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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

Puppy or Rescue Dog

47 replies

activate · 23/12/2010 09:41

which?

OP posts:

VallhalaLalalalalalalalaaaaaa · 23/12/2010 09:47

It's obvious, innit? :o

Hang on, I'll find and bump a thread on the subject.

VallhalaLalalalalalalalaaaaaa · 23/12/2010 09:52

Here you are.

I posted this on "Pets" before dogs had their own section, hence I couldn't find it, but have now just put it on this topic too.

I wonder if MNHQ would consider making it a sticky. :o

DooinMeCleanin · 23/12/2010 10:06

Rescue dog.

ILoveItWhenYouCallMeBoo · 23/12/2010 11:01

rescue, and some might even have a puppy!

WoodRose · 23/12/2010 11:06

Many Tears Rescue is bursting with puppies at the moment. There is also a gorgeous adult cross-breed (Daphne) looking for a home who is in rescue through no fault of her own. Her family moved and were unable to take her. Many Tears is based in Wales but their fosterers are all over the country.

Ephiny · 23/12/2010 15:23

Rescue dog, the tiny cute puppy stage is over very quickly anyway, and there are so many adult dogs desperately needing good homes. Also depending on their background there's a good chance they come already knowing their basic training and commands :)

Scuttlebutter · 23/12/2010 17:25

Rescue dog of course. And as others have said, this could indeed be a pup or a very young dog. Many ex racing greyhounds come into resce at a young age, often under two years. As they often live till fifteen and beyond, that's many happy years together.

pawsnclaws · 23/12/2010 17:46

Please seriously consider a rescue dog. Our beautiful greyhound is a five year old ex-racer and is such a wonderful addition to the family. For us it was more of an ethical choice than a practical one, but there are significant practical advantages - the shelter knew his personality and were able to provide a good handover, and he's house-trained/used to car travel etc.

We've had some brilliant advice on here (thank you Scuttlebutter and others!), but why not talk direct to the rescue shelter? No reputable shelter is going to pressure you to take an unsuitable dog - far from it.

I also think it's great for my dcs to see that you don't get a dog just for the "cute" stage and that older dogs have so much to offer.

I can understand the attraction of a puppy, I really can, and I hope I haven't offended anyone who has made that choice, but it's just not something I would do when so many wonderful dogs are in need of a home.

sowhatis · 23/12/2010 17:56

I have had rescue and puppies, and i would say unless you have lots of dog experience really look carefully before rescueing. I have rescued, and after 15 months it didnt work out, it was heart breaking. Rescue didnt do their job before placing her with me, which was such a shame. so whatever you decide research, alot!

good luck!

DooinMeCleanin · 23/12/2010 17:57

Puppies aren't always any easier sowhatis. Op, Vall will be able to give you details of all the reputable rescues in your area.

Lara2 · 23/12/2010 20:22

Rescue everytime.

laurieleigh · 23/12/2010 20:57

we wanted to rescue a staffordshire bull terrier but wanted a puppy as we wanted to know it's background (and be responsible for whatever hang-ups it has!) so we could be a little surer of it around future children... unfortunately we weren't 'allowed' a staffy pup without having prior direct experience with the breed so in the end we bought our pup privately.
Other people are right in saying that a rescue dog might already be trained but then again, they might also come with a lot of issues... however puppies are A LOT of hard work, so it kinda depends on how much time you have available!

SeaGreen · 23/12/2010 21:42

definitely rescue.

pastaplease · 23/12/2010 21:48

Rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue, rescue!!!!!

A rescue dog will be FULLY assessed and matched to your requirements, unlike a dog from a breeder.

There are SO many dogs desperately in need of homes, there's no excuse to go to a breeder, who's just in it for the money.

Rescue dogs are often ready vaccinated, chipped etc, etc. If you go to The Blue Cross, for example, you will have lots of support from their expert behaviourists after you've adopted a dog, if you need it.

If I wasn't so tired I'd go on and on and on with reasons why you should go to your local animal shelter and adopt a dog rather than going to a breeder. :)

morethanyoubargainfor · 23/12/2010 21:59

I currently have a pedigree dog (3 years old) who we have had since 7 weeks old and we also have a rescue dog of 2 years old whom we have had for 15 months. There are both positives and negatives to both TBH. I had to have a pedigree because of the breed, they are very very rare and NEVER in rescue.

If i was to get another dog now i would definately go to a rescue, and for any further dog we have will be a rescue, Not going for the same breed again as we have been spoilt with this one and feel we would never get another so good as him.

I would vote rescue everytime.

stleger · 23/12/2010 22:05

A rescue puppy! Our local place usually has a mum with puppies. We got a young rescue dog, who spent about a month pretending to be a puppy . Most of his mates are rescue dogs, they are a lovely gang.

pastaplease · 23/12/2010 22:05

I also have a pedigree dog (an English Foxhound) who was a rescue dog (from The Blue Cross). I used to work at an adoption centre and we always had posh pedigrees in need of homes. There are also breed-specific rescues, if you're set on a particular 'type' of dog. My neighbour, for example has two Welsh Corgis from Corgi rescue. I went to my local animal shelter today and they had an Italian spinone, which was a surprise - you never know who you'll meet in a rescue centre! :)

morethanyou just out of interest, what breed is your pedigree dog?

VallhalaLalalalalalalalaaaaaa · 23/12/2010 22:05

Oh wow, morethan, I've just had a sneaky peek at your profile pictures. (Was being nosy, wondering what the rare breed is!).

I'm really jealous, I want a Curly now! :)

pastaplease · 23/12/2010 22:09

Ah, I've seen the pics too now! Cute Curly!

SeaGreen · 23/12/2010 22:11

after that, how could i resist sneaking a quick peek?!
is that a curly coated retriever? lovely!

morethanyoubargainfor · 23/12/2010 22:13

he sure is a curly coated retriever! wanted one for 14 years before i got him and i am so thrilled by him! He has a smoking jacket and everything .

He was one of 184 born the year he was so very rare!

JaxTellersOldLady · 23/12/2010 22:13

oooh I think it all depends on your circumstances, whether to rescue or get a puppy.

Both need lots of love, care and attention, not to mention training.

Not every rescue will match you perfectly to the dog of your dreams, but then neither can you really really know what sort of dog your pup will grow up to be. Some breeders will say something and mean the opposite.

Anyway, I digress. Rescue is better, especially if you know a certain breed and are willing to do the work needed.

PS - CAne Corso needing a home. Currently fostered by my family.

mulledjooseyfruit · 23/12/2010 22:16

look at picture on my profile. That bundle of loveliness is a rescue.

mulledjooseyfruit · 23/12/2010 22:16

look at picture on my profile. That bundle of loveliness is a rescue.

SeaGreen · 23/12/2010 22:18

and what a bundle of loveliness he is!! all nose and knees!! [hugs to the baby]

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