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For anyone who claims there’s no such thing as a purebred shelter puppy, you need to see this. Here are 19 examples — and trust me, there are many more.
There are more than 900 dogs in Southern and Central California animal shelters who are less than 1 year old, with many puppies younger than 4 months old. Photo: elvissa
Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve had a 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 dogs, 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.
Check out these beauties:
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 available for adoption in Ventura County.Mandy, a purebred Cocker Spaniel, was 3 months old when her new mother adopted her from the East Valley 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 Brasiliero, was 10 months old when he was rescued from the Castaic Shelter.Coco the Goldendoodle (a “designer” dog) is an 8-month-old puppy rescued from the Corona Animal Shelter in Riverside.Frankie and Mamie, purebred Standard Piebald Dachshund litter mates, 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 Xoloitzcuintli, was rescued from the Redlands Animal Shelter when he was 5 months old.Wicket is a purebred Lhasa Apso available for adoption at the Ventura County Animal Shelter.Sissy and Barney, purebred Springer Spaniel litter mates, 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 Shelter when she was about 1 year old.A purebred American Eskimo Dog, Spence was about 6 months old when he was rescued from the Harbor Shelter.Artie, a purebred Parson 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.
Young Dogs Abound in Shelters
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.
Check out this lovely Lhasa Apso who was rescued after being put in “doggy jail,” as the rescuer describes it:
Some of the dogs above may 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.
Tamar Love Grande, a writer, editor and animal lover, has fostered and found homes for more than 200 Dachshunds over the past few years. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and pets.
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