Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We rescued a hound from a great organization who has ended up being an AMAZING family dog. If you are just looking at the actual MoCo shelter, yes, it is mostly pits. But there are tons and tons of rescue organizations in this area that have a large variety of dog breeds, ages, sizes, and temperaments.

Hounds are the best family dogs. Hilarious, gentle, affectionate.

My hound came from K-9 Lifesaver

I donate to rescue organizations, have volunteered at shelters, and have been a foster. I have gotten all of my personal dogs from reputable breeders. Just stay away from puppy mills and you're good.

I have no regret or shame about buying my dog. DCUM really hates me, though, because he’s a doodle. Gasp!

I second looking at breed-specific rescues. Although I don't have a problem with reputable dog breeders.

We got a Lurcher from the used dog home, though, and she is such a fun and hilarious dog! Sighthound x working dog. I never had anything with hound breeding and she's won me over.

Look at petfinder OP if you want a breed you’re not seeing elsewhere. They have lots of rescue groups on their page.

Anonymous wrote:We rescued a hound from a great organization who has ended up being an AMAZING family dog. If you are just looking at the actual MoCo shelter, yes, it is mostly pits. But there are tons and tons of rescue organizations in this area that have a large variety of dog breeds, ages, sizes, and temperaments.

Hounds are the best family dogs. Hilarious, gentle, affectionate.

+1 to breed specific rescues

Anonymous wrote:We rescued a hound from a great organization who has ended up being an AMAZING family dog. If you are just looking at the actual MoCo shelter, yes, it is mostly pits. But there are tons and tons of rescue organizations in this area that have a large variety of dog breeds, ages, sizes, and temperaments.

Which groups have a better variety? They all seem to be the same 5 breeds.

We rescued a hound from a great organization who has ended up being an AMAZING family dog. If you are just looking at the actual MoCo shelter, yes, it is mostly pits. But there are tons and tons of rescue organizations in this area that have a large variety of dog breeds, ages, sizes, and temperaments.

I understand where you’re coming from, OP. My experience with rescue dogs has been wonderful, although it took a little more digging on PetFinder and working with s few rescue groups to find dogs that worked with our family. We ended up getting both dogs as puppies who were born after their mom was in the care of a foster family. So we at least knew about the mom’s possible breed and temperament. Both of our dogs are beautiful and great with our children. When my kids are older I’ll consider adopting adult dogs.

I’ve also seen plenty of smaller terrier and hound type mixes when I’ve searched online. DH’s first dog was a terrier mix from the shelter, lived to be 17+ (exact age unknown) with very few health problems. Purebred dogs can come with their own host of health issues, FWIW.

Don’t worry about it if you feel uncomfortable adopting a shelter dog. Donate an equal amount of money to a shelter when you buy from a reputable breeder if you want. The vast majority of people who are judgey about a preference for a particular breed aren’t vegetarians or vegans-they can stuff it.

I feel no guilt. I cannot control or fix the mistakes other peoples make.

I needed a hypoallergenic dog because we have allergies. I needed a good temperament because I have young children. I researched breeders and located one that met my criteria and adopted the perfect miniature poodle for my family.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I always told myself "people who buy dogs are bad people!" and every dog bought means a dog in a shelter goes without a home or is euthanized. But why is it MY job to pick up the pieces after those who don't neuter/spay, owner's who surrender their dogs, places in the south/rural who treat pets like dirt, etc? It means I'm limited to labs, mutts, pits, large dogs, dogs with behavioral issues, and other unknowns. I want to buy a dog without the guilt that comes with it. Anyone else?

The bolded is just not true, unless all puppies count as unknowns.

NP A lot of shelter puppies are unknowns because you can't say for sure how big they'll grow without meeting the parents.

Anonymous wrote:I always told myself "people who buy dogs are bad people!" and every dog bought means a dog in a shelter goes without a home or is euthanized. But why is it MY job to pick up the pieces after those who don't neuter/spay, owner's who surrender their dogs, places in the south/rural who treat pets like dirt, etc? It means I'm limited to labs, mutts, pits, large dogs, dogs with behavioral issues, and other unknowns. I want to buy a dog without the guilt that comes with it. Anyone else?

The bolded is just not true, unless all puppies count as unknowns.

I always told myself "people who buy dogs are bad people!" and every dog bought means a dog in a shelter goes without a home or is euthanized. But why is it MY job to pick up the pieces after those who don't neuter/spay, owner's who surrender their dogs, places in the south/rural who treat pets like dirt, etc? It means I'm limited to labs, mutts, pits, large dogs, dogs with behavioral issues, and other unknowns. I want to buy a dog without the guilt that comes with it. Anyone else?