Where Can I Get a ___________( Breed)?
Many prospective owners decide they want a particular breed because it is popular, cute, or because they know someone with that particular breed. Maybe they became attracted to a breed because they saw it in a movie or TV show.
Unfortunately, many owners do not research the breed thoroughly prior to getting one, and later discover that the breed they've chosen does not fit their home, their lifestyle, their family or their budget. This is one of the most common reasons why dogs end up in shelters, and sadly it is through no fault of the dog's.
While there are always exceptions, all purebred dogs have characteristics that are common in that given breed. When it comes to these specific breed traits, it is important that prospective owners thoroughly research the breed they are interested in to ensure that the breed is a good fit for them, their family, lifestyle and budget before getting the dog. For example, if you are looking for a jogging partner, a breed well suited to being a couch potato would not be a good match for you, or if you have small children, a breed with strong herding instincts may nip or knock over your children just doing what it is genetically programmed to do.
Information on specific breeds can be found on the American Kennel Club website, on breed club websites, and through books written on specific breeds. Purina (Pure Bred Puppy Heading)has a useful breed selector on their website to help you find the breed that fits you best. Further knowledge about a breed can also be gained by attending dog shows, or by fostering a rescue for a specific breed's rescue group in your area.
Designer Dogs - Where Do I Find a Labradoodle?
Labradoodles, yorkiepoos, cockapoos, schnoodles, dorgis, bagles, goldendoodles. Mutts, by any other name, are all the rage among some pet owners. None of these mixed breeds of dogs are recognized by the AKC, and the club does not have referrals to breeders of these or any other mixes.
Mixed breed dogs, once the domain of animal shelters, are being sought by an increasing number of owners looking for specific crosses. Intentionally bred with cleverly combined names, these mutts often command a purebred price tag from breeders out to capitalize financially on the trend. Don't believe all you hear about these crosses being non-shedding, hypoallergenic, and all the crazy things that the breeders of these dogs would have you believe. They are not always true.
A mixed breed dog is a crap shoot. You really have no idea what you will end up with in terms of temperament, size, and other characteristics, because the dog could take on traits of either side of its parentage, or be something completely different. Further, there is nothing to prove the dog's parentage, like AKC's DNA program, so you are going solely on the word of a stranger that the dog's origins are what they state they are.
If you are interested in a designer dog, we strongly urge you to contact an area shelter, where you will find a variety of mixed breeds available in need of homes.
What About Buying Puppies From The Newspaper?
Rarely, if ever, will you find a reputable breeder advertising in a local paper. The type of breeder that advertises in the newspaper usually breeds for profit, without regard to their dog's or the puppies health and well being. The resulting offspring of these kinds of backyard breeders are usually what you will find on a visit to local shelters and rescues in the area.
More often than not, this type of breeder does not perform the testing and health clearances necessary in almost every purebred breed of dog to ensure that their offspring are as free as possible of genetic defects. Sometimes this is out of ignorance, but usually it is because it costs a lot of money. Irresponsibly bred puppies may suffer from hereditary diseases that surface as the dog matures, often at great expense and heartbreak to the unsuspecting new owners, and often causing pain and suffering for the dog.
Further, the dogs being used for breeding may not be a good representative of their breed. They may not have a proper temperament that is stable around other animals and/or children. While you can find vicious and unstable dogs in any breed, a dog's temperament is due largely to socialization, but it is also based in genetics.
Many people who advertise in the paper decided to breed their pets because they want a puppy from their fabulous dog Fido, however, the puppies produced will more often than not be nothing at all like Fido. Breeding Fido will not promise another one like him or her. Breeding in itself may be simple, but producing good dogs is not, taking years of research and knowledge by a breeder about bloodlines and genetics to be successful. The inexperienced, and sometimes even the experienced, don't always get what they think they will get. This is proven time and time again in the great dogs of any given breed, who were themselves stunning examples of the breed, yet were not able to produce any comparable offspring. One who matched, or surpassed themselves.
Waiting on a good breeder takes time and patience, but the reward is well worth the wait as your chances of getting a healthy, well adjusted dog are greatly increased. While buying a dog from a reputable breeder may cost you more than buying one from the newspaper, in reality a good breeder rarely breaks even when one considers the investment made in their dogs in showing them, veterinary care, stud fees, and rearing a litter properly. Further, with most reputable breeders, you will get a lifetime of support when it comes to questions and guidance on your dog, and have a better chance of avoiding costly and heartbreaking genetic diseases common with backyard bred dogs. Please read our Tips for Finding a Reputable Breeder.
If you choose not to wait on a reputable breeder, we strongly suggest that you contact one of the many shelters or rescue groups in the area rather than resorting to the newspaper. You will often be able to find the perfect dog for you, and save a life in the process, and everyone wins!
Articles Below include:
Tips for Finding Your New Dog or Puppy.
Where Can I Get a ___________( Breed)?
Designer Dogs - Where Do I Find a Labradoodle?
What About Buying Puppies From The Newspaper?
Links to Local Shelters
Links to Local Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups
Aiken County Animal Shelter
Albrecht Animal Shelter-Aiken
Augusta-Richmond County Animal Shelter
Columbia County Humane Society
Molly's Militia
Petfinder
Local PetSmarts sponsor dog adoptions every Saturdays.
What Breed is Right For You?
The American Kennel Club offers an excellent resource to help you select the right breed for your lifestyle.