Adopting from a shelter vs. Buying from a breeder

Choosing to bring a dog into your life is a major decision, one that can bring joy, companionship, and love. However, there’s another important decision to make: should you adopt a dog from a shelter or buy a dog from a breeder?

Each path comes with its own set of benefits and challenges, so understanding the key differences between adopting vs buying a pet will help you make an informed and thoughtful decision.

Adopting a dog from a shelter is a frequently discussed topic. Some people are in favour and others are strictly against it. It is important to say that without shelters, there would be many abandoned dogs among us.

Dogs are not to blame for being abandoned by their owners, so why turn up our noses at shelter dogs. It's just important to weigh up the pros and cons, just as with dogs from a breeder.

Why adopt a shelter dog

• Saving a life

  One of the most compelling reasons to adopt is that you are quite literally saving a dog’s life. Shelters are often overcrowded, and adoption helps alleviate this pressure by giving a homeless dog a second chance. By adopting from a shelter, you reduce the number of dogs facing euthanasia. This is one of the main reasons why animal welfare advocates often emphasize "adopt, don’t buy" as an ethical choice.

• Lower cost

  When comparing adopting a dog vs buying a dog, the cost difference is significant. Adoption fees typically range from $50 to $300, depending on the shelter and location, and often include the cost of spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and a microchip. In contrast, buying a dog from a breeder can cost anywhere from $500 to over $5,000, depending on the breed.

• Health and veterinary care

  Shelters ensure that dogs are provided with basic health care before adoption, including vaccinations and spaying or neutering. While some shelter dogs may have unknown medical histories, many come with a clean bill of health. However, it’s important to understand that shelter vs rescue dogs might still carry some unknowns regarding their genetic health.

"By adopting from a shelter, you reduce the number of dogs facing euthanasia."

• Variety of breeds and ages

  Contrary to common belief, shelters are not just home to mixed breeds. Many purebred dogs also end up in shelters due to owner circumstances, such as relocation or financial difficulties. From puppies to senior dogs, shelters offer a wide variety of options. Adopting gives you the chance to find older dogs, which may already be house-trained, making them easier to care for.

• Ethical considerations

  Adopting from a shelter is often seen as the more ethical choice. You’re helping combat the pet overpopulation crisis and standing against unethical breeding practices like those seen in puppy mills. Many people choose to adopt a dog vs buy because it aligns with their values. Supporting adoption over buying can help lessen the burden on shelters and contribute to solving the larger issue of pet homelessness.

Challenges of adopting dog from a shelter

While adopting a dog vs buying has many benefits, it does come with a few challenges.

• Unknown backgrounds

  One of the main concerns about adopting a dog is that you may not know the full history of the dog. Shelter dogs can come from traumatic backgrounds, including abuse, abandonment, or neglect. This uncertainty can result in behavioral issues, which may require patience, training, and extra attention.

• Limited selection for specific breeds

  While shelters do have a wide variety of dogs, you may have fewer options if you are looking for a specific breed or temperament. For people with particular needs—such as hypoallergenic breeds or dogs that fit well in apartments—finding the perfect match in a shelter can take time.

• Adjustment period

  Some shelter dogs, especially those with difficult pasts, may need time to adjust to their new home. The transition could involve housebreaking, behavior training, or socialization. Patience is key, as these dogs may be wary of their new environment. This is why first-time dog owners should carefully consider whether they are prepared to take on the potential challenges of a shelter dog.

For those with specific preferences regarding breed traits and temperament, buying from a breeder may offer more predictability than adoption. It is also common for people with young children to get a dog from a breeder, who are afraid of the unknown history of a shelter dog and therefore unpredictable behavior.

Why to buy dog from a breeder

• Predictability of breed characteristics

  One of the biggest advantages of buying from a dog breeder is the predictability of the dog’s traits. Buying a dog from a breeder allows you to choose a specific breed with known characteristics, such as size, energy levels, and temperament. For example, if you need a hypoallergenic breed due to allergies or a small, low-energy dog suited for apartment living, buying from a breeder vs adoption can give you exactly what you’re looking for.

• Health and genetic screening

  Reputable breeders take health seriously and often conduct genetic screenings to ensure their dogs are free from common hereditary diseases. Many breeders also offer health guarantees for their puppies. Buying from a dog breeder who prioritizes health testing can give you peace of mind that the puppy is less likely to develop breed-specific health problems.

• Early socialization and training

  Puppies from reputable breeders are often well-socialized from a young age. Good breeders expose puppies to people, sounds, and different environments during their first few weeks, which helps them become confident, well-adjusted dogs. For first-time dog owners, the early training that puppies receive from breeders can make the transition into your home smoother.

