Modern people tend to adopt shelter dogs more often than they used to - it's cheaper, and it also helps homeless pets to find loving families.
Meanwhile, not everyone is ready to adopt a dog with a tough history, or to cope with its traumatized personality.
Here are a few things that differ shelter dogs from the ones you buy that you should know about in advance.
Background and History
Shelter dogs typically come from diverse backgrounds, often with unknown or varied histories.
Dogs from breeders usually have a documented lineage, providing insights into their ancestry and potential traits.
Age and Size
Shelters often have dogs of various ages and sizes, including both puppies and older dogs.
Breeders may specialize in specific breeds, allowing buyers to choose a dog with predictable size and characteristics.
Health and Medical Records
Shelter dogs are usually vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and may have undergone basic medical checks.
Some purchased dogs may have detailed health records and specific genetic testing, depending on the breeder's practices.
Behavior and Temperament
Shelter dogs may have unpredictable or unknown behaviors due to their unique backgrounds.
Purchased dogs from breeders may have more predictable traits based on their breed standards and lineage.
Training and Socialization
Shelter dogs may have varying levels of training and socialization experiences.
Some purchased dogs might receive early training and socialization efforts from responsible breeders.
Cost
Adoption fees for shelter dogs are generally lower than the cost of purchasing a dog from a breeder.
Breeders often charge higher prices, reflecting the care, documentation, and potential pedigree of their dogs.
Availability of Specific Breeds
Shelters typically offer a mix of breeds and mixed-breed dogs, while breeders specialize in specific breeds.
If someone is looking for a particular breed, a breeder may be a more suitable option.
Previously, we talked about the signs of illness in cats.
