Dog Community

Would this make me a hypocrite?

Posted : 3/29/2007 11:33:30 AM

I foster for a GSD rescue, and I do not support byb or puppymills in any way.

With that being said, the small local rescue that I currently foster for is going to retire.

This will give me some more time to work with my two Shih Tzus. I have enrolled both of them in additional classes (obedience and agility) for the Spring and Summer sessions. They both have a great recall and basic obedience, but my last fostering experience has shown me that they still need more work on their self-control, especially around other dogs. [&:] Sometimes they're nervous/hide and other times they're a bit too "in the other dogs space".

Considering that I foster and volunteer for a rescue; would you consider me a hypocrite if I decide that want a purebred dog from a reputable breeder so that we can one day compete in Agility and Rally? I realize that you can get an ILP from AKC for an adopted purebred and still compete; however, I prefer to raise the dog from a pup (well aware of the more work involved with puppies) so that I can be sure it is properly socialized from the get-go for my other animals' safety.

I've been thinking along the lines of a medium sized breed (35-45 lbs) that is known to do well with small dogs and is also active enough to enjoy agility and obedience trials. Maybe an English or a Welsh Springer - any experience or insight on those breeds? I've read that they are dog and people-friendly and are active and obedient when trained properly.

I love the idea of a BC, but I'm afraid a BC would just have too much energy for what I can offer[

] We do have about an acre of fenced in property for fetch, frisbee, or whatever but I need for the new dog to be able to run outside WITH my little guys without trampling or "reacting" on them. I am open to other breed suggestions.

I always thought I wanted my own GSD. I still kinda do; that's why I foster them. But I'm concerned that it may not be the most responsible decision to mix with my 2 little guys -It would only take ONE snap/shake to kill one of them. But then I thought maybe the chances of "properly" socializing them would be best if I introduced them while the other dog is still a puppy....

I'm not even considering bringing a new puppy or dog of my own into the mix until next spring or fall at the earliest (my guys would be almost 3, with more training under their collars by then); so is it too soon for me to even be thinking about breed choice and finding a reputable breeder anyway? How far ahead do you contact someone IF you went this route? I thought maybe I would go to a few shows this summer and meet some breeders that way[8|]

I could be very wrong, but in my area, it is rare to find purebred *puppies* that need to be rescued. I could use some opinions or guidance on that option as well.

Sorry for rambling- I'm feeling very indecisive right now and I think I need some direction from canine-educated people[&:]

Your thoughts? (As I cower and prepare for the flames[sm=wink3.gif])

rwbeagles

Posted : 3/29/2007 11:38:35 AM

Angie...
DO NOT feel ashamed for going to a reputable breeder. It is ALWAYS good to save a life, but you also should be able to make a decision without being clucked at by the masses...esp when you have MORE than done your part.

Hmmph....don't feel bad...even tho I am sure others may chime in and tell you otherwise.

If you decide on a breed and would like contacts for reputable folks PM me and I will do my darndest to assist.

Chuffy

Posted : 3/29/2007 11:44:31 AM

To answer your main question: IMO No, it doesn't make you a hypocrite. I think you seem very caring and responsible and have given it a lot of thought.

I'm not even considering bringing a new puppy or dog of my own into the mix until next spring or fall at the earliest (my guys would be almost 3, with more training under their collars by then); so is it too soon for me to even be thinking about breed choice and finding a reputable breeder anyway? How far ahead do you contact someone IF you went this route? I thought maybe I would go to a few shows this summer and meet some breeders that way

IMO it is not too soon. Most good breeders will have a waiting list as long as your arm and you may have to be prepared to wait that long - or even longer - for a puppy to become available. The sooner you can start building a rapport with a breeder you trust the better. IT also helps you sort the wheat from the chaff - a BYB is much less likely to be willing to put time and effort into getting to know you and answering your questions; they will just want a quick sale.

I think you are right about the purebred puppies.... I think they rarely need rescuing. I think they usually need rescuing when they hit puberty and when you say "puppy" I presume you mean 8-10weeks old. But I could be wrong.....

gradyupmybutt

Posted : 3/29/2007 11:44:33 AM

Not @ all! Now if you said you were going to get a dog from your next door neighbor whose bitch was great @ agility & got pregnant by mistake then I'd be all over you.

Liesje

Posted : 3/29/2007 12:01:50 PM

I don't think it makes you a hypocrite. I work at an animal shelter and I've been researching breeders for almost a year now. I'm prepared to put as much time and energy into my future dog as I would a child and there are certain things I need to be guaranteed or at least predictable. If I saw a dog at a shelter that meets our criteria, I'd gladly adopt and skip the breeder, but we have pretty strict criteria and can't afford adopting a dog whose chart says "Good with cats:...."unsure"...Good with children:..."unsure." Shelter/foster dogs are wonderful hearts, but the most important thing when getting a dog is getting the dog that fits for YOU. It's fair for you, and fair for the dog. Like you said, you'd never go to a BYB, pet store, or puppy mill so clearly you have all dogs' best interests at heart. Buying from a reputable breeder just shows you understand that breeding is done to better the species, not make money.

Jewlieee

Posted : 3/29/2007 12:07:25 PM

Nah. There are a lot of reasons people get dogs from breeders. I'm all for rescue and foster but when I get a dog, I have very specific ideas about what I want out of it. So, I get a purebred. (hopefully this won't start an argument!)

