Older Dogs
Puppies are lots of fun when you are ready for them and have the time to devote to their training and care. However, many of today's families can find it difficult to cope with the schedule a puppy demands. Let's explore some of the other options.
An older dog from a breeder can be the right match for many families. These dogs may be young hopeful stars that don't turn out to be quite what the breeder wanted or mature dogs that have contributed to the breeding program and have now retired to the couch.
The young adults (6 months to 2 years) may have developed a physical trait that is undesirable in the show ring or in the breeders program. They may be old enough to have health clearances done and did not quite meet the breeders' standards. The breeder will be able to discuss with you why they do not wish to show/breed the dog and what impact, if any, it will have on the dog's life as a pet.
The retired dogs are usually 3-6 years of age, have finished their show career and their breeding career and are just waiting to be loved. Some breeders keep these dogs, while others feel they need their own home. Often the decision depends on the dog's personality and the breeder is following their wishes.
These dogs are great choices for many families. House training is done, generally leash and crate training has been done and often basic obedience is in place. Their schedules are more flexible, as their bodies are mature and they don't need the constant potty breaks that a pup does. You generally have adult size and looks in place, so there is no guessing about how big the dog will end up. Personality traits are fairly set and you will know whether or not this dog will suit your family.
A Rescue Dog may be of any age. They come with varying backgrounds and each is an individual case.
Breed rescues assist in the rehoming and rescue of dogs needing new homes. Usually these dogs are ones that were purchased without enough planning by families and some time later (usually 1-3 years) the family realises that they can no longer deal with the dog.
All sorts of dogs come through rescue, but many are teenagers that did not get enough training and socialising, so have become unruly. These dogs are in need of homes that are prepared to do some remedial training work and give them another chance. Sometimes they are given up just because they "got too big" or have "too much hair". There have been many fantastic dogs go through rescue groups. Occasionally, rescues even get well mannered dogs who are there simply because the owners grew tired of them.