Pedigree Dog Adoption Options Explained

Adopting a pedigree dog can be a wonderful experience. You can find pedigree dogs through reputable breeders, rescue organizations, and shelters.

Reputable breeders are a great option if you're looking for a specific breed or bloodline. They often have a wide range of breeds to choose from and can provide valuable advice on caring for your new dog.

Rescue organizations and shelters also have pedigree dogs available for adoption. These dogs may have been surrendered by their previous owners or have been found as strays.

Many pedigree dogs in rescue organizations and shelters are healthy and well-cared for, despite their previous circumstances.

Breed-specific rescue groups often rely on volunteers to help identify purebred dogs in shelters and notify the correct rescue organization.

Shelters may not have official rescue coordinators, but passionate volunteers will often take on this role, posting dogs on national websites and contacting rescues directly.

Some dog lovers, known as "shelter surfers", actively search for purebreds and contact rescues to offer help, whether it's pulling the dog from the shelter, transporting it, or donating money.

The need for breed-specific rescue is significant, with some groups receiving multiple requests per week from shelters across the country.

Diane Sacripanti, founder of North Carolina Rottweiler Rescue, notes that her organization turns away approximately 15 dogs per week due to lack of funds and foster homes.

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You can find pedigree dogs from breeders or shelters, but adopting from a shelter is often a more affordable option.

Pedigree dogs from shelters may have a known history, but it's often incomplete or uncertain.

Some pedigree dogs may have been abandoned or surrendered due to behavioral issues, so it's essential to consider their past before adopting.

Researching the breed's temperament and needs can help you determine if a pedigree dog is a good fit for your lifestyle.

A purebred dog's genetic makeup can influence its health, so it's crucial to consider potential health issues associated with the breed.

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Adopting a pedigree dog can be a costly endeavor, with adoption fees ranging from $500 to $2,000 or more, depending on the breed and organization.

The adoption process typically includes a home visit and interview, which can take several weeks to several months to complete.

Some breed-specific rescue groups offer limited or no adoption fees, but may require a donation or sponsorship in lieu of a fee.

In addition to the adoption fee, you may also need to budget for spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping, which can cost an extra $500 to $1,000.

Many breed-specific rescue groups offer ongoing support and resources to help you care for your new pet, including breed-specific advice, behavioral guidance, and access to a community of experienced breed owners.

Rescue coordinators take identification photos and notify the appropriate breed rescue via email when a purebred dog arrives at a shelter.

Shelters that lack official rescue coordinators often have passionate volunteers who post dogs on national websites and contact rescue organizations directly or by phone.

Some dog lovers, known as "shelter surfers", actively search for purebreds and contact rescues to help a dog in need.

Rescue organizations often have a large number of dogs to help, with one Rottweiler rescue turning away approximately 15 dogs per week due to lack of funds and foster homes.

Diane Sacripanti, founder of North Carolina Rottweiler Rescue, says shelters from all over the country contact her organization for help, with dogs needing rescue being emailed directly to the rescue.

The future of breed rescues is a pressing issue, with a staggering number of dogs in need of a second chance. Ann Ewing, a volunteer for Weimaraner Rescue of the South, points out that the ratio between supply and demand is out of balance, with more dogs than homes available.

Responsible breeders play a crucial role in maintaining the purity of the breed, but they can also contribute to the problem by not working together with rescuers to reduce the number of dogs.

The sheer number of dogs in shelters is overwhelming, with many being discarded due to societal attitudes that view animals as disposable. A volunteer from New Beginnings Shih Tzu Rescue recalls a situation where a Lhasa Apso named Macey was dumped at a shelter because her family couldn't stand to look at her anymore.

Macey's story highlights the need for breed rescues to find forever homes for dogs like her, who often have physical and emotional needs that require special care. Miraculously, Macey healed and found a loving family at 13 years old, proving that even the most overlooked dogs can find happiness.