeing an Aussie Shepherd in rescue, nor do I know of an AS rescue so if this the breed for you, you are taking the only option you can! And personally, I think they are absolutely beautiful dogs! My neighbour has one.

[Sayly]

Dogmad - they do occasionally turn up but individual breeders or the breed clubs generally rescue and rehome. The one I have heard of who may be put in the hands of rescue soon was bought from a petshop and the owner sounds very irresponsible.

If the OP wants to rescue an Aussie it is possible, although they may well be waiting a while! As I said, it is very occasionally.

[Gayle.]

There might be one way to assuage both the desire for a purebred Aussie and the guilt of not rescuing a dog in need. And that is to approach Australian Shepherd breeders and enquire about dogs they've sold as pups that have been returned to them.

Since I bought Benson, his breeder has had two adult dogs returned to her as the owners fell on hard times and could no longer keep a dog.

One was around 5-6 years of age at the time, the other was Bensons gorgeous blue merle brother who came back at around 18 months.

The breeder then had to find suitable homes for them, and I believe she did. These are dogs that could have potentially ended up in rescue had the breeder not made a point of letting all her puppy buyers know that the dogs she sold could be returned at any time, no questions asked.

I have heard of it happening with other breeders and I expect it will happen again and again. It may be a path to pursue.

[tdierikx]

I foster pups for rescue, and I'm more inclined towards mutts for my own pets - but it would never be my place to try to "force" someone else's choice of where they source a pet for themselves.

Sure, if someone I knew was looking in petshops for a dog, I'd explain to them the benefits of getting a dog from rescue over getting a dog from a petshop - same unknown "breeding", but all vetwork, etc, done, and for a fraction of the price... *grin*

However, if someone was researching their fave breed and looking for reputable breeders of same, I'd support them wholeheartedly...

You choose what is right for YOU - and to hell with the naysayers, OK?

My cousins (who adopted a rescue puppy from my rescue group) live next door to 2 Aussies - they are lovely!! The owner of the Aussies comes over when she's off for a walk/run with her dogs and asks if Gidget wants to come along too... the Aussies are in love with little Gidget and act as her bodyguards at the off lead park - they run interference to some of the unruly larger dogs that go running up to Gidget, and Gidget feels very safe at the park with her besties... *grin*

T.

[aussielover]

Thanks everyone- we have decided to stick with Aussies.

I am actually involved with fostering kittens, so I am constantly surrounded by well meaning rescue people telling me to get a rescue dog.

I probably eventually will end up with several rescue dogs (as well as several aussies!) but at the moment i am just going to get the one aussie!

Clover used to help socialise the kittens with dogs.