Adopting vs Buying a Pup in India!

Hey there, future pet parents! We know that bringing a canine companion into your life is a decision that comes with great responsibility and rewards. The debate between adopting a pup from a shelter or organisation versus buying a puppy from a breeder is going on fur-over. However, without taking any sides,  We’re here to give you the lowdown on both options so you can make the best choice for your values and lifestyle.

Adoption in the Indian context also involves the option of bringing home what is called an Indie, Streetie, Indian Pairah, INDog and many such names. Indies are a great option as long as we remember that it takes as much to train and keep one of them as it does a German shepherd.

We will also address breed choices in these terms but also write a separate piece on breed choices.

1: The Case for Adoption

1. Second Chances: While different breeds mature from puppies to dogs at different ages, we can safely define a puppy as any dog less than 6 months of age.

An important definition because, for the largest part in India, adoption involves acquiring a slightly older puppy that has for some reason been rejected by someone for no fault of their own. This is often due to changes in their owner’s circumstances or sometimes just realising that they may not be ready to be Dog People.

By adopting, you provide a deserving dog with a new chance at happiness and a forever home.

2. Options Galore: Fortunately or unfortunately, shelters and NGO’s offer a diverse selection of dogs in terms of age, size, breed, and temperament. In fact, these organizations usually have a fairly constant stream of adoption requests especially for bigger breeds. And groups and organizations like ours invariably receive and amplify adoption requests on nearly a daily basis.

With just a little time and research, you might just find your perfect match waiting patiently for you in a shelter or at someone else’s home, ready to shower you with love and loyalty.

3. Cost-Effectiveness: The costs of adoption in terms of money and time/effort can be lower than the costs associated with purchasing a puppy from a breeder. These often include vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and even micro chipping, making adoption an economical choice.

We at The Good Paws would encourage potential Dog People to assist the Organizations and Foster Homes with these costs when adopting but in most, if not all cases, a slightly older puppy will come to you vaccinated, for example.

4. Predictable Behaviour: Contrary to popular belief, adopting doesn’t necessarily mean dealing with behavioural unknowns. Even if there is lack of certainty in breed, agencies and foster homes often have an assessment of a dog’s temperament and behaviour in the puppies they foster.

Indeed a puppy that has spent some time in these places is likely to have already started forming certain habits in terms of house training and food discipline. My own current dog came to us from a foster home at 5 months or so and living among 5 other dogs (for just 2 weeks) had already habituated him to going outside to relieve himself. It took less than a week to have him ask to go out when he needed to in our home.

Adoption, when done thoughtfully, can help you find a furry friend that matches your lifestyle and preferences and jump ahead in the training schedule.

2: That Indie / Desi / Streeti Pup

We at The Good Paws are ALWAYS going to be on the side of bringing home an Indie and can we even talk about adoption in the Desi context without discussing Desi Doggos!

The advantages to just picking up that puppy off the street are many.

There are many accepted ways to train your pup to do this but all will involve habituation control to move to do it outdoors.

1. These are naturally selected and evolved to the Indian climate and local environments.
2. If one can be reasonably sure that there has been no immediate inbreeding, these pups will be genetically robust and have a comparatively low propensity for the medical and health issues.
3. They are low-maintenance and adapt to family life as well as or even better than a lot of selectively bred doggos.
4. They are highly intelligent and with some work are very trainable.
   

However, we must understand that naturally evolved dogs have certain factors we have to keep in mind.

1. These dogs have evolved as quasi-wild animals with a symbiotic and complicated relationship to the human population around them.
2. While this makes them intelligent, it also makes the highly sensitive to their environment.
3. They are also territorial, prone to anxiety, fear and in some cases aggression.
   

The initial stages of puppyhood for an Indie will require a little more attention and focus than shall we say a Labrador, but the rewards in the medium to long term will be well worth it.

3: The argument for buying a puppy

1. Breed Specificity: When you buy a puppy from a reputable breeder, you have the advantage of selecting a specific breed with known characteristics and traits. As long as one understands the breed and the requirements of keeping it, this adds a layer of predictability to the process. This can also be especially important if you have particular requirements in mind, such as coats with lower allergenic factors or specific activity levels.

However finding a reputable breeder can be difficult and very expensive.  One cannot emphasise enough the importance of judging and avoiding puppy mills.

2. Health Assurance: Responsible breeders prioritise the health of their puppies. They are expected to conduct health tests to identify and mitigate potential genetic issues, aiming to provide you with a healthy and happy buddy for many years to come.

In theory at least, breeders should selectively breed for good health but unfortunately pet shops and puppy mills exist in greater numbers. The careful and ethical breeders will also have records both behavioural and medical for all the pups they breed.

These are of course the most important factors in judging the quality of a breeder.

3. Early Socialization and Training: One of the greatest advantages is that bringing home a puppy of a particular breed allows you to start socialisation and training from a young age in a manner specifically customised for the breed you acquire. It is easier and healthier to habituate a Doberman to social interaction with humans and other dogs at as early a sage as possible, for example. This can significantly shape their behaviour and ensure a smoother transition into your household and lifestyle, should you chose to put in the time and effort required to train a puppy.


While this may sound preachy, supporting responsible adoption and ethical breeding practices are crucial. Avoid contributing to puppy mills, which often prioritise profit over the well-being of the animals.

4. Some Considerations

As always for any pup that you bring home, based on the above points, one should take into account a few factors. Of course, go check out The BaSIX for more detailed guidelines on all that.

1. Time Commitment: Whether adopting or buying a puppy, both options require a considerable time commitment for training, socialization, and care. Consider your daily schedule and ability to dedicate time to your furry friend. The primary reason, harsh though it may sound, for behavioural issues becoming unmanageable is human laziness.

2. Matching Lifestyles:  It is thus important to have an honest assessment of your lifestyle, living situation, and activity. For example, while beagles are cute their attention and exercise requirements are off the charts. A mastiff on the other hand is a born couch potato that needs two 20min walks a day to stay active and healthy. Both adopted dogs and puppies need to fit comfortably into your life to ensure a harmonious and lasting relationship.

So, long story short,

1. Take informed decisions,
2. It’s OK to want and get a particular breed, just do it ethically,
3. Know the breed, the history and the breeder,
4. All breeds and non-breeds can make amazing companions,
5. Don’t be afraid to pick up that Desi pup off the streets.
   
   

So, whether you choose to adopt a lovable rescue or bring home a purebred pup, what matters most is the love and care you provide. After all, it’s all good when it comes to making memories with your furry friend!

About the author: The author of this article is ‘The Good Paws’. We’re here to make the bad good, and the good, even better! from dirty toe beans to yummy treats, whatever the problem, or whatever the need, it’s all good!