Buying a pooch from a reputable breeder doesn’t make you a bad person!

I do NOT support puppy mills and that isn’t a reputable breeder btw. They don’t look at health, genetics, or temperament of the animals they breed nor care about the dog’s wellbeing. It’s abuse and torture. Even backyard breeders or ones that have 30+ dogs stacked in cages in their houses are NOT reputable. Real breeders care about the dogs in their care and ensure they are properly bred to make good family pets.

And I’m aware there are puppies in shelters but a couple things. Those typically get scooped up. For example, my local shelter got in tons of mutt puppies (spaniel/retriever one and several lab mixes and boxer mixes). Two days later they were all adopted.

Genetics are important and if I get a pup that maybe had parents that were aggressive (not because of their situation but actual genes) then that can pose a problem.

3/4 of my dogs I’ve ever owned are rescues from either a bad situation or shelter. I will continue to rescue where I can, but simply pointing out it’s risky in its own way. Shelter dogs aren’t always sociable, well adapted dogs and that can pose huge problems and safety risks.

Not always the case but just saying, we shouldn’t criticize people for wanting a “known” puppy or even adult dog. Some places will home their adults after done breeding them, so that’s always an option too.

/r/unpopularopinion Thread Parent