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If you are interested having a purebred dog as a family pet consider giving a rescue dog a second chance. Dogs are placed in rescue for many reasons- some of the most common are divorce, moving, "not having enough time for the dog". In some cases, the owners didn't do their homework before choosing a particular breed, they liked the looks of the dog or the breed seemed friendly and well mannered on TV or in a movie. The reality of day to day life can be a little different. This is why it's important to become familiar with the temperament and exercise, grooming, and training requirements of the breed you choose.
National breed rescue groups take in dogs who need homes (both adults and puppies), conduct health and temperament screening, spay or neuter if necessary and foster the dogs until they can be placed in appropriate new homes. The foster period provides time to observe the dog and its individual quirks, so that the adoptive parent can be prepared for any issues that might arise. Prospective owners are normally asked to complete extensive questionnaires to ensure that the dog and the new home are a good fit. There are local chapters of many national groups in Boise.
There are people who do rescue but are not affiliated with the National programs. Most folks involved in rescue genuinely want to do the best they can for the dog, which means finding a match that will lead to a permanent home. Some of these groups will not request a questionnaire and you may want to prepare your own list of questions regarding the dog. It is your responsibility to decide how comfortable you are with the person who is doing the rescue and to determine whether the dog that's available will fit in with your family.
Whether nationally affiliated or not, most rescue organizations are made up of people who care deeply about their breed and who are very familiar with the breed's strengths and weaknesses, health issues, best training methods, grooming how-to's, temperament, etc. Because of this, they are well-equipped to place each dog in the type of home that is best for the individual dog. Rescue organizations are careful to screen prospective homes, sometimes including follow-up inquiries and visits, and do their utmost to make the best match between a dog and an adoptive family.
Rescue Resources
Click here for Rescue Information:
American Kennel Club's Rescue Page
Books with Rescue Information:
Save
That Dog: Everything You Need to Know About
Adopting a Purebred Rescue Dog- Liz Palika
Dog Adoption: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect "Preowned" Dog from Breeders, Dog Tracks, Purebred Rescue Organizations & Shelters- Joan Hustace Walker