• Access to breeder expertise

  When you buy from an ethical breeder, you not only get a dog but also access to a wealth of knowledge. Breeders can offer lifelong support, providing advice on nutrition, grooming, and behavior training. They are experts in their specific breed and can guide you through challenges as your dog grows.

Challenges of buying dog from a breeder

• High cost

  Buying a dog from a breeder can be expensive, with prices for purebred puppies ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars. The upfront cost is significantly higher than adopting a dog from a shelter. Additionally, while reputable breeders conduct genetic testing, some purebred dogs are more prone to breed-specific health issues, which can result in costly veterinary bills later.

• Contributing to overpopulation

  While ethical breeders practice responsible breeding, purchasing from any breeder means that you are not adopting a shelter dog. This choice indirectly contributes to the ongoing issue of pet overpopulation, as millions of dogs in shelters are still waiting for homes.

• Potential health issues

  Even with health screenings, some purebred dogs are predisposed to certain health conditions. For example, brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs or Pugs often have respiratory issues, while large breeds such as German Shepherds may face joint problems. When buying a dog from a breeder, it’s essential to research the breed’s common health issues and understand the potential long-term care costs.

! Red flags to watch for when buying from a breeder

Not all breeders operate ethically, and unfortunately, some engage in practices that harm both the dogs and the buyers. It’s essential to recognize the warning signs of puppy mills or unethical breeders when considering where to buy your dog.

1. Lack of health testing: A responsible breeder will provide documentation of health testing for the puppy and its parents. If a breeder can’t or won’t show you this, it’s a major red flag.

2. High volume of litters: Reputable breeders limit the number of litters they produce each year to ensure the health of both the puppies and the mother. If a breeder has multiple litters available at once or breeds year-round, it may indicate they are running a puppy mill.

3. No in-person visits: Ethical breeders will invite you to their facility to meet the puppies, the mother, and sometimes the father. If a breeder refuses an in-person visit or insists on meeting in a neutral location, this could be a sign of unethical practices.

4. No questions asked: A reputable breeder will want to ensure their puppies go to good homes and will ask questions about your living situation, lifestyle, and experience with dogs. If a breeder only seems interested in closing the sale, this is a red flag.

What are puppy mills? Puppy mills are large-scale breeding facilities that prioritize profit over the well-being of dogs, often keeping them in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions with little care. Puppies from these mills are more likely to have health and behavioral issues.

Find out more about unethical breeding and the challenges of owning a puppy mill dog.

How to decide: Adopt or buy a dog?

When deciding between adopting a dog vs buying a dog, it’s essential to consider your personal circumstances, budget and preferences.

If you have specific needs regarding a dog’s breed, temperament, or health—such as a hypoallergenic breed for allergies—buying a dog from a breeder might provide the predictability you need.

Adopting vs buying pets comes with a major difference in cost. Adoption is generally much more affordable, while buying a dog from a breeder often comes with a significant price tag.

If ethics and animal welfare are important to you, adopting from a shelter is often seen as the better choice. It helps reduce the number of homeless pets and lessens the demand for dogs bred in commercial facilities like puppy mills.

Frequently asked questions

1. Is it better to adopt a dog or buy from a breeder?

Adopting a dog is often more ethical and cost-effective, helping reduce pet overpopulation. Buying from a breeder offers predictability in breed traits and health, which may be ideal if you have specific needs.

2. Are shelter dogs healthy?

Most shelter dogs are healthy, as they receive basic vet care. However, some may have unknown health backgrounds, unlike dogs from a reputable breeder who often have health guarantees.

3. What are the red flags of an unethical breeder or puppy mill?

Red flags include a lack of health testing, a high volume of litters, no in-person visits, and being uninterested in your lifestyle. These are signs of a puppy mill or an unethical breeder.

4. Why are dogs from breeders more expensive than shelter dogs?

Buying a dog from a breeder costs more due to expenses related to genetic testing, health screenings, and early socialization. Adoption fees are generally lower and cover basic care.

5. Do all shelter dogs have behavioral problems?

Not all, but some shelter dogs may have behavioral issues due to past trauma. With proper training, many become well-adjusted pets.

6. How can I find a reputable dog breeder?

Look for AKC-registered breeders (FCI registered breeds), visit their facilities, ask for health certifications, and check reviews before buying a dog.

7. Can I find purebred dogs in shelters?

Yes, many purebred dogs end up in shelters or breed-specific rescues due to various circumstances.

Conclusion: Which option is right for you?

Ultimately, the decision between adopting vs buying a pet depends on your values, lifestyle, and what you’re looking for in a dog. Adopting a dog from a shelter is a compassionate, cost-effective, and ethical way to bring a new pet into your life, while buying from a breeder offers predictability in traits and health. Whether you choose to adopt or buy, the most important thing is to provide a loving and responsible home for your new dog.