Rescue an Older Dog Or Get a Puppy?

Some people have this question answered for them due to circumstances. When you find a stray dog and end up falling for them, it's a simple decision. But when you are planning on getting a dog, for yourself or maybe your family (because the kids have been asking for months) it's a choice you need to make.

There are good reasons for both, depending on your situation and motivation. I always lean to the rescue since I have a weak spot for the underdog (no pun intended). But if you are looking for a particular breed, or want to have a dog with special talents (like hunting or showing) a puppy might be best.

I really don't care about pedigrees but I understand why some do. Most of my dogs have been mixed breeds but I have had a few with pedigrees. Didn't make much difference since my dogs are strictly pets and although I train them, it's more for fun and safety than any special reason.

The pros and cons of a puppy are:

Cons
You don't really get to judge personality
You get to go through the house training bit
You get to listen to a lot of barking and whining
You start out at ground zero on the social side
You have to wait for a few weeks to get serious about training

Pros
No bad habits to break
You can pick the exact breed and colors
You get to train them form the get go which is easier for me

The pros and cons of an older rescue dog:

Cons:
There are usually bad habits and maybe social issues
The dog may require further medical treatment
You won't know the exact age

Pros:
The dog may already be house trained
It's easy to determine personality traits
You get to save a dog's life

Now some rescue dogs are puppies, so you may get the best (or worst) of both worlds. It's normally cheaper to get a rescue dog (if from shelter or group it's usually under a $100). If you get a puppy and it's got a pedigree, the price goes up accordingly. Especially if the dog's bloodline has some show or competition winners.

It's really about a personal choice and unless you are into the show or competition of dogs, one that can be decided for you by circumstance. I get calls about found dogs, puppies, or people looking to find their dog a good home due to circumstances beyond their control. If you ask around and are not on any timeline, opportunities pop up.

One thing that is always good is to learn about the different breeds and known traits. If you live in an apartment, a big active dog breed like an Irish Setter may not be the best choice. Finding the right dog for your particular circumstances and lifestyle is important. A little research can go a long ways on finding a good fit for you and your dog.

Pets are not cheap these days either. A couple of trips to the vet for even small things will give you a quick lesson on costs of pet ownership. I rarely escape for under $75 a visit and if there's any serious medical issues it can run much higher. So don't forget about the costs involved.

Put a little thought into your choice of getting a puppy or rescuing an older dog, it's worth the time and effort. Finding the right dog is not difficult but you should do a little research and ask friends for advice. Most dog owners I know love to talk about their pets. Probably tell you more than you want to hear.