I really want a shelter dog, but my parents aren't so keen on the idea, any suggestions?

Oh, don't I know your delema. A couple of years ago, I had my heart dead set on a purebred Sheltie. Then I heard about a "Sheltie mix" at the shelter and went to look. I turned him down at first, but I couldn't get the littler guy out of my head, so when he was up for adoption I adopted him. He turned out to be a Papillon mix who may have a little Sheltie in him, but we "clicked", and I no longer care about his breed.

You may try looking up a breed-specific rescue. Good way to find a purebred dog, and still rescue.
(25% of shelter dogs are purebred, but you aren't likely to find a Coton in a shelter, so yeah...)
A breed-specific rescue is your best bet.

Gray Dawn Treader answered on 3/8/09. Helpful? / 0

Congratulations on getting your first dog.

I have a purebred dog and a dog from the county pound who is a loveable mix. I don't believe one is better because it's a purebred or the other because it's a pound dog. Each dog has their own personality, even within a single breed. Don't be fooled. You may not get the breed description you read, and you may have issues to work through, like fear issues, socialization stress, barkiness, etc.

What if you focus on the dog personality that you adopt rather than what you read about them? If you meet a dog, past baby puppy phase (7-8 months or older) you get a pretty good idea of "who they are". If you meet a puppy, there's a part that is nature (more genetic) and another that you can influence that comes from nurturing. It's important to take classes to learn how to train a dog, so you shape the behavior.

Rescuing a dog is more rewarding. Remember, you have to live with the dog. Find one that fits you/your family's lifestyle.

Kodamour answered on 3/8/09. Helpful? / 0

Well, I'm biased. My dog is a rescue, and yes, she has some past life issues. She would've been put down if some kind family hadn't fostered her, and they had her many months because of her shyness. her progress is wnderful, and I love seeing how much better she is.

I dare your folks to go into a shelter and not not see a face that'll melt their hearts! Alot of mutts are cuter that purebreds. Wouldn't it be nice to announce to the world, "Gee, I saved a life today!"?

Dahlia answered on 3/8/09. Helpful? / 0

My first dog Bear (RIP) was a shelter dog, a mutt. I had him for 13 years and he was amazing, loved him very much.
My second dog Deogie is a purebred. He is just as amazing and love him very much as well.
OMD Coton de Tulear's are completely adorable but I say that about every shelter dog I see when I go there as well.
Purebred dog $500-1500 from a reputable breeder....shelter dog $100-200 (cost where we live.)
Purebred pup needs vaccines and spay or neuter $$$$....shelter dog usually included in price of adoption.
So money wise a shelter dog is the much better choice.
Maybe you could get your parents to visit a local shelter and see what great dogs are waiting for a forever home. Take one for a walk, play with him/her, maybe your parents will completely fall in love.
Choosing a purebred or a shelter dog can be difficult but whatever you choose, love and spoil them everyday of their lives.
Good luck to you. Have a good one.

♥ DEOGIE ♥ answered on 3/8/09. Helpful? / 0

Well, i Wanted a yorkie and got a mutt whom i adore!! shelter dogs are great to adopt because the dont have homes and know u rescued them. most mutts are healther than purebreds. and dont just get a dog to get it. keep checking local shelter websites and a Coton de Tulears my pop up. make shure u play with him/her before u adopt him/her to make shure it perfect!!

Annie answered on 3/9/09. Helpful? / 0