rescue vs breeder

[crewchief_chick]

I've seen a lot of shepherds in rescues and on craigslist lately. I've contemplated getting another dog, but especially in this area, I know theres a bunch of BYB's and whatever else. I've seen some cute dogs (i'm a sucker for a cute face, no matter what the breed), but honestly I dont want to deal with the issues that come out of a BYB dog, due to not knowing pedigree. Is that bad, or being responsible? Who on here wants to adopt a shelter dog, but worries about the possible health issues (dysplasia, temperment, anxiety, etc. . . ..) that come out of a non well-bred shepherd?

I know that picking a puppy from a reputable breeder always lessens the chances, but is never a guarantee, but it is something that I'm currently struggling with.

[fuzzybunny]

You're right that you won't know the health of the dog but rescues typically go to great lengths to evaluate the temperament of the dog and how it responds in a variety of situations. It's a tough decision. I have a rescue and one from a reputable breeder and I can't say one way is better than the other.

[gsdraven]

I foster for a rescue so I'm pro-rescue all the way. I can say that the number of fosters with "issues" that I've had is much less than the ones that haven't had any issues.

You have to do what is right for you and your situation. It's important to take your time to find the right fit for you no matter if it's a rescue or breeder.

[dazedtrucker]

I vote for responsible! That's why there are so many in shelters, because people don't give it enough thought and just get the 1st thing that looks cute. There are risks with adopting, sometimes craigslist you can get a little better idea of the dogs background however... and also how much experience you have with dogs is important. Correcting the mess someone else made of a dog is not an easy task...

[gsdraven]

Not every dog... not even the majority of the dogs... in a rescue or shelter are a "mess".

[crewchief_chick]

the one i'm speaking of in particular I saw on craigslist the other day, the person posted up a picture of him. he's a 4 month old solid black shepherd, and the owner is rehoming him because the people the owner is staying with has said either the dog goes or the tenant goes. Its heartbreaking. Our local rescue in Memphis (save our shepherds) also will not let us adopt a rescue because our yard isnt fenced. Our dogs aren't let outside without supervision, nor do they run out of the yard either because they can.

I absolutely love Kendra, and our breeder is awesome. Any questions I've had she's readily answered, and she loves to hear updates. We want another shepherd, not right now, with another deployment overseas in our future (we are dual military). I have no problems with paying for a quality animal. Our cats are rescues. I love rescue dogs, they have some awesome personalities....but I know in my heart I couldnt bear to adopt one that had a lot of issues, then not be able to take care of that animal like he/she deserves.

[gsdraven]

There really shouldn't be any issues if the dogs is only 4 months old.

[GSDElsa]

Do whatever is best for you.

I'm adult rescue all the way, personally. I know the puppies go fast, but IMO adults are easier all around.

I think the best way to go is adopt an adult-ish dog that has been in a foster home. That is, IMO, the best way to gauge health and temperment. Puppies--even from the most reputable breeder--can be a crapshoot and have personalities that can change. Sure, health problems can crop up with adults and personality in the foster home can be different than the forever home...but the vast majority of the time what you see is what you get.

[onyx'girl]

The reason for a 4 month old to be rehomed is usually a mismatch. And the reason for a mismatch is due to the breeder not having a contract to take back a pup(first right) when it doesn't work out. Therefore that breeder isn't being responsible for what they are producing. They should have had ID(microchip/tattoo) to bring attention to one of their pups when placed in an AC or rescue and take them back themselves to re-home properly. But many don't care once the check is cashed.

I'm all for rescue, but most pups that end up in a rescue are from a BYB type situation and there may just be a health or temperament issue. Agree with Justine/
a rescue will test the pup, vet the pup, work with the pup to place it for success after having it been in a foster home for several weeks. Dogs don't show true personalities until they are with someone for 3 months or so.
THAT is one reason to deal with a reputable rescue, the placement is usually very careful, so the dog won't have to deal with another rehome.

[selzer]

Going with a good breeder means that you are supporting someone who is working to reduce health problems, improve temperament, improve structure, maintain the breed standard, and advocate for dog ownership. If you love German Shepherd Dogs and want to encourage the future of the breed, than buy from a good breeder.

Going with a good rescue organization means that dogs that otherwise would be euthanized will be given the opportunity for an awesome life with you. They clean up the messes that shoddy breeders and ignorant owners cause. If you love German Shepherd Dogs, and want to provide a good home to a dog or puppy, then get a dog from a good rescue organization.

If you buy from a pet store or a shoddy breeder, than you are perpetuating the cycle and encouraging people who should not own any living creature to continue to keep and breed many puppies. And the worse part about this is not health, temperament, and structural concerns of the puppies, but the terrible living conditions of the animals used for breeding.

At different times, it makes sense to go with a breeder or to go with a rescue. In either case, you can have an awesome pet. If you want, read through this entire thread:

Let me introduce you to my leetle friends...

Hope that worked had to type it in. Rocco and Rosa -- Rosa has had some health problems, but she is a little doll. Rocco is an awesome little muppet guy. Their sister looks like all GSD.

Check it out.

Whatever you decide, don't let anyone give you any guff about where you got your dog.