Benefits of Getting A Puppy From A Breeder

I’ve learned there are so many benefits of getting a puppy from a breeder.

We got our puppy Remy from a breeder, and it was such a positive experience.

OK, she did have a lengthy application form and a detailed contract for me to sign (yikes!) but that is to be expected.

This is not to say that going to a breeder is a better option than getting a puppy through a shelter or rescue. It’s not. There are benefits to both.

Benefits of getting a puppy from a breeder

1. Our puppy will not be neutered at 8 weeks old (creepy).

I plan to have our puppy neutered but not until he’s around 12 months old. We’ve discussed this with the breeder, and our vet also recommends waiting until the pup is at least 12 months old.

If you get a puppy from most shelters or rescue groups, the puppy will be spayed or neutered prior to adoption. It’s common practice for rescues to spay/neuter puppies as young as 8 weeks old.

Most people don’t seem to mind this, and it’s nice because then you don’t have to worry about the expense and hassle of spaying/neutering down the road. This is also for the overall greater good of dogs. Rescues are obviously hoping to decrease the number of unwanted dogs by spaying & neutering puppies as early as possible.

However, I do not believe it is healthy for a puppy to be spayed or neutered at such a young age. You can read about that here. A dog’s balls are there for many reasons. Reproducing is just one. Same goes for a female’s ovaries.

See my post: Is spaying and neutering the healthiest choice for my dog?

2. There was no “home visit” or reference check.

And boy was that nice!

I did apply through several rescue groups and all but one rejected me for various reasons. Those reasons included not having a fenced yard, not giving out my landlord’s phone number for a reference and not vaccinating my senior, indoor cats for rabies. So I never even got to the “home visit” stage.

With our breeder, I did have to go through an extensive application process, prove that I am a “true runner” and of course pay a deposit and wait several months on a waiting list. But no one inspected my home (such an invasion of privacy!) and no one called my vet or landlord.

3. We have time to plan for our puppy.

Going with a breeder has taken away the stress of quickly choosing “the right” rescue dog.

One of the challenges with adoption is you really have to make a decision about the dog within a few days or even that day or someone else will adopt her. At least that is the case in San Diego. There is a HIGH demand for rescued dogs, especially puppies. The puppies are scooped up instantly and there are waiting lists.

Some people don’t mind making fast decisions about adoption. They “just know” the one and it works out great. That kind of fast decision making about a dog is extremely stressful for me. I spend a lot of time deciding on the right dog, even when I’m just fostering.

4. I know I’m getting an athletic dog.

One of the benefits of getting a puppy through a breeder is I know our weimaraner will be capable of distance running, hiking and agility. There are no guarantees, but I know this with as much certainty as possible.

Yes, there are tons of rescue and shelter dogs that could make good running buddies and shelters like to market them as such. BUT, I’ve been running with dogs for 8 years as my job and I can tell you it’s actually hard to find a dog capable of distance running. As in, a dog who’s able to maintain my pace for more than 10 minutes – and I’m slow as far as “runners” go!

I run at about a 10-minute per mile pace, and most dogs start to slow down after the first mile even if they’re in good shape. Most dogs just not built for long-distance running. Walking or a slow jog is better for them.

Curious which breeds make the best distance runners in my experience? Pointing-type breeds! Dogs such as English pointers, vizslas, weims and pudelpointers. They can typically maintain my slow pace for over an hour and then sprint around the yard afterwards!

5. I’ve removed my emotional need to “rescue.”

I have this deep need to “rescue” dogs and cats in need. This is a wonderful thing, but I am also aware that this is also about me and not just about the animals. Fostering is a way for me to have a purpose and to feel good about myself, and I will definitely be fostering and adopting in the future.

However, there is something to be said about a puppy that will be loved every single day of his life. The fact that we are not “rescuing” him almost gives me a sense of relief. It allows me to just let him be who he is. Our puppy is not a “good deed.” He is a dog.

I don’t know if anyone can relate to that or if I’m explaining it right. Anyone?

6. Health screening and pedigree

Good breeders test for several genetic health conditions such as hip dysplasia. They will only breed animals that are healthy and not likely to pass on any genetic health issues to their pups. They will also provide you with a pedigree from each parent going back several generations.

What are some other benefits of getting a puppy from a breeder?

Or, what are some benefits of getting a dog elsewhere, like through a shelter? Let me know your thoughts!

Related posts:

Reasons to buy a dog vs. rescue a dog

When a dog rescue volunteer buys a puppy from a breeder