An interesting question Dani...

We got a rescue because, as corny as it may sound, we wanted to give a dog a second chance. We also who have friends who rescue animals in the US and they gave some good reasons to adopt rather than buy. We also didn't particularly want the trials and tribulations of a puppy (mainly because we don't own the flat); although we realised an adult rescue might have these traits too. There are a lot of advantages by choosing an adult too.

I think it's very important that breed rescues exist since they often rescue the animals that might well be PTS in other shelters.

I honestly don't think we could have found a better dog any other way.

Aileen x

There is also the fact that if a rescue has been properly assessed in a foster home then you will be able (hopefully) to get a dog that suits you-
ie cat friendly/dog friendly/house trained/ child friendly/ no bad habits etc

(of course not all fostered dogs will be the above but if you are after a specific dog of specific temperament you should hopefully be aware of the above factors and can therefore ask for a dog of a certain temperament)

If you buy a pup you dont know what personality you will get

There was a similar debate on this subject last year. It became rather heated, but may be of interest to you: http://www.dogweb.co.uk/talkdogs/sho...hlight=ribbons

I have to say rescue but my first dog was a pup from a breeder because I wanted to show him. You cannot show or breed from a Rescue dog. Well not through our organisation anyway. We do get pups sometimes but not very often. Although we had 5 handed in in January.
Tracie

We've had just 2 puppies in our total dog ownership of 6 over 30 years. Have a pup now because we felt it would be our last chance to have a dog for its whole life: next time (hopefully not for years and years, unless we decide Dinah needs a companion or we really want a second dog........which could happen in a few years ) it will be a rescue. Probably a lurcher - I like pointies too!

There are way too many dogs in rescue because there are far too many dogs bred - whether out of misplaced sentiment, greed or ignorance. It's a shame, there should be only a handful of dogs needing new homes because of owners illness, devastating change of circumstances etc, not the wholesale discarding of 'no longer wanted' old friends.

totall agree

Well I specifically wanted an Irish Terrier, for size, temperment and the low moulting coat, and thankfully there are very few Irish Terriers in rescue, so a breeder was my only real choice. Once I have a bigger house I will definately look at taking on a rescue dog, either one from a general rescue (possibly a lurcher or greyhound), however, I must admit that if Irish Terrier Rescue had a suitable dog then that would probably be my first choice, simply because I know the breed and am certain of the level of support you get from the breed club.

I will hopefully adopt a rescue dog in the next few years. Olive is Kevin's first non rescue/stray dog, and if he had had his way we would probably have got a rescue or taken in the neighbourhood stray.

Irresponsible owners who have no committment also add to that equation

Housedog - I think the closest we will get to another brother or sister for Bruno is a stuffed kind LOl

I would get another ( it would only ever be a female) if I thought it wouldnt be world war 3 in the house on a daily basis - in all honesty I dont think he would accept one at this stage - I hope to be able to socialise him more and hope that his aggression improves though- as I honestly think its more lack of socialisation when young rather than a real " i want to kill you " mentality - dont think he realises he is a dog !!!

dani

You can always live in hope Dani,