Buying a Dog: My Advice to You

This may be a controversial issue in the eyes of some people but it's actually really simple. It's about choosing the right breed of dog to fit your lifestyle. While some argue that there are too many dogs in the pound and so propagate the "adopt don't shop" movement, all it really comes down to is what suits you as a person and I don't think anyone be should be shunned for their choice. It is a big responsibility and a commitment after all. My advice is to do your research. Breeders, good breeders, devote their lives to reproducing the finest examples of their breed based on the written standard of their parent clubs. It may come as a surprise but they've also poured their hearts and their wallets out to ensure they breed certifiably healthy dogs and only the ones that exemplify their purpose as a breed. They are not in the business of making money. This is a hobby and they may never even break even for the money they put into it. There are SEVEN groups by which breeds belong to in the American Kennel Club (AKC). Hound: These are hunting dogs. But among this group, the breeds are still diverse and bred for hunting different game and in different ways . Herding: Herding dogs were bred to control livestock but nonetheless many are companion animals and still have the instinct to herd their owners. Sporting: Although they're not hounds, many sporting breeds are still considered gun-dogs or water dogs because they're bred for retrieving and some are hunting companions which makes some of them high energy but so eager to please. Working: I'd call these ones the muscle of the breeds. There is a diversity in this group from pulling carts to guarding property. Some can be pretty independent/stubborn and owning one comes with the responsibility of proper training. Non-Sporting: This is the most diverse group of dogs in the AKC. I can't even generalize the breeds in it. There are breeds with jobs and companion dogs in this group. Toy: Toys are mainly small companion dogs but some fear nothing and don't even know they're tiny. They can be perfect for cuddling on the couch and living in a small apartment. In my opinion though, they're trainability is—well maybe be patient. Terrier: Ever heard of an energizer bunny? Some people call them terrors because they're so energetic. Although they're a joy, some of them bounce off the walls. I wouldn't recommend a terrier for grandma. I brought up these groups to denote that there are already seven different categories that you should first look into when choosing a breed for you as an individual or for your family. Dogs as we know them are man-made. Yes! We MADE breeds to fit into our lives in different ways! Understanding this when researching what you want is key. There are dogs specifically bred for protecting and living with livestock, pulling sleds, all the way to literally just being our Netflix companion. Understanding the cute face who also needs a job or the big tough "cool looking" dog who could potentially get you in trouble is VERY important! When considering a dog who is mixed between two or more breeds, it is almost impossible to predict its personality traits. Purebred dogs are predictable because the lineage is documented to be of the breed standard. I LOVE ALL DOGS! I just want to give as much information as I can about this topic. There are also new breeds or "designer breeds" like the anythingmixedwithpoodle still considered mixed breed because they're too new to predict structure and personality to fit a standard. It's complicated but regardless of how the devout breedists feel, all dogs started there. Also, keep in mind that there ARE random people just mixing breeds to see what happens without having a need to produce a new breed. And the anythinmixedwithpoodles are NOT all hypoallergenic like they're advertised. Another thing to consider is the breeder type. For example: I have two breeds that each have different "types." My English Springer Spaniel is of the "show" or "bench" type. He was bred to compete conformationally meaning his structure, coat, size, health and movement was taken into consideration well before his parents were even bred. He is the product of a prediction based on years of practice in selective breeding and knowing the standard and how closely the parents meet that standard. The other type of English Springer Spaniel is the "field" type which even looks different because thought to structure and movement was considered less so than that of their working drive to retrieve. They even have shorter and thinner coat than their show counterparts. Not to say my Springer can't retrieve a bird for me if I wanted to shoot one out of the sky but it's another thing to consider when you've chosen your breed. Do you need a working gun dog? Because one that was specifically bred for that purpose may be unhappy if he doesn't get to work for you. Do you get where I'm going with this? Please don't consider getting a bulldog if your intention is to take it with you on your morning jogs every day. "Purebreds cost more money." If you've made your decision,done your research and you're ready to find the dog of your dreams. If you're talking to a reputable breeder then you're talking to an expert in the breed and you're going to buy, yes buy, exactly what you want. And yes purebreds generally cost more money than a mixed breed dog but you're still buying dogs here. There's also chances you'll find purebreds in the shelter but in a good puppy contract, the breeder states that the dog be returned to the breeder if ever you need to rehome it. Money is not actually on the agenda for this post but "health and temperament guaranteed," "quality over quantity," "you get what you pay for" and "lifetime warranty" yada yada yada. I'm not writing this post to talk about how much you should spend but just remember that there is a monetary transaction at the pound too. All dogs are for sale unless you found them abandoned on the street yourself. I LOVE MUTTS! I promise I am a sucker for any smiling muzzle I see and there are so many mutts that have my heart and that happen to be some of the best companions. I JUST want to quiet the "adopt don't shop" parade a little. It's not fair for anyone to have to be shamed either way. So when considering prospects for your new house mate, running mate, hunting mate, whatever mate, just remember IT'S YOUR DOG, your investment and your commitment to another life. So enjoy it. Enjoy them!

- Julie Thorne