Should I buy a puppy from a breeder or adopt one from a shelter?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! He is a mixed breed dog with predominant features of a Jack Russell terrier. To better predict his age, it would be helpful to examine his mouth specifically his dentition. However, he is probably about 3 months old. Good luck and have a great day!

I can sympathize with your frustration! I agree that it is healthier for the dog, in general, to wait until a bit later in life to spay or neuter - but many shelters and rescue groups require it to be done earlier as a way of ensuring that the animal never has a chance to be accidentally bred. Unfortunately, shelters and rescue groups are private organizations that are free to make their own rules - apart from politely requesting an exemption and giving your reasons, there isn't much you can do. If you aren't able to find a group in your area that is flexible on this issue and are unwilling to take a puppy that is already spayed or neutered at 8 weeks, purchasing a pup from a responsible breeder would be a very reasonable alternative option.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! He is adorable! He is a mixed breed dog but a predominant breed is hard to guess as he looks very well mixed. I would say that he has some characteristics of a Newfoundland and a Bernese mountain dog. I would say that he is likely to be a medium-sized breed dog to perhaps a bit larger. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! What an exciting time. You would need to start by getting a high quality diet (I like the Purina Pro Plan diets though there are plenty to choose from). Also, a dog bed and toys will be important as well. I recommend that you check with your veterinarian to get him in for initiation of vaccines and to start other preventative care medications such as flea and tick preventatives and heartworm preventatives. Good luck and enjoy your pup!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This really depends on the dog that you bring home and Wordsworth's reaction to the situation. I do think that you can bring along another dog. However, I think it is key to make sure that they are a good match before adopting. For example, try to avoid getting a puppy or a high energy type dog if Wordsworth is not an energetic dog and viceversa. For that reason, I recommend that you foster first before adopting and that way you can get a sense of how they are going to get along. Good luck and have a great day!

This can certainly be a hot button topic for many dog lovers! :) Personally, I know quite a few lovely goldendoodles and don't have any particular ethical problems with buying one as long as the breeder is doing his/her due diligence - screening the parents for health problems like hip and elbow dysplasia, hereditary eye problems, heart issues, etc. Just like getting a purebred puppy, make sure to do your homework and only buy from a responsible breeder with healthy, good-natured dogs. As long as you do that, I don't see any problem with it at all.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Adopting a pet is a great option and certainly helps those pets in need of a home so thank you for looking into adopting! Some shelters will have an affiliation program with nearby veterinary clinics where the clinic will provide you with a free examination to establish yourself there. I would ask the shelters if they have such a program. When going to the veterinarian, I would ensure that you are looking at preventative care (heartworm and flea / tick prevention). The shelter should have most vaccinations up to date but if it is a puppy, you may have to repeat several vaccination rounds. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.