There seems to be a great debate with potential dog owners and enthusiasts alike. This would be buying a purebred or adopting a mixed breed (mutt) from a pound or shelter.
I believe the decision should be made from a number of factors. One of these factors and the most important, being finance. Purebreds tend to cost a lot depending on breed and whether or not they come from champion bloodlines and whether or not you are buying for breeding rights or simply for companionship. When purchasing an AKC registered dog with full registration (meaning breeding rights) and champion bloodlines, expect to pay quite a lot regardless of breed. Of course under the finance decision there is also the question of whether or not you can financially take on a pet of any kind. This is due to the fact that food is not the only expense you have. There is also veterinary care, flea and tick treatment, heart worm preventative, grooming if required, and of course toys and various accessories.
The truth of the matter is that pounds and shelters across the country do have purebreds. It is sometimes difficult to find them because many breed specific rescue groups, rescue these animals before they can be euthanized. The euthanizing of animals at pounds would be one reason I would urge anyone who is simply seeking a family friend or companion to visit their local shelter or pound. A lot of dog's found at shelters are either homeless or ran away and the owners either never claimed them or never found them. Occasionally you will find dogs that got taken from their previous owners due to neglect, mistreatment or inability to care for them. These dogs in particular need love and attention but will also need patience and understanding because they have been through a lot and will undoubtedly suffer from some sort of after affect.
Now, I personally fall into the category of having all of the above. I have a purebred I bought, a purebred that I rescued from a roadside that was in horrible condition, and a furry fluffy lovable mutt (pictured at the top). Just because you buy a purebred, this does not mean that you cannot also open your heart and home to those who need it.
Now to throw my two cents in. There is also another debate when it comes to dogs, and that is SIZE. I would like to inform those that do not know, that some large breeds are actually better for certain scenarios than small breeds. I will use my Great Dane (the love of my life) as an example. Great Danes, albeit huge, are actually great for those who live in an apartment. They require less exercise, need to go outside less frequently than their smaller counter parts, and generally spend their day's playing, eating and watching t.v. I will ad one quick side note to this: Great Danes love bed's, especially yours, and you will find yourself sometimes on the couch due to this fact. That being said, thorough research should be done before picking a specific breed. The lack of understanding a breed is one reason why there is a need for so many breed specific rescue groups. Some people get small dog breeds because they are cute and do not realize their need for a lot of exercise, their tendency to bark a lot, and the fact that some, like Jack Russell's ,generally bounce of the walls. I actually like this about them but if you are not prepared you will end up with a case of having to give your dog up because you cannot handle him or her. The same can be said for large breeds. Again as an example, Great Danes are beautiful, sweet, loyal to a fault and great protectors. They also can do some pretty nasty damage to your house if you do not take the time to train them and provide them with exercise and toys. I speak from experience when I say there can be nothing more devastating to your wood furniture than a 100 + lb. puppy.
Ultimately the choice is up to the individual. But to prevent having to give your dog up, whether purebred or mutt, I urge everyone thinking about a new dog, to read, read, read and read some more. As long as you know exactly what you are getting into, any dog, big, small, purebred or mutt, will love you always and you will feel the same way.
Thank you for reading and as always your comments and suggestions are welcome. God Bless!!!
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