Attagirl, Stephanie!
I have been encouraging people to boycott pet shops and these basket o' pups types for a while now. Thank you for bringing it here. If people knew how horribly the breeding bitches are treated they would be too nauseated to buy a dog from these sources. They pay no attention to the breed specs or purity of line, they just mass produce puppies. The shelter is an Excellent place to get your next pet, for all the great reasons that you mentioned. thank you. And Stephan, not all people buy purebreds for the BMW reason you claim. Different dog breeds have different temperaments and personality characteristics that appeal to different people types. Compare the completely insane, neurotic Jack Russel Terrier that the rest of my family is crazy for to the big, beautiful, block-headed, mellow Rotti that I miss so much. Yes, mutts are great, they each have their own personality, but some breeds have a particular appeal. Those brainless purebreds that you refer to may well be the product of the puppy mills that we detest so heartily. My purebred springer spaniel was probably a puppy mill dog. My folks got him at the shelter, he was obviously not breeder quality - he is bow legged and snaggle toothed and clearly not the breed standard, but to the untrained eye (those who shop at pet stores)ohhh , he *looks* like a purebred....

Stephan,
Although I do not drive a BMW nor have I ever owned a purebred dog you can not the compare the two based on insistent needs. It makes you sound like the elitist instead of the BMW driver.

Besides breeders, pet shops or shelters, purebred rescue groups are out there for all breeds. People purchase a purebred dog and then realize owning a dog is too much work or their life situation changes and they can no longer care for their dog.
This is a way to adopt a purebred dog and rescue at the same time.
Google the breed and rescue to get a list of organizations.

I would like to add that if you are puppy shopping it's best to educate youself a little before your holding the beautiful little ball of fluff.
When your buying a pure bred dog you should be able to see the parents. they should gaurantee good hips (clean OFA on both parents) and eyes.
And remember that dogs were bred for a reason. If your getting a dog to be your best friend a mutt is great. If like me your getting a dog to be you best friend and hunt you need those attributes that were bred into the dog.

I adopted Jasmine from Koss Dalmatian Rescue in Brooklyn. I know the breed and wanted to continue caring for this misunderstood lot. Harriet's website was filled and still is today with dalmatians in need of good homes. There is a complete biography posted about every animal along with a photo and honestly their stories are both heartbreaking and adorable. Jasmine's write up considered her a slightly overweight dalmatian; an aggressive female with a heart of gold. I took her in four years ago and I must admit I found a kindred spirit. Harriet Koss is a retired NYC school teacher who works tirelessly to fit dog and owner together spending mounds of her own money to board and care for these animals. I completed a 2-3 page application and received all of Jasmine's medical papers once I picked her up. With Harriet, you can also become a 'foster parent' and help care for any dalmatian on a temp. basis, a couple of days, a couple of weeks until a suitable home is found. Or until you just can't part with them.

Koss Dalmatian Rescue
18 Sidney Place
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: 718 522-4782
[email protected]

Good for you Stephanie. Thank you for informing us of this.

While i LOVE my purebred Jack Russel Terrier (the same one that someone else decided to bash so quickly) I have felt the same exact way toward friends with amazing mutts. We were given my JRT, Astro, from my aunt whos best friend's JRT had a litter of her own. She was not a breeder, not a puppy mill, and she spayed her dog after that litter. We didnt have to pay a cent for our purebread and have loved him ever since. You dont have to go to a breeder if you would like a purebred either. There are many shelters or rescues that are dedicated to certain dogs, such as the Koss Dalmation Rescue shown above. You just have to do a little searching. To me breed is nothing. Yea some are more fun, or cuter, but as long as you have a dog that fits your lifestyle and one that you can train and care for i think thats all that matters.

My puppy is now about 15 months old. He's been listed as a "purebreed" since 1958 or so by the AKC. He is a Rhodesian Ridgeback. He is bred from Mastiff, Bloodhound and Native African dog yet listed as a purebreed. What exactly is a purebreed. I bought my dog because of his temperment, his ability to go on long walks and hikes, and his ability to play all day long. He was bred with an extreme short coat so as to not pick up ticks and can withstand the heat very well. He loves our minivan and loves our kids. Please all dog lovers remember to pick up after your dog as leaving his/her poop behind is not a pleasent thing. I guess I own a Purebred Mutt but I love him no matter what. :)