Shih Tzu Adoption Or Purchase: The Pros And Cons To Consider
Shih Tzu adoption can be a rewarding experience, but weighing the pros and cons before deciding to bring one into your home is essential.
One crucial factor is whether to adopt or purchase your furry friend. On the one hand, adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue organization means giving a needy animal a loving home. On the other hand, purchasing a dog from a breeder allows you to get the breed and coat type you want.
So what’s the best option? Let’s take a closer look at both sides of the issue.
The Pros of Adopting A Shih Tzu
There are several pros to adopting a Shih Tzu:
1. Cost-effective
One of the most apparent advantages of adopting a Shih Tzu is that it’s much more cost-effective than purchasing one from a breeder or pet store. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50-$200 for an adoption fee, depending on the shelter or rescue organization. This fee usually covers vaccinations, spay/neuter procedures, microchipping, and other necessary medical treatments.
2. Saving an animal in need
Many animals end up in shelters due to circumstances beyond their control. By opening your home and heart to an adopted pet, you could save its life! Also, when you adopt from a rescue organization or shelter, they will usually have a good idea of how the pet has interacted with people—which makes selecting a compatible pet much more straightforward.
3. Wide selection of dogs to choose from
Shelters and rescue organizations often have a variety of Shih Tzus available for adoption, allowing you to find the perfect match for your home and lifestyle.
4. Supporting a worthy cause
Adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue organization helps to support their work and mission of finding homes for homeless animals.
5. Able to find a dog that is already trained
Many shelters and rescue organizations offer training and socialization services to their dogs, which can make the transition to your home easier.
The Cons of Shih Tzu Adoption
There are also some potential cons to consider when it comes to Shih Tzu adoption:
- Unknown dog’s full history: When you adopt a Shih Tzu from a shelter or rescue organization, you may not have access to the dog’s full medical and behavioral history. This can make it more difficult to determine any potential health or behavior issues that may need to be addressed.
- Behavior issues: Some Shih Tzus that are available for adoption may have behavior issues that need to be addressed, such as separation anxiety or aggression. This can require additional time, training, and resources to address.
- Health issues: Some Shih Tzus that are available for adoption may have pre-existing health issues that will require ongoing medical care and treatment.
- The dog may not be fully trained: Some Shih Tzus that are available for adoption may not be fully trained and may require additional training and socialization to become well-behaved pets.
- Emotionally difficult: Adopting a Shih Tzu can be emotionally difficult, as you may feel saddened by the dog’s previous circumstances and the thought of them being homeless or neglected. Or you might be finding your lost or dead pup in the newly adopted Shih Tzu but this one is behaving differently.
Why Adopting a Shih Tzu is Better Than Buying from a Pet Store?
Shih Tzus are popular little dogs, but rescuing one from a shelter is a much better decision than buying one from a pet store.
1. Saving a Life
When you adopt a Shih Tzu from a shelter, you are saving a life. Millions of dogs in shelters across the country are waiting to be adopted, and many of them will never find a home. By adopting a Shih Tzu, you are giving them a second chance at life.
2. Getting a Healthier Dog
Dogs that are adopted from shelters are typically healthier than those that are bought from pet stores. Shelters require all dogs to be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before being adopted. Additionally, most shelters provide information on the health history of each dog, so you will know if there are any potential health issues to be aware of.
3. Saving Money
Adopting a Shih Tzu from a shelter is usually cheaper than buying one from a pet store. It’s because most shelters have lower adoption fees than pet stores, many of which include the cost of spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping in the adoption fee. Many shelters offer discounts for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.
4. Getting a More Mature Dog
Shih Tzus adopted from shelters are typically more mature than puppies bought from pet stores. It’s because most shelter dogs are at least six months old, while most puppies in pet stores are only a few weeks old. As such, shelter dogs are usually already house-trained and have basic obedience training.
5. Knowing What You’re Getting
When you adopt a Shih Tzu from a shelter, you will know what you’re getting regarding personality and behavior. It’s because most shelters do temperament testing on all of their dogs to ensure that they are placed in the right home. Additionally, most shelters have staff members who can answer questions about a particular dog’s personality or behavior.
When You Should Purchase A Shih Tzu Instead of Adopting?
There are several situations in which it might be more appropriate to purchase a Shih Tzu from a breeder rather than adopt from a shelter or rescue organization:
- You have specific breed or coat type preferences: If you have specific preferences for the breed or coat type of your Shih Tzu, purchasing from a breeder may allow you to find a dog that more closely matches your desired characteristics.
- You want a puppy: Most shelters and rescue organizations have a mix of puppies, adult dogs, and seniors available for adoption. If you specifically want a puppy, purchasing from a breeder may be a better option.
- You have specific health concerns: If you or a family member has specific health concerns that require a hypoallergenic or low-shedding breed, purchasing from a breeder may allow you to find a dog with these traits.
- You want to show or breed your dog: If you plan to show or breed your Shih Tzu, purchasing from a reputable breeder is often the best option to ensure that your dog meets the necessary standards and has a sound health history.
- You have the time and resources to invest in training and socialization: Purchasing a Shih Tzu from a breeder often require a greater time and financial investment in training and socialization, as puppies will require more guidance and support as they grow and develop.
Conclusion
Deciding whether or not to adopt a pet can be a challenging but ultimately rewarding decision, regardless of your pet type. If you adopt a Shih Tzu into your family, consider all aspects involved, including cost savings versus potential health issues. But remember that by choosing adoption over purchase, you will give an animal in need a chance at living out its best life with someone who loves it unconditionally!