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People are either for or against dog breeding. Some only buy dogs from breeders, while others only adopt from rescues or shelters. It’s the same way with cars. Some people always buy new cars and others always buy used. Here are some reasons why adopting a homeless animal is a good choice. Next week, I will write about reasons to buy from a breeder. I favor adopting homeless animals, but I also know many wonderful dogs that came from breeders. As for my dog, I got him for free from a woman who just didn’t want him anymore. He didn’t come from a breeder trying to make money, and he never spent time in a shelter either. He was just some mutt that someone was tired of, so he became my mutt.

If you will be getting a new dog anytime soon, here are some reasons to consider adopting a homeless animal.

1. You will save a life.
Adopting a homeless animal will save that dog’s life. With so many homeless animals, each one has a good chance of being euthanized or facing a life in a cage. Owners of former shelter dogs talk about how rewarding it is to know a dog has a better life because of them.

2. Purebreds also need rescuing.
There is a rescue organization set up for almost every breed of dog. If you have your heart set on a Pomeranian, you can search for that breed through Petfinder and find a homeless Pomeranian or any other breed you are interested in.

3. The initial cost is less.
Most shelters charge an adoption fee around $120. This is nothing compared to the price you could pay for a puppy from a breeder, which could cost more than $1,000, depending on the breed. Plus, when you adopt an animal from a shelter, it has most likely been spayed or neutered and will be up to date on its vaccinations. This will save you money, at least in the beginning.

4. Mixed-breed dogs can compete.
Agility and obedience competitions are not limited to purebred dogs. Mutts can compete too. I am thinking of entering my mutt in an agility competition with NADAC, which welcomes any dog. Mixed-breeds can also become therapy or service dogs. The options are endless for what you can do with your shelter dog.

5. A mixed-breed dog might have fewer health issues.
Mixed-breed dogs are not healthier than purebreds, but certain purebred dogs are prone to certain illnesses. For example, I grew up with three golden retrievers from three different breeders. All of them developed hip dysplasia, chronic seizures or cancer around the age of 5. This is common for the breed. A mixed-breed dog could develop these same issues. But depending on the mix, these problems might be less likely.

6. You will not contribute to the pet overpopulation problem.
Breeders are adding to the pet population problem by creating more dogs. The only way to stop this is to quit breeding dogs, purebred or not! By adopting a homeless animal and having it spayed or neutered, you know you are doing your part to help animals.

7. There will be more unique dogs to choose from.
Shelters are filled with the most unique mixes of dogs, like a dachshund/beagle mix or a golden retriever/chow. Not only that, but there are a variety of ages, even puppies. You will have a lot of options for choosing the dog that is right for you. Maybe you want a senior dog, or a dog that has lived with cats. If you visit enough shelters, you will eventually find the dog you are looking for.

8. You can find a dog that is already trained.
Many shelter dogs are already house trained, kennel trained and know obedience really well. Although Ace didn’t come from a shelter, a big plus in adopting him at age 1 was because he was already kennel and house trained. He did not know any commands, but many shelter dogs do, and that can give you a head start on training.

9. The dog’s personality and size are usually clear.
You will be able to tell the personality of an adult dog at a shelter. Also, since most shelter dogs are at least 6 months old, the size of the dog will be pretty clear, too. So you will know what you are in for.

10. You do not have to deal with the puppy stage.
It is a great idea to adopt an adult dog from a shelter. The puppies will find homes easily, and you won’t have to deal with all the fun things that come with puppies such as teething, messes, crying, kennel training, housebreaking, socialization, excessive energy, shots every few months, deworming, spaying or neutering. Need I say more?

Why did you adopt a shelter dog?

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