From Vetstreet's Kim Campbell Thornton:
If you're smitten with the idea of sharing your home with a purebred dog, chances are that there's a breed rescue group or shelter in your vicinity with just the right pup in need of a family.
According to statistics compiled by the
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 25 percent of dogs who enter shelters are purebred.
To help these deserving dogs find loving homes, we've put together a helpful primer on locating - and adopting - your own purebred companion.
The Many Breeds Up for Adoption
From Dachshunds to Dandie Dinmont Terriers, practically every breed out there has a rescue group that works to find new homes for dogs who've been displaced because of unforeseen family circumstances - such as a divorce or an owner's sudden death - as well as other crises, like the sudden shuttering of a puppy mill.
According to Sheila Balter of Cavalier Rescue
USA, you can find dogs of various ages and temperaments through breed rescue groups. Most dogs available for adoption range from adolescents to seniors, which can be advantageous for prospective owners because they get a solid picture of a potential pet's size, temperament and health status. Although it's not impossible to find a puppy through a purebred rescue group, it's rare - and the few puppies who are available tend to get adopted quickly. (On Vetstreet dog breed and cat breed pages you can often find information about specific breed rescue groups under the "finding" tab.)
People often think that dogs found at shelters or through breed rescue groups are special-needs pets with health or behavior problems. The reality is that plenty of nice, healthy canines are available for adoption, including purebreds, crossbreeds, mixed breeds, young dogs, adult dogs and senior dogs...