My DP says he doesn't want a rescue dog as pedigrees are "better". Are they?

[PedigreeDogs]

I have been discussing getting a dog with DP. We had dogs as pets when growing up in our families, but we haven't had a dog of our own that lives with us yet. DP has said he only likes pedigrees because they are less likely to have behavioural issues than rescue dogs (or dogs that have been abandoned by previous owners). He also is quite selective about the breeds he likes. I am curious what people's thoughts are about buying a pedigree dog from a breeder compared to getting a non-pedigree rescue dog.

If you do opt for a pedigree, check out the co-efficient of inbreeding. Anything much over 5% is where the risks of autoimmune disorders, cancers and bizarre syndromes start to really go up.

I have two pedigree dogs, same breed, some overlap in their lines.The younger one (COI of just over 5%) has a much more delicate stomach than the older one (COI about 1%) who has an iron constitution. I know this a sample of two which on its own proves nothing, but I've noted it all the same.

Does he mean he wants a puppy (of any breed) as then you can train him from early on, rather than a rescue dog, who may have had a troubled past?

Aren't most recent popular breeds just posh mongrels anyway? 2 breeds crossed =mongrel imo.

If you have small kids, buying a particular breed known for its calm temperament is potentially better than a multi breed mix of unknown parentage.

I world be very particular about what breed though. So many have been over bred to the point of cruelty. Don't even think about a flat faced variety.

This makes me so cross. A lot of rescue dogs come with behavioural problems, which is why they are surrendered to rescue. Or they are imported from abroad with a host of diseases which are not found in this country. SOME breeders are only after money, as are some rescues who have a very dodgy precedent.

If you look at working labradors, for example, which is the breed that I have. The hip scores have improved hugely over the past few years and the health testing requirements are ever increasing. There are so many breeders who are trying to improve the breed while keeping the coefficient of inbreeding down, improving the abilities of the dogs and the estimated breeding values.

I know that mums net suggest a retired greyhound for every occasion and family . But I do think that supporting an industry with such a record is difficult to stomach.

If you wanted to rescue then atm working cocker rescue are over run. Cute puppies that turn onto gremlins with a inexhaustible battery that makes them difficult to live with, and a tendency to resource guard on the side.

But there are still loads of people to maintain that rescue dogs are healthier with absolutely no evidence to the contrary apart from one or two dogs that they’ve have over the past couple of years.

And breathe.

I would have a rescue in a heart beat- but - out of the 254 on a rescue site just 6 can be rehomed with a cat. Out of those 6, 3 are collies that are incredibly nervous and need a quiet home with no kids. 1 is a lurcher that in the description says must be the only pet(?) one is a bulldog that can't breathe, and the last is a challenging rottie that needs experienced owners who can cope with a reactive dog. So sorry folks, I'm buying a Labrador puppy.

@Sunflowers765 enjoy your puppy, they are absolutely adorable, but will eat your house, contents and walls/doors/floors etc, they do eventually grow out of that phase and Labrador puppy ears should be prescribed on the NHS for their therapeutic properties

No, they are not "better" and your husband is a dick. Ask him what his pedigree is!

We've just rescued an 11 month working cocker. He needed a new home because the previous family had 6 kids and she couldn't cope with meeting the dogs needs too. He's perfect and we've struck gold with him.

The best dog I've ever met was my childhood rescue - collie x German Shepard. She was literally the best dog to walk this planet.

Before finding our cocker, We looked at a "pedigree" KC registered Dalmatian and he needed a special (and expensive) diet and the breed is prone of all sorts of health issues.

I know a cocker is technically a pedigree but I honestly believe rescues bring so much joy

Brilliant 😂

Our experience is a lovely mix rescue dog (probably a good old 56 varities dog!). But he had to rehomed from his previous family (after his "rescue"). Only because my husband is so experienced with dogs has he become so calm.

I think it is silly to not recognise that dogs who gave been mistreated by humans could very well have behavioural problems.

Some of my friends have rescues and they are lovely dogs. Equally others have been some work and are probably best going to committed/experienced owners. But I'm definitely in the get a rescue camp. There are so many cats and dogs desperate for homes at the minute, rescues are really struggling. I don't get why you would fund a system breeding more dogs when there are so many already here needing a home. And a decent rescue will be able to advise the dog's temperament and help you get one suited to your experience and lifestyle.

I adopted an ex-racing greyhound. They're pedigrees, lovely natured, and spend most of the day snoozing. He's happy to walk miles or just a few mins. Great thing about adopting an adult dog is that they're already house trained! Only "downside" with racing greyhounds is that they don't really understand things like fetch!

My rescue shih tzus were given up for adoption because their owner was too ill to look after them. They were 5 then. They're now 13! I have Kennel Club docs for one of them, and a family tree going back 6 generations. I think my point is that you can get pedigree rescues, if that's what he wants. But I'm not sure what his reasons for wanting a dog are; I don't think he is either.

You have to go into any situation with your critical thinking on - prior feelings are fine but any situation can be bad or unsuitable, rescue or puppy from breeder.

Labradors are very active puppies - research whatever you do especially if it's your first dog it is a big, expensive lengthy commitment.

My rescue greyhound was the easiet, most placid, best behaved dog I've ever had and I would take another rescue greyhound in a heartbeat. I can't comment on other rescue breeds.

I have a show cocker from a breeder now. He's a bit like father dougal but he's never ever ill and he costs me only his yearly jabs in vet fees.