Is adopting an adult GSD from a rescue group unwise?

[doggerel]

My husband and I are researching what kind of dog we should get when we move to a new home in May 2012. We're both very fond of the GSD, even though neither of us have owned one before.

I am a volunteer for our local SPCA now and I am leaning toward adopting a GSD from one of the Virginia rescue agencies--instead of buying a purebred puppy.

I've done a lot of research about the breed, and the one caveat about them that is making me nervous is the large range of serious health problems that plague these dogs. Is it an unwise choice to rescue an adult GSD, if we have no guarantee of their health or temperament issues? Would you counsel us to get another breed for our first dog?

I've been spending a year of research on dogs, dog breeds (which I've chronicled on my blog, Doggerel), but I'm still unsure and would love some advice from seasoned GSD owners.

Thanks so much for your input! Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Abby

[MountainGSDs]

It is very wise. Most rescues evaluate and vet a dog before it is adopted out. It's like getting a certified, car faxed car.

Just kidding. Most rescues go to great lengths to ensure a proper match and that the dog has been vet checked, neutered and sometimes even chipped.

[Two]

Since you are a volunteer at your local SPCA and you have had at least a year in GSD research, you must already know all of the health complications that can occur in the GSD breed. That being said, adopting an adult (adult? you won't know much about his/her history) GSD from a rescue group could be good or bad. How old are you looking for? 2-4 years?

The only things I would be worried about are:

1) Temperament.
2) Social skills.
3) Health issues.

You don't know where this dog is from. Why he is in the rescue shelter. What was his history like? Who are his parents? What is his bloodline? Are his hips/elbows OK?

I mean there is just question after question that you have to ask. I am guessing one of the main reasons you want an adult is because you don't have the time or patience for a puppy? It will obviously be harder to train an adult (Well it should be) than a puppy. Since you are getting the dog in May 2012 you for sure have the time to find the right one.

We're all glad you came here to ask questions. I am sure that all of your questions will be answered =]

[valb]

Ask a LOT of questions, they won't mind, really. Make a list
and add to it over time as you think of other things. I asked
what I thought were a lot, but I didn't go far enough and I
regret that to some extent.

Better a rescued adult than a puppy though, I think.

[Samba]

My experience has been very good with rescue dogs. You can assess them easier than a baby puppy for issues.

The breed does carry a risk of potential problems. I have some dogs whomwere very healthy and some who had isuues. In spite of the potential problems, I can not think of a breed I would rather have instead.

[Girth]

All three of mine are rescues. I've had no problems and will continue to go that route if I'm ever looking for a GSD. Valerie's advice is spot on and really can't add anything more.

[WVGSD]

In December 2010 I adopted an adult male GSD from a WV shelter in my role as a WV member of Virginia GSD rescue group. I could not be happier!! He came in to my home with seven other dogs and has done remarkably well. I don't know his pedigree or where he came from and he does have a health challenge, but it is manageable and this did not stop me from being happy with him. We have taken two training classes and he is now a beloved member of my pack.

Many dogs in foster care with rescues do have known origins, behavior patterns and health histories when they are owner surrendered dogs rather than strays that wound up in shelters. With the economy in the shape that it is and two wars going on simultaneously, many dogs have been relinquished to rescues and there is a wealth of information about them that the owner passes to the rescue group.

Please don't discount rescued dogs - I have found that they are so grateful for the time, attention and love that they recieve.

[gsdraven]

Originally Posted by Two

You don't know where this dog is from. Why he is in the rescue shelter. What was his history like? Who are his parents? What is his bloodline? Are his hips/elbows OK?

Two, there is a difference between a rescue and a shelter. ETA: I also find adults much easier to train than puppies. For starters, their attention span is much better!

Rescues typically get their dogs from kill shelters (sometimes non-kill or owner surrenders) and take them into foster care. While in foster care (hopefully for a minimum of 3-4 weeks), the foster parent spends time with the foster dog to evaluate temperament and work on issues that may arise. The foster parent will also take the dog to the vet for a health screening and while that won't usually includes hip/elbow xrays, you generally get a good idea of the dog's health, temperament and social skills.

There are no guarantees when you purchase a dog or adopt one. Going to a reputable breeder or rescue does stack the odds in your favor no matter which you choose.

The benefits of adopting an adult from a reputable rescue are that the dog is (should be) fully vetted and the foster parent can tell you about the dog that they just spend the last month living with.

OP, an adult dog for your first venture into GSD ownership is a great idea. It's sort of like easing in instead of jumping straight into the fire. You get to skip the house breaking and landshark phase and you already know their adult personality. My advice is to research reputable rescue organizations, meet several dogs and ask questions. You'll know when you've met the right one.

Oh, and Welcome!

[Stosh]

Read the book "Love Has No Age Limit" by Patricia McConnell. It's helpful no matter what breed you rescue. She's donating copies to many rescues/shelters around the country so you might want to ask if the rescue you're working with has any.

[Todd]

I'm on my second adult adoption (both from shelters). When you're making your decision, make sure you appreciate the value of having a reasonably well established personality and behavior. Both of mine had perfect house manners and were 100% potty trained. There's a lot to be said for that!

One thing you might consider is to pay for an examination by a vet if the rescue hasn't done one or can't afford that for every dog given their financial situation.

Best wishes...some of the VA rescues had a lot of great dogs that I saw when I was looking for another GSD.