In recent decades, the surge of abandoned, feral, and unwanted pets has rightfully garnered sympathy from animal lovers everywhere, including from previously reluctant pet owners. But this sympathy has unfortunately induced unnecessary guilt in potential adopters, making them feel as though the only viable, responsible choice is to adopt a dog from your neighborhood shelter.
Is this true? No, it isn't. Now, I am not trying to suggest that adopting from the pound or private organizational shelter is not right and proper in some instances, but responsible breeders are not the bad guys like many animal rights activists would have you believe. Why adopt from a breeder? Let me tell you.
If you study the science behind the development of dog breeds, then you know that each breed is susceptible to a specific set of diseases related to their genes. These include hip dysplasia, blood clotting disorders, eye problems, and even the canine equivalent to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
A responsible breeder--classified as a person or persons who understand the breed standard and intentionally pair two dogs of the same breed who are free from disease or carrying genes for certain diseases in addition to amplifying or enhancing desirable characteristics such as size, speed, or a friendly temperament--will make every effort to eliminate threats to puppies' overall good health.
When you adopt from a reputable breeder, you know that your dog has the best chance of living a happy, healthy life.
If you are planning on using your dog in a working or sporting capacity, then adopting from a breeder is the way to go. As I mentioned, breeders do their best to enhance the dogs' natural instincts, so whether you are driving cattle on the ranch and need a herder to assist you or you can't wait to hit the woods during duck season with a great retriever by your side, then contacting a kennel that specializes in maintaining the breed's original purpose will go a long way.
Peace of mind generally comes from adopting from a top-quality breeder. Why? Because you know that you are supporting someone that treats all their dogs like family--just as they deserve to be treated.
Shelter dogs typically are not abused within the shelter, but many of them come from puppy mills or backyard breeders, and by adopting from the shelter, you are inadvertently supporting these people who do not care about the dogs. Adopting from the pound sends the message that irresponsible people can keep breeding dogs and dumping them when they don't sell. Do the right thing. Support a responsible breeder.
Sporting Life Kennels LLC (http://www.sportinglifekennels.com/labs/) takes on the full effort to provide the best traits possible for our British lab puppies.
