Something else you have not taken into consideration is the kudos associated with owning a pedigree that has been purchased from a breeder.

Let me explain. All my dobes have come from different Dobermann rescue centres around the county, and Skye my Rottie came down from Hull after the floods back in the summer, but each one of them has got a full pedigree and I have got all the paper work to prove it from the kennel club so that in itself rules out the risk of unknown parenting and history.

Less be honest about it, most people like to brag about there dogs in one way or another, and if they can say to someone that they paid X amount for him or her then for whatever reason it seems to make it a better dog, but as we all know that it complete rubbish.

How many time have will all heard the same story that the reason the dog was re-homed in the first place was because it outgrew it’s last home, or that it wouldn’t do as it’s told, or it did fit in with the family way of life etc. I’m sorry but none of that has got anything to do with where the dog can from, it is all down to the time and effect you put into looking after and training the dog in the first place.

When I first got my lot not one of them had received any form of training and had the obedience of a sparrow. In other words they did what they wanted and when they wanted to do it. Now this was not the dog’s fault, but the pervious owners fault, but after a lot of training and perseverance I have now got five dogs that do as they are told, when they are told and not only have manners, but also know how to behave in public.

So in other words where the dog comes from is irrelevant. It’s all down to the time and effect to put into your dog ownership. If you can’t be bothered to train and socialise your dog then you can’t expect it to know how to behave can you? The same as children aren’t born being able to read or spell, you have to teach them.

So your argument for buying a pedigree from a breeder becomes none and void.

If you really want a specific breed, which has got full pedigree paperwork, go to the recognised breed rescues centres first before you part with hundreds of pounds. Believe me most of the time you will be able to choose from a pup to a 10-year old.

If you put in the time and effect in, you and your dog will both ripe the rewards together.

um yeh - i was 9 - and it was a really cute dog!!! now im almost 20 - and kc reg does matter!!! (to me!)

great post colin


ok yeh- i used bad examples - i will refer to purebreeds now - makes more sense and easier for me to explain my points lol!!!!

sorry, didn't mean to get personal, just trying to illustrate that it can be as easy if not easier to train an older rescue dog than a pup.

In the example you gave the dog wouldn't have the KC reg as they are crossbreeds.

But in any event, some of the purebreeds in rescues do have papers, although the rescue often don't hand them over - but you would only need the papers if you wanted to show or breed.

its fine!:smt001

fair point,,

i have decided to not comment on crossbreeds - purebred id far easier to get my point accross!! lol!

These are pretty much the main reasons why I haven't rescued.

When we got Max, I was a first-time dog owner. I felt that it would be easier to take on an 8 week puppy, since I had never had a dog before (and learn from the bottom up) than take on an older dog (that may or may not have issues) that I may have not been able to manage.

As Mishflynn says, a rescue would have probably not let us have a dog from them at the time, since we wouldn't have met a lot of their criteria.

Now I feel that I've had a bit of experience with dogs, I would feel more comfortable getting a dog from a rescue.

Maybe when we decide to have another dog, it will be a rescue.

Good post,but rescues do not and will not give you any pedigree or KC Registration,certainly not in my breed anyway.

A very good question, well done for raising it.

I got my Benson from the RSPCA, and must admit found the whole 'adoption' process a bit much.

There was the initial visit to the shelter, then the filling in of the form. This was followed by another two visits to the shelter with my wife. I then had to have a letter written and signed by the Headteacher of my school informing them that I was allowed to have a dog in my tied-accommodation bungalow.

Then we had the home visit. I felt like I was being interrogated, and my wife was asked some very direct questions as she is not a dog lover. I then informed them that Benson would not be allowed in certain parts of our house as my wife is very house proud, and that while we were out, he would be confined to the garden and converted garage with no access to the house.

Well, you'd thought I had murdered someone with the ice cold look I was given, as if to say, how dare you not let the Boxer in the house when you are out. Then the interrogation started again at the rescue centre...are you sure you want a dog, your wife isn't keen. Are you sure you can give him the attention he needs, will you walk him enough etc etc.

We were finally passed as okay, and Benson came home. But my wife was not happy with the adoption process, and said on one occasion "stuff them...if I'm not good enough for them, we'll get a puppy".

I think some rescue centres need to lighten up a bit. Yes, they must do checks. But maybe a bit less interrogation wouldn't go amiss.

Good post!

That is a fair point and one that I'm sure many people would feel the same.

But what is often not thought of is that an older dog who has gone into rescue through no fault of its own (e.g. death of owner) can actually prove a much better 'first dog' than a puppy :

Kip would have made an ideal first dog for anyone e.g.

already house trained
lovely gentle manners
very obedient from day one
very loyal from day one
slightly nervous, but confidence grew with time

The other thing about getting an older dog as a first dog is that the commitment isn't so scarey. Let's face it, when the average person is thinking of getting their first dog, do they really understand the commitment required in looking after a dog properly and they absolutely certain that they can do so for the next 15 or so years?

Also, many of the rescues are far more flexible about homing older dogs to people who work.

All rescue centres have to forward any paperwork that they received with the dog.

KC and vaccination paperwork.