Finding Your Pawfect pup
This website was created for a need of breed knowledge in anyone who is looking at getting a dog! We hope that this website can help you pick the perfect pet for you and your family that will match your wants and needs.
SOME STATISTICS
Why we need education!
How many animals a year end up in shelters
Each year in the United States, approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter animal shelters. Of these, a significant portion around 2.1 million animals are surrendered by their owners, often due to housing issues, financial hardship, or behavioral challenges. The remaining animals typically arrive as strays or are rescued from neglectful situations. While efforts to promote adoption and spay/neuter programs have helped reduce the number of animals euthanized, approximately 920,000 dogs and cats are still euthanized each year, largely due to overcrowding, illness, or unadoptable behavior. Thanks to increased public awareness and shelter reform, this number has steadily declined over the past decade, but it still highlights the ongoing need for responsible pet ownership and community support for animal welfare organizations
How do I know if a breeder is Ethical
To avoid unethical breeders or puppy mills, look for key signs of a reputable breeder. They should welcome visits, allow you to meet the puppy’s parents, and raise animals in clean, home-like environments. Good breeders provide health records, ask you questions to ensure a good match, and often have a waiting list due to carefully planned litters. Most breeders will not have more than 1-2 litters at a time and will wait many months to breed the mother again. In contrast, puppy mills often refuse visits, won’t show the parents, and keep animals in poor, overcrowded conditions. Sometimes these breeders will sell puppies in parking lots or in public places. Any breeder who advertises a breed that cannot be found on the AKC website is unethical no matter the home conditions. Always research, ask for veterinary references, and look for affiliations with groups like the AKC.
Common Concerns
Financial Responsibility
Dogs can be expensive. Owners should be prepared to spend $1,000–$2,000 or more each year on essentials like food, grooming, toys, and vet care. Emergency costs or chronic health conditions can drive expenses even higher. It's important to budget for both routine care and unexpected situations.
Training and Socialization
Proper training and early socialization are key to raising a well-behaved, confident dog. Teaching basic commands, encouraging good manners, and exposing dogs to different people, places, and situations helps prevent behavioral problems later on. Consistency and patience are essential throughout a dog’s life.
Breed Traits and Needs
Not all dogs are the same. Different breeds have different energy levels, grooming needs, temperaments, and health risks. For example, a high-energy working breed may not thrive in a small apartment, while a long-haired breed may require frequent grooming. Researching breeds helps match a dog to your lifestyle.
Health and Veterinary Care
Regular veterinary visits are essential for keeping a dog healthy. Dogs need vaccines, flea/tick and heartworm prevention, dental care, and sometimes special diets or medications. Spaying or neutering is also recommended to prevent unwanted litters and some health problems.
Daily Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Dogs need both physical and mental activity to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks, playtime, and interactive toys help prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Some breeds require more exercise than others, so it's important to match your activity level with your dog’s needs.
Laws and Housing Rules
Before bringing a dog home, check local pet laws and housing restrictions. Some apartments or homeowners’ associations limit the size or breed of dogs allowed. Leash laws, licensing requirements, and noise ordinances also vary by location and must be followed to avoid fines or issues.
Travel and Life Changes
Dogs need consistent care, even when life changes. If you travel frequently, you'll need reliable pet care or boarding plans. Major changes like moving, having a baby, or changing work schedules can affect a dog’s routine and behavior. It’s important to plan ahead and stay committed no matter what life brings.
Breeder VS. Shelter Pets
In the United States, about 44% of dogs and 47% of cats are adopted from animal shelters or rescue organizations, while around 34% of dogs are obtained from breeders, according to the ASPCA. Adopting from a shelter can be more affordable and gives a homeless animal a second chance, but the pet’s history or breed may be unknown, and some may need extra training or care. On the other hand, getting a pet from a breeder can provide more predictability in terms of breed, temperament, and health background, but it is often more expensive and, if the breeder is not reputable, can support unethical breeding practices.
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