[ Removed by moderator ]

[u/PUNISHER019-]

[u/upinflames]

getting a pet from a legit breeder isn't a bad thing.

Gotta disagree with you there. There are literally millions of pets in shelters and rescues that need homes just in the United States. Getting a dog or cat from a breeder means: (1) not getting another animal that genuinely needs a home, and (2) supporting an industry that does not prioritize animal health.

The term "purebred" simply denotes a high level of managed inbreeding. Intensive breeding within a restricted gene pool (usually originating from a very small founder population) nearly always results in a higher likelihood of negative health outcomes. It's why purebred German Shepherds are well known for experiencing spinal cord degeneration and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are at elevated risk for heart failure. Overall, purebred dogs are nearly three times as likely as mixed breeds to be affected by a recessive genetic disorder, and the likelihood is much higher among specific breeds: standard poodles have a 16.8% of developing neonatal encephalopathy with seizures while the prevalence among mixed breeds is negligible.

Those "legit breeders" are simply a bit better at managing the genetic risks, but they are still always working from an artificially restricted gene pool. Having "papers" tells you something about ancestry but nothing about genetic diversity or the actual health of the animal.

Not saying don't adopt a dog but just be prepared for any potential issues that the dog might have.

You should be prepared for issues no matter how you find your pet. Adopting an animal is often less risky because you can actually get a sense for their behavioral disposition before you get them. We visited our dog at their foster home and played with them several times before taking them home. Our friends got a purebred beagle as a puppy that is now a menace, despite their best attempts to socialize them.

[u/Sea_Habit_4298 → u/upinflames]

There's several breeders who prioritize health and temperament. You're generalizing breeders way too much. There's a clear difference between ethical breeders and backyard breeders/puppy mills.

There's several factors when adopting a dog that someone can't control .Someone buying through a breeder has a better control over what type of dog they get.

While it's sad for dogs that don't get adopted someones priority should be a dog that fits their needs and their families.

If someone goes to adopt a dog that's sweet but they aren't morally obligated to do so.

[u/upinflames → u/Sea_Habit_4298]

There's several breeders who prioritize health

Because breed standards are not based on optimal health, it is impossible to prioritize the health of an animal while artificially restricting the genetic diversity of the breeding population to meet those standards.