Pros & Cons of Adopting from a Shelter vs. Purchasing a Puppy

[TeresaP]

Hello everyone!

I've searched the older threads for similar topics, and while there is some really good information you've given to other members, my question goes a little further than others.

I have 4 children (ages 19, 15, 11, and almost 8) who have all been raised with dogs (both our own and other family dogs, big and small.) Everyone has very good "doggie manners" especially when it comes to new dogs in the house. I used to foster for a cocker spaniel resuce until I started back to college (yes, you read that right, I'm in college) but I'm torn between bringing home an young adult/adult dog or starting with a puppy that we can train and raise in our family.


My questions/comments are:

1) I have concerns bringing home an untested (temperment-wise) dog from a shelter (not a rescue - simply an animal shelter.) All the "what ifs" keep running through my head. Is there a link or advice on temperment testing a dog from a shelter? Are their "pros" I should contact for this instead of me doing it or does it matter?

2) Should I bypass the shelter dog and look for a puppy?

3) I could use some guidance. I do not want to make a mistake - either by passing up what could be a really great dog, or risking an established dog's past on our future.

Thanks in advance!

[Greydusk]

Why not go the rescue route, they usually know more about a dogs temperament than a shelter.

[Emoore]

Have you ruled out a rescue group? Is it shelter dog vs. puppy?

Also, if you decide to go with a puppy, are you prepared to research breeders and spend upwards of $1000 to get a good solid puppy from a responsible breeder?

[TeresaP]

Originally Posted by Greydusk

Why not go the rescue route, they usually know more about a dogs temperament than a shelter.

I have contacted a couple of rescues in our area, but I seem to always end up #2 on the list. That's really good news for the dogs, but not great for us. I realize that it takes time, and I am VERY willing to wait for the right dog.

These questions kept popping into my head and I thought I would put them out here and get some points-of-view from others who have been there and walked this road.

I find/see some of the "urgent" posts here and they tug at me, but then caution takes over, which lead to this post.

[Emoore]

Originally Posted by Emoore

Also, if you decide to go with a puppy, are you prepared to research breeders and spend upwards of $1000 to get a good solid puppy from a responsible breeder?

I just realized this sounded like I'm trying to take a dig at you and I swear I'm not. It's just that if you're not currently in a position to spend what it costs to buy a puppy from a good breeder, your options are more limited. In my opinion, somebody with kids really can't take the chance of buying an inexpensive puppy from a less-than-stellar breeder. In that case, you're much much better off going with an adult dog whose temperament you can evaluate.

[TeresaP]

Originally Posted by Emoore

Have you ruled out a rescue group? Is it shelter dog vs. puppy?

Also, if you decide to go with a puppy, are you prepared to research breeders and spend upwards of $1000 to get a good solid puppy from a responsible breeder?

No, no... it's not either/or -- simply putting my concerns out here hoping that someone has another perspective on those dogs in shelters. A rescue is my first choice, but I see some of the "urgent" postings here and I can't help but wonder if "that's" the dog for us; and then I worry about all the unknowns.

Yes, I am prepared to research and spend the money on a quality pup should we go that route, but I'd still prefer a rescue. Nothing is set-in-stone, nor am I desperate for a dog/puppy. I am willing to wait for the right dog at the right time.

[Greydusk]

Originally Posted by TeresaP

I have contacted a couple of rescues in our area, but I seem to always end up #2 on the list. That's really good news for the dogs, but not great for us. I realize that it takes time, and I am VERY willing to wait for the right dog.

These questions kept popping into my head and I thought I would put them out here and get some points-of-view from others who have been there and walked this road.

I find/see some of the "urgent" posts here and they tug at me, but then caution takes over, which lead to this post.

Gotcha.

Keep in mind you may have issues with a puppy too, even if they're from a reputable breeder.

Some shelters do temperament tests on their dogs.

[TeresaP]

Originally Posted by Emoore

I just realized this sounded like I'm trying to take a dig at you and I swear I'm not. It's just that if you're not currently in a position to spend what it costs to buy a puppy from a good breeder, your options are more limited. In my opinion, somebody with kids really can't take the chance of buying an inexpensive puppy from a less-than-stellar breeder. In that case, you're much much better off going with an adult dog whose temperament you can evaluate.

You're right on both accounts - kids are expensive! And we want the best for our family, whether that be raising a puppy or bringing in an adult whether that is from a rescue, shelter, or breeder. I want to cover ALL my bases and make sure I've thought of everything.

In the year we had Braska, his vet bills topped well over 3K ... and he was worth every penny. We lucked out on his temperment, but his health... not so much. But we were committed to doing everything necessary to keep him here, healthy, loved, and comfortable.

I don't want to rush anything, but I am aching for "my dog" wherever he/she may be so I have to be careful my heart doesn't take over sensibility. Again, I want to help, rescue, adopt (etc) but the welfare of my family is paramount; money is secondary but of course, it is a consideration.

Thanks!

[TeresaP]

Originally Posted by Greydusk

Gotcha.

Keep in mind you may have issues with a puppy too, even if they're from a reputable breeder.

Some shelters do temperament tests on their dogs.

Good point ~ Thanks!

[Lin]

Shelters generally do at least some temperament tests, because dogs that fail the basics will be euthed and never put up for adoption. But the shelter environment changes the behavior of the dog and you really don't know for sure. With your concerns, I would only look at local shelters and foster the dog before deciding on adoption. Otherwise, go with a rescue where the foster home knows temperament.

I fostered one dog who passed all temperament tests at the shelter with flying colors. Great with other dogs, great with cats, great with the people. And he was great... For about 3 days. Then he attacked the cats, and would chase my GSD Tessa UNDER the bed, and continue trying to get at her until I dragged him off. I tried keeping them separate, but Tessa was so terrified she wouldn't come out from her crate or under the desk even if he was crated or in another room. I had to bring him back to the shelter, where they gave me dirty looks and treated me like a liar. The environment can subdue the dogs so much they don't behave in their normal manner. Or the opposite happens as well, a dog could be completely ramped up and running on adrenaline but calm down significantly in a home.