Rescue Organizations and Dog Breeders: Can They Coexist???

Some people try to pit rescue organizations and breeders against each other. Although I am a breeder, I have all the respect in the world for people who adopt a rescue. We desperately need them to give these dogs a loving home!! Yet there is a place for reputable breeders too. We are not looking to overpopulate the world with dogs. Our hope to better the breed, to provide a family with a known.

Look for a Boutique Breeder. They are the best of both worlds. They have the knowledge to do things right because they are professional breeders. However their practices are very small. Their dogs are part of their families, so the mama dog and all the babies are given the very best of care as they address appropriate physical, emotional, and social milestones. They breed because they are passionate about their particular breed. Money is secondary to providing families or organizations with the best possible pups.

If you go to a legitimate breeder, you would have an idea of the type of dog you will get based upon breed characteristics. Only the best dogs should be used. They need to be physically healthy with medical clearances for hearts, hips, and eyes. Now genetic testing can be done as well. I do this for all of my breeding females. It has been difficult, but dogs that do not pass the physical tests must not be bred. If there is some issue with temperament such as aggression or extreme timidity, they should not be bred. Of course genetics is only a part of the picture. Environment is equally important. The dogs should be trained whether for obedience, agility, hunting , therapy, or service work. A happy dog is a dog with purpose and just breeding is not enough of a purpose. Also the breeder must always put the health of the dog first.

Please KNOW your breeder if that is your route for adding a fur baby to your world. See where the dogs live. Meet the puppies and the parents if you can. The best way to stop Puppy Mills is financially.DO NOT buy from them no matter how cute the puppies appear. Websites can look slick. See real time videos of the dogs if you can not visit in person.

Rescues are like the proverbial box of chocolates. You do not know what you will get. Some of the BEST dogs have been rescues. But again some due diligence, where you rule out major medical or emotional/social issues can make it a better fit for your world.

I would love to hear about your stories. Please comment about your rescues or experiences with breeders.