How to Get a Deal on the Obamas' Dog Choice

I agree the Obama’s have set a great example by choosing a rescued animal. I hope that more and more people will think rescue first when considering a new pet but even more I hope that people more carefully conceder pets. Since we live in rural area bordering a city we constantly see “dumped” animals. The shelters and rescue groups in the area are overtaxed and doing all they can. Don’t think about whither you can get a dog on a deal make sure that you have the funds, time and energy to truly care for the animal before you commit to it.

For those of you who are in a position to commit to a new animal companion or have been thinking about it. Please visit your local shelter or find a nearby rescue group there has been a huge influx of animals and a reduction in donations recently due in part to the economic downturns. The adoption fees that they get are critical to helping them continue saving animals.

If you don’t know how to contact local rescues check petfinder.com, adopt a pet, your local animal control shelter.

Tabitha of TX 3:35PM March 03, 2009

With 4 to 6 million dogs being euthenized in the US every year for lack of good homes, breeding more dogs whether for money, for "hobby", or because of ignorance in refusing to spay and neuter, is simply a CRIME. I am glad that the Obamas are enlightened enough to be an example to the nation and adopt a dog. Were Malia not allergic they would have probably gone to a shelter and taken a mutt. I love the Obamas. People need to be aware of the dog and cat overpopulation tragedy in this country and stop going to pet stores or breeders to spend a thounsand dollars to buy a dog because they saw one like on a movie or it's the new "fad", like the designer dogs.

Opt to Adopt.

Diana of FL 4:18PM February 28, 2009

I'm a show breeder (not of PWDs, though I know several wonderful people who breed them) and I have to say that saving money on a dog purchase is the EXACT wrong way to go about it.

Rescue is a fabulous way to get a dog, but you should never, ever rescue--especially a purebred--to save money. Rescue dogs have zero health history and require just as much of an investment in training and care as well-bred dogs do. In a breed like PWDs, where there are some serious health issues in the breed, if you don't buy from health-tested parents you should count on paying for issues later. Rescue is beyond a doubt worth it, but it is NOT a way to save money.

Craigslist is not supposed to "sell" dogs, period. They are only there for adoption, and in my experience (I keep track of craigslist so I can help people find appropriate purebred rescue options for their dogs, if possible) there are very few purebred dogs without serious issues being advertised. The chance of finding a healthy, sane PWD on craigslist is virtually nil.

Remember that anytime you are looking at a purebred that is not coming from a responsible breeder that puts her money where her mouth is in terms of showing, health testing, a written contract, and lifetime support for any puppy (and in PWDs she should also be involved in the working aspects of the breed) she produces, you're not actually getting the breed "as advertised." The description of the PWD as a happy, energetic, extremely trainable dog is based on well-bred dogs who meet the temperamental standard for the breed. Rescue dogs and craigslist dogs are NOT well-bred and their breeders didn't care two bits about the proper health, conformation, temperament or ability that the dog should have. In effect, you're looking at "counterfeit" purebreds.

So please DO rescue. In addition to our show dogs we do a substantial amount of rescue and two of our permanent residents are rescues--I could not support it more. But do it because you want to rescue a dog, because you have the time and money and energy to devote to the dog, because you connect with that specific dog (not its breed--remember that it may not be anything close to what its breed is supposed to be) not to get a purebred on the cheap and NOT to save money over the life of the dog.

One more thing: Mixed-breed dogs are not healthier than well-bred purebreds. That only kicks in when the mixed-breed is allowed to breed randomly and natural selection is applied. Carolina Dogs, for example, are probably healthier than the background population. But allowing a poorly bred Lab make puppies with a poorly bred Poodle, or any one of the thousands of possible mixes, won't make healthy puppies.

I don't know ANY good (show/responsible) breeders who make money on puppies. Even at normal puppy prices we lose thousands on each litter. If you're going to buy from a breeder, make sure he or she is investing that much into their dogs. Anyone making money is cutting corners.

Joanna of NH 11:05AM February 26, 2009

They tell me that responsible breeders spend lots of money on health tests, "obstetrical care," premium food, etc. I'm not a breeder, but a few.

I wouldn't begrudge them their fees.

Anyone who carps about spending $1500 on a carefully bred companion who will be at their side for 10-15 years might not be willing to spend $700-1000 for vet bills to fix fractures or other illnesses, or for routine vaccinations, heart worm prevention, grooming, etc. The price of a puppy

Most breeders aren't rolling in dough. It's a hobby for folks who love the particular qualilties of their breeds. Many conscientious breeders seem to be pretty lousy business people.

I do know that a well bred Water Dog will be an outstanding companion for our president. He's going to need all the true friends he can get and deserves a good dog.

Just my $0.02 worth of kibble.

Faux Paws of NC 5:04PM February 25, 2009