Choosing the right dog for you and your family
Choosing the right dog for you or your family is a big decision. Although all dogs are great, not all dogs may be the best match for you and your family. It’s important that your canine companion fits well with your lifestyle.
The first step is figuring out whether you want to purchase a purebred dog from a responsible breeder or adopt. A purebred dog has the advantage of predictability of certain features, not only their physical characteristics, but also personality, temperament and certain hard-wired behaviors. When deciding what breed might be a good fit, thorough research is essential. The American Kennel Club has extensive resources designed to assist you in finding the most suitable companion for you and your family.
Many people fall in love with a particular breed or type of dog. Some people would like a purebred dog but also value rescue – these two things do not need to be mutually exclusive.
There are advantages to obtaining a purebred puppy or dog from a reputable and responsible breeder. Honest breeders will always prioritize the well-being of puppies and their parents. Pay them a visit to ensure that they provide safe and comfortable living conditions. Responsible breeders should provide medical certificates or health screen tests. There are also rescue dogs that often are purebred, too. Fortunately, hundreds of purebred rescue groups serve just that purpose.
Purebred dog rescue organizations grew out of the concern of lovers of various dog breeds to find homes for unwanted, abandoned, stray, mistreated or neglected dogs of those breeds. Breed specific rescue groups are formed by a breed’s national or “parent” breed club. For example, the golden retriever parent club is the Golden Retriever Club of America, the parent club of Siberian huskies is the Siberian Husky Club of America, and so on.
Breed-specific rescue groups work hand in hand with animal shelters; shelters report that between 20-30% of dogs received are purebreds. Many shelters maintain a list of breed groups in their area and call upon them when assistance is needed in placing the dog. Additionally, many rescue groups take dogs who might be considered less adoptable by some shelters, such as dogs who are older or have special needs.
Members of breed rescues are usually parent club members who voluntarily house, care for, and carefully place dogs in new homes. For prospective dog owners who are interested in a particular breed, this type of rescue group provides an alternative to breeders or pet shops. An important plus is that these rescue organizations do not contribute to the companion overpopulation problem. As breed specialists, purebred rescue groups know what to expect in terms of personality and temperament, as well as what medical problems their breed might be prone to. This knowledge helps them make successful placements.
The AKC Rescue Network is the largest network of dog rescue groups in the country, with 160 unique dog breeds currently represented by more than 450 groups located across the United States. The AKC Rescue Network’s groups are special in that the fostering & rehabilitation period lasts as long as necessary before the dog is rehomed.
For more information on the AKC Breed Rescue Network, visit www.akc.org/akc-rescue-network/.
For more information on responsible dog ownership, visit www.akc.org.
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