When deciding whether to get a dog from a breeder or rescue, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Both options have their merits, and it’s important to make an informed choice that suits your family and lifestyle. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best path for your next dog:

Responsible Breeders: What to Look For

If you're considering a breeder, it’s crucial to choose one that upholds the highest ethical standards. Here are some tips to ensure you’re making the right choice:

• Health Testing and Clearances: A responsible breeder will have their breeding dogs thoroughly health tested. This means performing breed-specific genetic tests and sharing those results openly with potential buyers. Health clearances help reduce the risk of inherited health issues, ensuring that you’re bringing home a healthy dog.

• Visit the Breeder and Meet the Parents: You should be able to visit the breeder in person. A reputable breeder will welcome visits to see the living conditions, meet the parents, and observe the puppies’ environment. The parents’ temperament will give you insight into how your dog may behave as an adult.

• Commitment to Breed Standards: Good breeders show or trial their dogs to ensure they meet breed standards, not just in appearance but in temperament, ability, and health. This ensures that you are getting a dog that truly represents the best qualities of the breed.

• Puppy Matching: Ethical breeders care about placing puppies in the right homes. They’ll ask questions about your lifestyle, activity level, and experience to match you with the best fit. This step is crucial for both the owner and the dog’s long-term happiness.

Choosing a Rescue or Shelter Dog

Rescue organizations and shelters also offer fantastic opportunities to give a dog a second chance. When adopting from a rescue, consider the following:

• Transparency About Health and Temperament: Good rescues will be honest about a dog’s health, history, and behavioral needs. Ask about the dog’s background, including any medical issues, known traumas, or behavioral quirks that may require additional training.

• Adoption Support: Many reputable rescues provide ongoing support, including training advice and behavior resources. This can be helpful, especially if you’re adopting a dog that has experienced challenges in the past.

• Meet and Greets: A reputable shelter or rescue will allow you to meet the dog in person, ideally multiple times. You’ll get a chance to see how the dog interacts with your family and whether their energy level and temperament align with your needs.

Training Is Key

No matter whether you choose a dog from a breeder or a rescue, it’s vital to begin training immediately. Many dogs that end up in shelters are there due to behavioral issues that could have been prevented or managed with proper training. Starting with foundational skills like recall, leash manners, and crate training will set your dog up for success. 

The choice between breeder or rescue is personal, but both paths can lead to a happy, healthy dog if approached with care. Do your research, ask the right questions, and ensure you’re prepared to train your dog from day one to prevent any behavioral issues down the line. And just as important, do not allow other people's opinions of where you researched and acquired your dog from make you feel like you made the wrong choice! If you've done your due diligence and chosen the right fit for your family, that is what matters most.