Rescue dogs are cheaper.
True. Puppies cost between $800 – $1,200 to buy, plus they need several puppy vaccinations. Unless they are to be campaigned in the show ring, they will need to be spayed/neutered before they are sexually mature, which costs $150+ depending on the sex of the puppy and the vet clinic.
Rescue dogs from Northern Alaskan Malamute Club Rescue require their costs to be met (spay/neuter, pound fees, transport) but this usually only comes to between $100 – $300. NAMC Rescue also requires a donation of $50 minimum.
There’s less unknowns with puppies
True. You can be sure of the background of your puppy: were his parents healthy, was he socialised with humans and other animals as a young puppy, has he ever been abused, or attacked by other dogs, etc.
There is less training to be done with rescue dogs
Usually true, as most rescue dogs are past the puppy stages of nipping, toilet training etc. They are usually matured and mellowed enough to be easier to live with than a pup or adolescent. Contrary to popular belief, it is no easier to train a puppy than it is to train an adult dog, in fact in some ways an adult is easier to train, as they have a longer attention span and may already have some foundation behaviours like “sit” or “down”.
Puppies are cute!
Say no more: they are adorable while they’re babies.
Rescues don’t bond with their new owners as easily or as well as a puppy does.
Not true.
Dogs who have been uprooted from their happy homes or have not had the best start in life are more likely to bond very completely and deeply with their new people.
They know what life on the streets, on the end of a chain, or worse, is all about, and they revel and blossom in a nurturing, loving environment. Most rescues make exceptionally affectionate and attentive pets and extremely loyal companions.
(LRR, Inc – http://www.lrr.org)
When you buy a puppy from a reputable, responsible breeder, you can rely on that person as a mentor, to answer questions and support you through any difficulties you have with your dog.
Very true. On the same note, the NAMC Rescue Coordinator and the NAMC Committee are always happy and willing to mentor newcomers to the breed, to answer questions, or offer support to those having issues. We are a very friendly bunch, with extensive collective knowledge in a wide variety of areas. The Rescue Coordinator is always available to assist with any settling-in issues a rescue dog is having in its new home.
If there is a dog already in the household, it can be easier to integrate a puppy
There are varied opinions on this. In many ways it is easier to bring a puppy into the household, as the adult dog will not see it as a threat and will likely accept it as a lower pack member. The problem occurs when that pup reaches 6 – 18 months and starts to challenge that lower status. This is when fights often occur. With proper management and vigilance by the owner, this can usually be sorted out. Sometimes it never happens.
With a rescue dog, a suitable personality can be chosen to match the resident dog, and a trial period can be carried out to ensure compatibility.
One thing there is no question about – you should adopt an opposite sex dog or puppy (a female to live with your male, or vice versa). Obviously, one or preferably both should be spayed/neutered (this will also prevent a lot of fights from occurring). With careful introductions and management in the home same-sex dogs can get along fine, but the likelihood of fights is higher.