Pet owners today have many options for how they acquire new friends. From pet stores to breeders to animal shelters, these sources all have benefits and disadvantages. Many people wonder if it is ethical to buy a puppy from a breeder and what the advantages may be. Other people are looking for a specific breed of dog but are uncertain about how to find a reputable breeder. Finally, some people don't want to adopt a full-grown dog and would rather buy a puppy that can be raised in the way they want. Many people looking for dogs for sale are confused by the many different ways to find dogs for sale and the advantages of the different sources. Here are some of the pros and cons of purchasing a puppy from a responsible breeder.
Pros of Getting a Dog From a Breeder
There are many advantages to getting a puppy from a breeder. Of course, you should always make sure your puppy is coming from a reputable breeder, not a puppy mill or a backyard breeder. Reputable breeders carefully select and breed dogs with the aim of producing healthy and well-tempered puppies. They often have several different dogs but these are usually well-trained and spend a lot of time with their owners being trained, played with, and exercised. The puppies then have a good chance of being socialized and having a head start on training and manners.
Well-informed, responsible breeders can provide information about the specific traits and needs of a particular breed, helping you to make an informed decision about which breed is best suited for your lifestyle. They will be honest about the challenges and advantages of their breed and can warn you if they don't think their puppies will be a good fit for your lifestyle or situation.
When you purchase a purebred puppy from a breeder, they can provide information about the expected physical characteristics of the puppy, including size, coat type, and color. Unlike getting a mixed breed or rescue, getting a purebred will allow you to have a better idea of your future with your new puppy, which can help you to make decisions on housing, medical care, and
Good breeders are invested in the health and well-being of their puppies, and will often provide support and guidance to help you care for your new pet. They will have taken the puppies to their first vet visits and they will be well on their way to being vaccinated before they leave their first home. They may need a few more vaccinations after being purchased because of age restrictions but these early vaccinations help protect them from acquiring deadly puppy diseases in their new environment, like canine parvovirus.
Cons of Getting a Dog From a Breeder
While there are many advantages to using a reputable breeder for your new dog, this method is not for everyone. There are some disadvantages, as well. One of the downsides to using a breeder is cost. Puppies from reputable breeders can be expensive and may require a significant financial investment. While it is important to understand that the initial cost is only one small part of the expense of owning a dog, it is also good to acknowledge that many breeders are much more expensive than getting a dog from a shelter or rescue.
Another disadvantage of buying a puppy from a breeder is the limited selection that may be available in some areas. Reputable breeders usually specialize in one or two kinds of dogs, and breeders of rare kinds can be hard to find, so this may limit your options when selecting a new pet. One way around this disadvantage is the ability to purchase from a breeder in a different location and either ship the puppy to your area or drive to pick up the puppy when ready.
When you are looking for a puppy, it's important to remember that not all breeders are reputable or ethical, and it can be difficult to distinguish between good breeders and bad ones. In many areas, reputable breeders can't be found at all, and you will either have to drive a long distance or get a dog from a rescue.
Finally, purchasing a dog from a breeder contributes to the demand for purebred dogs, which can perpetuate the overpopulation problem in shelters and rescues. It also contributes to overcrowding in shelters because every purebred puppy purchased is one more dog not adopted from a local shelter or rescue organization. It is important to carefully evaluate how important this is to you before purchasing a new puppy from a breeder.
Final Thoughts
New pet owners will need to carefully research their options before deciding whether to purchase a dog from a breeder or to adopt one. While many people are critical of anyone purchasing from a breeder, there are both pros and cons to this, and no one should feel ashamed about their decision. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to acquiring a new pet and purchasing from a reputable breeder is one responsible option. There are many considerations to discuss and everyone should decide for themselves which approach is best for their family and lifestyle.