Over the past couple of weeks we’ve had an incredibly lively discussion about, among other things, the idea that it is all but impossible to find a young, healthy purebred dog in the shelter. Although a few people held fast to that belief, most of the participants agreed with me: There are plenty of purebred puppies and teens in the shelter!
The following pups, all of whom are purebred shelter puppies or teenagers, are adopted, in rescue or still in the shelter. I live in California, but if you search online in your area, you’ll find similar results — maybe not today but within a few weeks.
Winston is a 1-year-old purebred silky terrier who was rescued from the Redlands animal shelter.
Kasey, a rare purebred Biewer yorkie, was about 2 years old when she was rescued from the Redlands animal shelter.
Fawney, an 8-month-old purebred great dane, is currently available for adoption in Ventura County.
Mandy, a purebred cocker spaniel, was 3 months old when her new mother adopted her from the East Vally shelter.
Rue is a purebred smooth collie who was 10 months old when an Ohio rescue pulled her from the shelter.
Carl is a purebred maltese who was rescued from the South Los Angeles shelter when he was 4 months old.
From left to right: Barzini, a purebred Neopolitan mastiff, was rescued from the Baldwin Park shelter when he was 6 months old. William, a purebred Old English mastiff, was 2 1/2 years old when he was rescued from the Carson Shelter. Valente, a purebred Fila Brasilero, was 10 months old when he was rescued from the Castaic shelter.
Coco the goldendoodle (“designer” dog) is an 8-month-old puppy rescued from the Corona Animal Shelter in Riverside.
Frankie and Mamie, purebred standard piebald dachshund littermates, were 4-month-old puppies when they were rescued from the West Los Angeles shelter.
Larry is a 9-month-old labradoodle who was rescued from the Redlands Animal Shelter.
Diego and Frida, toy Xoloitzcuintles (Mexican hairless), came from the Redlands animal shelter at 6 months old.
Tenoch, a rare standard Xoloitzcuintle, was rescued from the Redlands animal shelter when he was 5 months old.
Wicket is a purebred Lhasa Apso currently available for adoption at the Ventura County animal shelter.
Sissy and Barney, purebred springer spaniel littermates, were 9 months when their mom adopted them from the Bonita Shelter in San Diego.
A purebred pomeranian, Marcus was about 1 year old when he was rescued from the Baldwin Park shelter.
Cio, a purebred Shar Pei, was rescued from the Baldwin Park when she was about a year old.
A purebred American Eskimo dog, Spence was about 6 months old when he was rescued from the Harbor shelter.
Artie, a purebred Jack Russell Terrier, was less than 1 year old when he was rescued from a Los Angeles shelter.
A purebred miniature pinscher, Chico was about 9 months old when he was rescued from the East Valley shelter.
In addition to all the purebred dogs I’ve included, there are now more than 900 dogs in Southern and Central California animal shelters who are less than 1 year old, including dozens of puppies younger than 4 months old.
Some of these dogs will be sick, yes, but usually with a respiratory infection or kennel cough, both of which are easily treatable. Most of them just need grooming. Whether you’re looking for a purebred puppy, a purebred adult, a “designer” breed or an amazing mutt to share your life with, don’t shop! Adopt!
Now that you’ve seen the evidence, do you still think you can’t find a purebred puppy in the shelter? Let me know what you think in the comments section below.
About Tamar Love Grande
