Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Puppy
When it comes to choosing a new puppy, there are a number of factors to consider. For example, size, temperament, maintenance costs, and the amount of space you have to offer in your home. It’s important to balance your own needs with those of your future pet.
To buy or to adopt?
For some, prioritizing a given dog breed when choosing a new puppy is ethically questionable. The dog breeding market is highly competitive and endogamy (inbreeding) is, unfortunately, common. This phenomenon leads to a loss of genetic diversity which can lead to a variety of illnesses.
What’s more, animal shelters are unable to keep up with the numbers of dogs and cats that suffer abandonment each year. So, why not do something to reduce the overcrowding of orphaned animals rather than contributing to questionable dog breeding practices?