4 Myths About Shelter Dogs

1. All shelter dogs are mutts.

While it's true that the majority of dogs that come through shelters are mixed breeds, you'd be surprised by the amount of purebed dogs that are checked in. If you're looking for a purebred dog, for whatever reason, always check with your local rescues first. They do come and go quickly as they are considered "high demand" dogs, but better to get them out of a shelter and into a loving home than to leave them there pending euthanasia. There are excellent advantages to mixed breed dogs, however. Mixed breeds often don't have as many health issues as purebred dogs. They often have fewer behavioral problems than purebred dogs. And, sometimes they are just simply better looking, too!

2. Shelter dogs have behavior problems

All dogs can have problems and it's no secret that dogs that have experienced shelter life come with behavior issues. However, most of the time, shelters have volunteers on staff that work with dogs and their behavior so they can be productive companions for someone looking to adopt. Shelter life is stressful. Think about it. Concrete floors, loud, echoing noises, strange people and smells every minute, and few comforts. Behavior problems occur when stress is present, but once a dog feels comfortable with new owners and a new home, stress disappears and often, so do the behavior problems.

3. Shelter dogs are usually strays

Many dogs in shelters are not, in fact, strays. Many are dumped by their owners for one reason or another. Puppies are dropped off because they were unexpected and unwanted, and older dogs are dropped off because they can no longer be cared for. Sometimes dogs are handed over to the shelter for health reasons, or simply because their owners didn't have time for them. There are definitely plenty of stray dogs that find their way to shelters, but that doesn't mean they're bad dogs or lacking obedience or unhealthy. Stray simply means they don't have a permanent place to call home.

4. Shelter dogs are expensive to adopt

Dog shelters run on volunteers and donations most of the time. While "expensive" is relative, most shelter dogs can be adopted for less than $100. Cost, of course, does depend on location, too. Dogs in rural area shelters will be less expensive than city shelters. But consider your cost of adoption as a donation to keep that shelter running and available to more dogs. It's estimated that there are approximately 3.9 million dogs currently in shelters and many more coming. It's uncommon for dogs to be spayed and neutered in some areas, and overpopulation crowds shelters. Occasionally, shelters will run "specials." Some will have free adoption days for certain dogs, or $25 adoption days. If you're looking for a dog, don't think you can't get one for a low donation price.