Quote:
Originally Posted by strandinthewind
I showed both of my dogs and they are champions.
I bought them from a reputable breeder for the following reasons:
1. She can trace the family trees back to like 1990.
2. She breeds for quality and health - not appearance.
3. Dogs from puppy mills are very prone to illness and defects because they are bred to anything without care or regard to heath and quality.
As for the AKC, it is important, but it in no way assures the dogs are bred for quality or health.
I think all dogs should be fixed if they are not to breed and I think it is important to consider the pound dogs first. Having said that, many dogs from rescues and pounds have problems (physical and emotional) -- so they are not for everyone, etc.
Finally, my Scotties new puppies will likely go for $2,000 a puppy.
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I knew you'd come through for me.
1. Great - but who cares?
2. But there's still no guarantee that a dog will be fine, with no health problems. I have a good friend who bought 2 Boxer pups from a reputable breeder and one of them has cost her over $3000 in vet bills in the 2 years she's had them.
I know you love your dogs, and they are beautiful. But they're show dogs, and
you paid the price for it.
That's fine. But for someone who wants a pet for their kids? I don't get the need to spend all that money just to say "oh, he's purebred."
And btw, most rescue dogs do not have emotional/behavioral problems - often times it's the previous owner's that had the problem. Many people decide too hastily on a dog & dump them when they can't handle it. For example, if you live alone & work 12 hour days, a puppy is not the best dog for you. But people don't think, they just want something & buy it. A dog is not a possession.
The rescue we used closely monitors each dog when they come into rescue. They take them to the vet, update their vaccines, treat any illnesses they may have, and monitor their behaviors. They determine whether the dog is good with other dogs, cats, kids, etc. They also provide the dog's history openly & honestly, letting you know why they're in rescue (it's usually that people move, or die, or have kids, or can't afford the dog anymore.)
As for pound/SPCA dogs, it is taking more of a chance. But I agree with you that this option should be considered first. Side note - all my pets are fixed.