6 myths we all hear about shelter dogs

We all have some negative stereotypes about shelter dogs, even if we don’t want to admit it. As an avid animal lover and supporter of shelters and rescues across the Midwest, I even find myself in certain mindsets about some of the shelter dogs that I meet. Here are 6 things to keep in mind the next time you consider where to find your new best friend, and how we can battle some of the negative stereotypes about shelter dogs.

1. Pure-bred dogs are better behaved

Some people would much rather have a pure-bred dog from a breeder because they feel the dog will be more healthy, smart, and SAFE. It’s true; when you adopt a shelter dog you probably won’t know his whole past. He might have some surprises for you that the shelter didn’t notice. There are some genetic components to a dog’s behavior: if the stud or bitch is overly aggressive, then there is a chance that some of that bad attitude may get passed on to the puppies. However, this is true for any dog (or any animal for that matter) NOT just shelter dogs. Proper training also plays a very important role in behavior. If you put in the time and effort to properly educate your dog, then the breed or type won’t matter at all. Just talk to any pit-bull owner and they will tell you training and experience makes all the difference!

2. Pet stores and breeders have the “look” I want in a dog

Some people choose to go to pet stores for the sake of convenience and because “the puppies look so cute!” It’s hard not to stop by pet store windows and marvel at the adorable little fluff balls, but looks should not be the sole reason to get a dog. Sure shelter dogs can look a little like a mutt, but all it takes is meeting the right shelter dog to prove that beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Shelter dogs each have a unique look combined with personality that sets them apart from other dogs, and with the high amount of dogs in shelters today you’re sure to find a cute one!

3. Pure-bred dogs have less health problems

This couldn’t be any more of a myth! Every breed has it’s own unique set of health problems that are caused by humans selective breeding and interference. In order to obtain a certain look or adhere to the breed standard, dogs like dachshunds, bulldogs, and labs all have some serious individual health issues. For example, pugs and other breeds with short squished noses often have trouble breathing, eating, and can’t deliver their own puppies without help breaking the amniotic sack. Due to the fact many shelter pets are a mix of a few different breeds, this will often combine the best traits of each breed and result in a healthier dog. This is very dependent on the individual dog and cross, but over all shelter pets are just as healthy (if not more) than purebreds.

4. Breeders care about their dogs so they will treat them better

Although most breeders are very reputable and care very much for their dogs, it’s true that puppy mills do exist. The dogs are kept in terrible conditions and few are socialized or given proper medical care. You can read about many horror stories of people getting their dogs from pet stores only to have it pass away in a few short months of taking it home. Shelter dogs are always well cared for and handled regularly to ensure they fit well into their new home.

5. Shelter dogs are unpredictable and I can’t trust them with my kids

Referring back to number one, training is the key component here. In addition to the daily in-shelter training exercises, many shelters place dogs in foster homes with their families. This ensures the dogs will get more of a variety of experiences with home life than purebred dogs are likely to receive. Any animal has the potential to react negatively to certain situations. The difference is that shelter workers make it their job to find pets the right home; they’re not going to let any dog go home with any family. For breeders, selling dogs is a way of life and source of income, so they may be more lenient of the dog’s particular behavior patterns if you have the cash. It’s a harsh reality.

6. The word “rescue” means the dog was probably abused and neglected

When you adopt a dog from a rescue, all you are doing is giving that dog a home and love that it may or may not have had previously. Although it’s unfortunate that some dogs are abused, many of the dogs in shelters came there for other reasons. Sometimes the dog’s previous owner has passed away, or maybe there is not enough space in the house for a dog and a growing family. Many dog owners find themselves in an unforeseen financial crisis, or have to move to a place that doesn’t allow dogs. These dogs were all loved and cared for, but life sometimes has other plans we don’t foresee. In these cases it’s best to give the dog to a shelter so it can be well cared for and find the best new home possible.

Hopefully by reading these myths you can better understand some of the benefits to adopting your next furry friend. If I missed any myth that you know of, feel free to share in the comments below. I’m here to say that many of the fears and insecurities we face about shelter dogs are completely untrue, and it’s up to us to spread the word and break down these walls for the sake of shelter dogs everywhere.