Rescue, purebred, or registered purebred? For some, there is only one right answer. For others, it’s a toss-up. If you haven’t chosen a specific breed, the field is wide open!
Choose Rescue If:
You would rather rescue a puppy. Mixed breed or not, it doesn’t matter.
You’re patient, but you would still rather adopt than shop. There are purebred rescues, but getting the puppy of your dreams may require a long wait. Are you willing to wait?
You don’t plan to show your dog in Conformation. Organizations such as the AKC and UKC require your dog to be intact (not spayed or neutered) and registered with their organization. Rescued puppies generally don’t come with registration papers, and even if they do, it’s unlikely that you’ll get a Champion, which is generally the goal for someone who shows their dog.
The Pros of Rescue:
You’ll be getting an adorable puppy, registered or not.
It may already be spayed or neutered, and should be up-to-date on vaccinations. Rescues such as Shelter Puppies, Inc have also put time into obedience training their available puppies.
The Cons of Rescue:
Health & temperament are both a crap-shoot unless you meet the parents, and even then, if the puppies weren’t socialized you’ll have a lot of work to do.
Size is also an unknown, and many rescued puppies are mystery mixes. If neither you nor the rescue staff have a good handle on breeds, you could end up with a 100# Cock-a-Poo that was really a Golden Retriever mix.
Choose a Registered Purebred If:
You have your heart set on a specific breed, and want it registered. Why settle? Do your homework, and choose a good breeder. Double-check your choice breed’s energy level, temperament, and health issues to ensure a good fit, before buying.
You want to show your dog in Conformation. As I mentioned above, your dog must be registered and intact. If you don’t already attend dog shows, now is the time to start. You will meet many dogs and their breeders, and will gain an eye for a properly structured dog. When you have chosen a desired bloodline, find a good breeder who currently shows, and ask them to be your mentor.
The Pros of a Purebred:
You pretty much know what you’re getting. Size and color are determined genetically, so you will have a good idea of what your puppy will look like.
Determining factors that can skew this outcome include a straight out-cross, where surprises may include a puppy that doesn’t get as big as it’s parents, or bone size that is heavier or thinner than the parents. Line-bred dogs tend to be more similar in type, but can have more health issues when there are unknowns before breeding.
Cons of a Purebred Puppy:
The cost is usually higher, especially in show lines and lines bred away from show for things like sheer size.
Although your puppy should be fully vaccinated, it likely will not be spayed or neutered. Most breeders have a contract as well as a guarantee, and may require you to spay or neuter – at your own expense – in order for the guarantee to be valid.
Be sure to read other articles in this series on choosing a dog or puppy, such as Before You Get a New Dog or Puppy.
