should you adopt or buy your pit bull?
Many pit bull owners or aspiring pit bull owners are concerned about one major thing: avoiding aggression in their pit bull from the start. For this reason, choosing whether to adopt or buy your pit bull puppy can be a sensitive and critical decision. this week’s post, I discuss the considerations involved in choosing whether to buy or adopt your pit bull from a balanced perspective concerned with helping you make the choice that will be most supportive in helping you keep your pit bull.
Choosing whether to adopt or buy can be stressful and isolating as most people hold their own biases that may cloud their ability to offer sound advice. At The Pit Bull Doctor, it doesn’t matter whether you adopt or buy your dog, what matters is that the dog you choose fits your life, you feel equipped to take care of the dog you choose, and you have the knowledge and skills to be a responsible owner for your dog for the entirety of their life. If you do purchase a pit bull, it’s also important that you choose a reputable breeder. For tips on how to choose a reputable breeder, read our post on Back Yard Breeders vs. Ethical Breeders.
Below I offer some insights into when it may be advantageous to adopt or buy your pit bull.
Adopting a Pit Bull
Pros
Saving a Life
Millions of dogs, including pit bulls, are in shelters waiting for homes. By adopting, you provide a second chance to a dog in need.
Lower Cost
Adoption fees are typically much lower than the cost of buying from a breeder. Fees often include vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and microchipping.
Older Dogs Available
Many shelters have adult pit bulls, which are ideal for those looking for a dog past the puppy stage. Older dogs are often house-trained and have some obedience training.
Diverse Options
Shelters house pit bulls of all sizes, colors, and temperaments, increasing your chances of finding a perfect match.
Ethical Choice
Adopting helps combat overpopulation and reduces the demand for unethical breeding practices.
Cons
Unknown Backgrounds
Shelter dogs may have incomplete or unknown histories, making it challenging to predict behavior or health issues.
Limited Availability of Puppies
If you want a puppy to raise and train from the start, it may be harder to find one in a shelter. Puppies tend to get selected very quickly.
Behavioral Challenges
Some pit bulls in shelters may have experienced trauma or neglect, requiring additional patience and resources for training and rehabilitation. Be honest with yourself about whether you can access the resources you need if you chose a dog who required rehabilitation or be diligent to ensure the proper match with your dog.
Buying a Pit Bull Puppy
Pros
Predictable Pedigree
Reputable breeders provide detailed lineage and health records, offering insight into your pit bull's genetic makeup, otential health issues, and behavior tendencies.
Early Socialization
Reputable breeders provide puppy programs which include early socialization throughout your puppy’s development. Puppies from ethical breeders are often well-socialized from birth, making training easier.
Specific Traits
If you're looking for particular physical or personality traits, buying allows for more control over your choice. When selecting a ethical breeder, you can also seek specific traits in your dog without compromising their health or temperament.
Health Guarantees
Ethical breeders often provide health guarantees and support for the life of the dog.
Cons
High Cost
Purchasing from a breeder can cost thousands of dollars, which usually does not include necessary services like vaccinations or spaying/neutering.
Ethical Concerns
Not all breeders are responsible. Irresponsible breeding practices can lead to overpopulation and health problems. If you don’t select the right breeder, you also risk getting a puppy prone to aggressive behavior in its adulthood. Unfortunately, aggression is genetics can’t be trained out. It's crucial to avoid puppy mills and unlicensed breeders.
Long Waiting Lists
For reputable breeders, you may need to wait months or even years for a puppy.
Making Your Decision
Your pit bull can fair whether regardless of whether you choose to adopt or buy your pit bull. It’s most important to prioritize the process that will lead you to finding the dog that best fits your lifestyle.
Key Considerations
Your Lifestyle: Do you have time for a puppy or prefer an older dog?
Budget: Are you prepared for the upfront and ongoing costs of dog ownership?
Values: Are you passionate about animal welfare and reducing overpopulation?
Time for Training: Can you commit to training a dog with potential behavioral needs?
Whether you adopt or buy, the most important decision is to provide a loving and responsible home for your pit bull. This choice isn’t about where your dog comes from but creating the life you want with your pit bull.
Are you on the fence about whether to adopt or buy your pit bull? Schedule your free consultation at Office Hours with The Pit Bull Doctor and receive your free prescription and support to make the decision that’s best for you.
Click here to schedule: thepitbulldoctor.com/officehours.
