I have adopted dogs from "backyard" breeders, although the experience has been better, without significant behavioral problems, some of these dogs have been sicker than dogs from reputable breeders, dying younger and getting chronic illnesses.

My best experience so far has been adopting dogs from good, reputable breeders. These breeders, although they make money from selling the dogs-we all need to make an income somehow-also care for the sake of the breed. They want to improve or maintain the breed standards, therefore when you get a dog from these breeders you know that you are getting a dog which will be very closed to the breed description.

Don't get me wrong, please adopt a dog from the shelter if that is what you want, but do it for the right reasons, not out of guilt or pity. You did not put the dog there on the first place. I'm sorry but that is the truth. Reality is that there are a lot of irresponsible people out there that do not take care of their animals. There are also people who get dogs from pet shops, who are "puppy mill" quality and then the people can't or don't know how to take care of these problematic dogs. Many of these dogs, although pure breed, also end up in shelters.

It is a shame, and the ones that end up suffering are the poor animals.

Dr. A