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Tips For Adopting A Purebred

May 1, 2023

Today, May 1st is Purebred Appreciation Day! There are as many as 400 purebred dog breeds out there, with more joining the ranks every year. (The newest two are the Mudi, a farm dog from Hungary, and the Russian Toy.) There’s a lot to be said for purebreds … and a lot to consider when adopting one. A local Cornelius, NC vet offers some tips on this below. 

Do Your Research

No matter what kind of dog you want, it’s important to find the pooch that fits your household. While you may fall in love with a specific type of pooch based on their adorable faces or pretty coats, there’s a lot more to consider than looks. All dog breeds were developed for specific purposes, or, at the very least, developed from other pups who had specific purposes. That can come into play in many areas, from coat type to exercise needs to trainability to prey drive. The traits that made Fido a great hunter in the past may also make him a bad fit for a household with cats. Make sure you know what to expect!

Consider A Rescue 

You may be surprised at how many rescues work with or focus on specific breeds. Consider giving one of their furry wards a loving home. You’ll get the canine companion you’ve always wanted, and Fido will get a second chance at happiness. Talk about a win/win!

Vet Your Breeders 

Today isn’t the only breed-related doggy holiday this month. Puppy Mill Awareness Week starts next Monday. Puppy mills continue to be an ongoing animal welfare issue. That doesn’t mean there aren’t great breeders out there. Just make sure that you are getting Fido from a responsible and reputable breeder. 

Consider Insurance

There are really two big drawbacks to getting a purebred. The first is cost: purebred dogs can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The other one is a more long-term concern. Because purebred dogs have a much smaller gene pool, they are more susceptible to inherited health issues. The specifics vary from breed to breed, of course, but you’ll find that most if not all of those 400 adorable breeds are prone to one thing or another. Insurance is always a good idea, as many policies do cover congenital issues. 

If you have questions about your dog’s health or care, please do not hesitate to contact us, your Cornelius, NC pet hospital. We’re here for you!