Your goal to find a dog should be to obtain a healthy, well socialized, active temperamentally sound puppy or dog with a good start on life. If you take the time to seek out a reputable breeder, pet store, shelter or rescue group your chances of finding a dog with the characteristics above increases by 50%.
Here are the Advantages and Disadvantages of all three.
CAT BREEDERS
Breeders Advantages
o You'll often receive a healthy, well socialized breed with a good start on life. If the breeder has been breeding for some time, they know what they are doing.
o The breeder will include a contract with a health guarantee.
o Most of the time the breeders will have the mother and father on site for you to see.
o Sometimes the breeder will even have a history of past generations.
Breeders Disadvantages
o It can take some time and work to find a reputable breeder. (see my next report on 9 questions to ask a breeder)
o Purebreds are more expensive
o The breeder may only breed at certain times of the year. You may be ready for a pet, when the breeder doesn't have any. Sometimes the breeder will take orders for animals that are not even born yet. Putting you on a waiting list.
Pet Store Advantages
o You can often find animals with unusual physical characteristics for a specific breed.
o You don't need to do any groundwork.
o It is very convenient for an impulse buy. Although I do not recommend impulse buying. I think you should research what type of animal you want before purchase.
o I have found that sometimes in a pet store if one animal gets sick many of the other ones do.
Pet Store Disadvantages
o All of the above are also disadvantages.
o Also, usually in a pet store you are not dealing with a breeder, possibly a teenager behind the counter.
Animal Shelter Advantages
o You can save a dog or cats life
o Some people are not interested in dealing with raising a puppy, because of behavior or house training. An Animal Shelter allows you to adopt an older dog.
o The physical appearance of an older dog and any behavior problems will already be established. In others words, what you see is what you get an older dog.
Animal Shelter Disadvantages
o The animal may have been well taken care of (shots etc) or abused or/ and neglected before it arrived at the shelter.
o You may wind up with a pet that has behavioral or physical problems that you did not expect.
Breed or Rescue Groups Advantages
o The Rescue group advantages are the same for the Animal Shelter, plus it can be a great opportunity to own a retired champion. I know several people who have adopted greyhounds, and love them.
o Many animals that have been rescued have had basic training.
Breed or Rescue Group Disadvantages
o Rescue animals may be a great distance away from your home and possibly prove an unsuitable match after you bring them home.
o The screening process for getting a rescued animal is sometimes very strict.
Wherever you decide to find your dog always remember that a dog can be a valuable and beloved member of your household. If you give it the time and care it needs it will give that love back to you 10 fold.
Where to Find a Pet? A Breeder, a Store, an Animal Shelter - Advantages and Disadvantages to Each
Annette Masse, better known as Betty Bulldog has been loving and respecting dogs for 25 years. She offers free dog information for dog lovers. Including free puppy training classes. for your new pup or old dog. Keep those tails waggin!
Betty Bulldog
dogZdogZ.com
