Rescues always have pure breeds, and puppies too but it doesn't stop people buying instead of adopting Humans are a selfish race, it's all want, want want. How anyone can buy a pup when there are dogs dying because they're homeless is just beyond me.

i have 2 dogs that i bought from breeders as pups with young children we wanted to raise the pups with our children so hopefully they all get on which luckily worked there all inseperable but i wouldnt rule out rescuing if a dog came up that was suitable for us ie loves other dogs/children or is young enough to adapt to living with children and dogs then i wouldnt think twice about giving a home to a rescue over buying a pup from a breeder as there are soo many pups/dogs coming into rescue

Personally I can't see me every having anything other than rescue dogs, but I do understand that different people have different requirements and I can particularly understand those with young children not wanting to take a risk with a rescue dog, or those who are devoted to a particular breed (and that breed doesn't often end up in rescue centres).

Unfortunately there are other reasons why rescues are less preferred:-
(1) 'snobbery' - some people just don't want to have a 'second hand' anything.

(2) lack of understanding - many people think dogs are in rescue because they are bad dogs. I don't have statistics but I am certain that the majority of the dogs are in rescue not because they are bad but because people ended up not wanting them. I've had two beautiful dogs from rescue who are testiment to this.

(3) I think some rescue centres can be a bit too strict with their rules, making it easier for some to buy a pup rather than rescue. Whilst I realise their rules are generally for good reason, I think each case should be taken on its own merits.

I would love more people who are thinking about a dog to meet owners with rescue dogs so they can see just how good they can turn out...and to see that you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Yes humans are selfish but when you have young children it's not always possible to adopt a rescue dog.I show my dogs so therefore need them KC registered something you don't get with a rescue.

We had an ESS from rescue but had to return him,we worked hard with him and had issues we just could not solve.We also wanted to adopt an SBT bitch but because we already had dogs,they wouldn't allow us too,even though we had experience of the breed.Our Breed Rescue prefers rehoming where there are no other dogs present, to avoid fighting issues,which I can appriciate.

we have socialised china...

when we originally got her she wouldnt tolerate ANY dog...

now there are a few who she can be off lead with...

all it takes is determination and training (oh and tasty treats!)

there are still some dogs who she doesnt get on with but there are peope i dont get on with!

so i think its also down to what trainig you are willing to put in!

I suppose each to their own, but in the above example, and knowing something about your circumstances (i.e. no young children etc), I really can't understand why you would choose the pup.

FYI,
(1) not all rescue dogs are unsocialised/untrained
(2) It is very possible to train rescue dogs to a high level (just ask Patch :smt002 ).

Look at it this way, you've had Millie for about the same time I've had Hoki, I think.

One of us has a dog who has fantastic recall and who would rather be with their owner than anywhere else.

Anyone like to guess whether this is the dog had from a pup or the one got from rescue at age about 6 years?

Like Sal I show my dogs and I would not get papers with a rescue dog.

I am not being snobbish and I don't have anything against getting a Dog from Rescue, but while I continue to show I wll buy from a reputable breeder. When I retire from the show ring it may well be a different story, but show dog or rescue dog they are my pets first and foremost and are loved to bits.

I agree with you but when there are already other SBT's on the property,they are not willing to take a chance.Some Staffords no matter how much training etc you do will just not get along with others,which can make it a nightmare when they are living together.

completely agree!
some are right mardy ar**s!!

I too have met with the snobbery attitude, that some don't want "second hand"

As to choosing the pup over the 2 year old - I wouldn't. A two year old is more likely to be house trained - so I'd miss all that hassle.
All I'd have to do is socialise it and instil basic training.

I got my girl at 7 years old - and she wasn't socialised with people or dogs due to her living her life with an old lady in a retirement flat.

Took a few months to get her socialised with people and a bit longer for dogs after she was attacked by one!

But like Alexandra said - its the effort you want to put in.
Took my girl out every single day and stopped every person who looked at her and asked them to tell her sit and give her a treat. Worked like a charm. She's now everybody's friend.
She'd never met kids so obviously the rescue's recommendation was no kids, but when one rounded a corner at Pets at Home and launched into a cuddle fest all she did was kiss him back!

Most people do seem to have a perception that rescue dogs all have "issues" but you know, good basic training and socialising and a home environment has given me two excellent rescue dogs to be proud of.

Sadly the other ( a stray from the streets) passed away after one week. He was a GSD, tossed out at 10 years old.

I have met people who have owned dogs from a pup who never train them.
People here care for their dogs and wouldn't do that, but unfortunately we're not in the majority.
When someone from the majority gives up a dog- like my Missy - it takes training to make them sociable.

You can do it, as you can train a pup.
Don't write rescues off just because they are older and untrained.

I understand the people who want pups because they want the papers and want to show. I even understand the people who want a puppy because they don't feel prepared enough to take on an adult dog.

I just would love for people to understand that the adult rescues can be an excellent pet, they don't all have major issues, and training can help them be as sociable as the next dog.