Hi there,

This has been on my mind for a while. I know that reputable breeders don't tend to advertise litters in the papers, and that rescue centres have lots of adult dogs, but what happens if a rescue centre turns you down flat due to your circumstances? I don't think I would be eligible to adopt a dog as I'm in my early 20s and I'm single (d'oh!). Are the adult dogs advertised in the papers likely to be dodgy too? I hope to get a borzoi or a saluki puppy some time in the future, but I'd also like to give an adult dog a chance (and I'd maybe have a jogging partner too). It might be more sensible to get an adult dog first and then a couple of years later look into a puppy. I'm not looking to rush into anything (I want to take my time and make the right decision), just weighing up my options. Any advice or ideas would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Have you been turned down by a  Breed Rescue Centre?    Often Rescue Centres will certainly not rehome puppies/young dogs with someone who works, but may well accept a working home for an older dog.  

I wouldn't turn down a single person as the owner of a puppy, but I wouldn't be too keen on allowing a puppy to go into a home where the only owner is at work all day - it just would not be fair on a puppy.

I do hope you can find the right dog.

Margot

Thanks for the reply.

I've not actually asked a breed rescue. I went to the cat and dog home and their policy seemed to be that they "strongly preferred" families or couples, and the SSPCA seem to be the same way. I will certainly look into breed rescue- I assumed since the bigger rescue centres were a bit off with me that breed rescues would be the same way. I don't really know if I have a preference as to the breed of an adult dog I'd adopt. As well as borzoi/ salukis, I love ridgebacks, sibes, belgian shepherds, malamutes, dobermans, afghans... anything big and bonkers basically!

I'd certainly like a younger dog- maybe 2-5 years old, as I'm very active and I'd like a dog that can keep up with me and maybe even tire me out!

Are there any other avenues I should look down?

Breed rescues often ahve much more information about the individual dog and it's needs and do not make such blanket rules, prefering on assessing the needs of individual dogs and owners.

Some breeds are more suited to physical stimulation being sufficinet for them once adult to be happy to spend time alone sleeping it off, and do not feel teh need to be glued to the owners hip as much.