| Some people have this question answered for | | | | Pros: |
| them due to circumstances. When you find a | | | | The dog may already be house trained |
| stray dog and end up falling for them, it's a simple | | | | It's easy to determine personality traits |
| decision. But when you are planning on getting a | | | | You get to save a dog's life |
| dog, for yourself or maybe your family (because | | | | Now some rescue dogs are puppies, so you may |
| the kids have been asking for months) it's a | | | | get the best (or worst) of both worlds. It's |
| choice you need to make. | | | | normally cheaper to get a rescue dog (if from |
| There are good reasons for both, depending on | | | | shelter or group it's usually under a $100). If you |
| your situation and motivation. I always lean to the | | | | get a puppy and it's got a pedigree, the price |
| rescue since I have a weak spot for the | | | | goes up accordingly. Especially if the dog's bloodline |
| underdog (no pun intended). But if you are looking | | | | has some show or competition winners. |
| for a particular breed, or want to have a dog with | | | | It's really about a personal choice and unless you |
| special talents (like hunting or showing) a puppy | | | | are into the show or competition of dogs, one |
| might be best. | | | | that can be decided for you by circumstance. I |
| I really don't care about pedigrees but I | | | | get calls about found dogs, puppies, or people |
| understand why some do. Most of my dogs have | | | | looking to find their dog a good home due to |
| been mixed breeds but I have had a few with | | | | circumstances beyond their control. If you ask |
| pedigrees. Didn't make much difference since my | | | | around and are not on any timeline, opportunities |
| dogs are strictly pets and although I train them, | | | | pop up. |
| it's more for fun and safety than any special | | | | One thing that is always good is to learn about |
| reason. | | | | the different breeds and known traits. If you live |
| The pros and cons of a puppy are: | | | | in an apartment, a big active dog breed like an |
| Cons | | | | Irish Setter may not be the best choice. Finding |
| You don't really get to judge personality | | | | the right dog for your particular circumstances |
| You get to go through the house training bit | | | | and lifestyle is important. A little research can go a |
| You get to listen to a lot of barking and whining | | | | long ways on finding a good fit for you and your |
| You start out at ground zero on the social side | | | | dog. |
| You have to wait for a few weeks to get serious | | | | Pets are not cheap these days either. A couple of |
| about training | | | | trips to the vet for even small things will give you |
| Pros | | | | a quick lesson on costs of pet ownership. I rarely |
| No bad habits to break | | | | escape for under $75 a visit and if there's any |
| You can pick the exact breed and colors | | | | serious medical issues it can run much higher. So |
| You get to train them form the get go which is | | | | don't forget about the costs involved. |
| easier for me | | | | Put a little thought into your choice of getting a |
| The pros and cons of a older rescue dog: | | | | puppy or rescuing an older dog, it's worth the |
| Cons: | | | | time and effort. Finding the right dog is not difficult |
| There are usually bad habits and maybe social | | | | but you should do a little research and ask friends |
| issues | | | | for advice. Most dog owners I know love to talk |
| The dog may require further medical treatment | | | | about their pets. Probably tell you more than you |
| You won't know the exact age | | | | want to hear. |