If it's going to make you feel guilty and you aren't in a hurry then by all means, keep an eye on the rescues for purebred puppies. They may be rare but it isn't unheard of. On petfinder I saw a litter of Great Peryanese (sp) and samoyeds recently. A friend of mine got a purebred corgi puppy right after Christmas at our local shelter and my brother threw his hat in the ring for 2 other rescue corgi puppies he found on petfinder (someone else beat him to it though) So, it does happen.

Melissa Mendoza

Posted : 3/29/2007 12:10:12 PM

I don't know you but just from reading your posts I can tell you really care about your dogs and its a really great thing your doing by fostering. It sounds like you have put a lot of thought into this and know what you want to do and I think choosing a reputable breeder is awsome. Good luck on your search!

jennie_c_d

Posted : 3/29/2007 1:07:53 PM

I don't think it'd make you a hypocrite, at all.

I may be biased, though, because I'm looking for a breeder to purchase my next dog from.

dogslyfe

Posted : 3/29/2007 1:18:25 PM

I don't think that having rescuing and responsible breeding are mutually exclusive. I have rescues, and I have a dog bought from an excellent breeder. They both have their places. My working dogs, in the future, will all be bought from a breeder, but I most likely will also always have rescues as well as volunteering in some capacity or another to rescue. So, no, I don't think it makes you a hypocrite at all. I agree, though - start looking now.

Cita

Posted : 3/29/2007 1:34:05 PM

What everyone else said!

Kara

Posted : 3/29/2007 1:44:45 PM

No, not at all...especially because you have such a valid reason.

You will probably improve the life of this dog by having more opportunities than a mixed breed would have.

marty_ga

Posted : 3/29/2007 1:50:58 PM

I asked that very same question a few months ago, as I have done some rescue for Basset Hounds, and was feeling guilty about wanting one from a good breeder, although I didn't want a puppy. Most of the rescues are puppy mill dogs, and I just wanted a dog who had a better chance at being healthy because Winnie had so many problems in her final year. I was tired of being at the Vet's every gosh darn week! That being said, I still do feel a little guilty for not rescuing this time, but I am keeping it open for next time.

TinaK

Posted : 3/29/2007 2:06:50 PM

Considering that I foster and volunteer for a rescue; would you consider me a hypocrite if I decide that want a purebred dog from a reputable breeder so that we can one day compete in Agility and Rally?

Hypocrite? NO. We all should be equal opportunity owners. Purebreds deserve good homes too. I might not be understanding your question.

Maybe an English or a Welsh Springer - any experience or insight on those breeds?

My grandmother owned a Springer. (I have a field/working English Cocker... the working lines were interbred with Springers at some point in history so there are a lot of similarities). My gran's Springer was an excellent dog. She died just recently of an old age. All Springers I've met were good off leash - they don't tend to wonder off. (They are way better off leash than on.) They love swimming in water or mud! They are pretty high energy, but, I found that they require mental stimulation just as much, if not more, as physical. They are very playful, and love *interactive* games. My Spaniel and that Springier would be more content after one intense 20min obedience session, rather than an hour and half walk, I swear! They are very good with cats. Good with mellow kids. They wouldn't appreciate a kid crawling all over them. My dog has had submissive urination issues, and I think a few Springers have that too. They are very excitable. Always ready to go, optimistic and trustinng. There might be thunder, rain, wind, and I'd go outside to get something from the yard - they'll come with anytime. Outside? Yes sir. What, thunder? Never noticed.
I read that they are one of the few breeds who often display dominance aggression. You have to handle and groom them every day since day one, and only stop when they are calm, not on their demand... A few Springers are fearful and can be defensive. Socialization is a must with this breed.

shamrockmommy

Posted : 3/29/2007 2:22:08 PM

Go for it.

I know I want a mini poodle at some point for agility and obedience. I have also helped in rescue fostering and grooming.

But........ I want a dog that I know is going to have very little chance of health problems, whose parents have been tested. I want a poodle that LOOKS like a poodle and not a curly haired dauschund with a little bitty stump tail.

I don't think there's a thing wrong with that. Rescues (as you and I well know) can be very costly to maintain, to bring back to health. They might have patellar or hip issues that would cost thousands to repair and would not hold up in competition agility.
Their temperaments might not be well suited to agility either.

You've done LOTS of work in rescue, don't feel guilty, at least I wouldn't.

stardog85

Posted : 3/29/2007 2:34:17 PM

Nothing wrong with going to a good breeder imo either.

Now on to the breeds:

I petsit for a 3 year old springer (welsh) and that dog is one of the most nutso dogs I know, even higher energy than my Border Collie/Cattle Dog cross! Oliver is a nice dog, but only after he's been running in the woods for 4 or more hours (yea his owners decided that they should let him run loose on their property since they don't want to take the time to train him more and exercise him fully [:@] ). My girl actually has a nice off switch; Oliver does not by any stretch of the imagination.

If you want more info on BCs, look to the working dog community (I like the boards at bcrescue.org and www.bordercollie.org) - it's pretty much at the point that AKC dogs are a separate breed from working bred dogs unfortunately, just as the same is true in retrievers and other hunting/working breeds.