Lately, it seems that I've heard a lot about dogs being either adopted or bred. Also, I'm from Lancaster County where there are a lot of Amish breeders who begin to sell puppies around this time of year. This brings up a controversy that I tend to personally take to heart: Would you buy a dog from a breeder or adopt one?

I have had the experience of both adopting, and buying a dog. The first dog my family had, Shelby, and our current dogs, Mckenzie and Grace, have all been adopted. My family did, however, buy my Grandma a teacup chihuahua a few years ago from a neighbor who bred his dog. Therefore, although slightly biased, I have experienced buying and adopting dogs.

Through my dog-owning experiences and knowing others who adopt or breed their dogs, I have come to the conclusion that adopting is by far better than buying/breeding dogs.

One of the major reasons adopting is more beneficial is that you are helping a dog find a home and a family. This may be a dog who was abandoned by its family or found wandering the streets alone. It may be skeptical that these dogs are unhealthy and mangy, but in reality a lot of shelters and places that house these dogs nurse them back to health and make sure they are up-to-date on everything. For example, the Humane League in Lancaster County is a no-kill shelter that has a veterinary on-site to take care of its animals.

Dogs that are bred may come with their shots and may be healthy, but in reality they aren't taken that good of care. I know of people who have bred their dogs then bought and administered shots to their puppies themselves, just so they can reduce costs and maximize their profits. Some breeders also house these puppies in barns or secluded environments. They may make these puppies appear to be healthy and happy, but in reality a lot of times they just try to make a profit.

Whether you adopt or shop, there will be fees you have to pay. The difference though is where the money goes. When you purchase a dog from a breeder, a good portion of it is simply profit that the breeder can spend on their own leisure activities.

When you adopt a dog, the money goes straight back into the shelter. Adoption fees cover the medical expenses spent on the dog, and in general, are spent on maintaining and upkeep of the facilities. Sometimes shelters even lose money by charging adoptions fees that are less than the costs took to take care of that dog. Therefore, by adopting, your money goes back to the shelter rather than spent on new cars.

Unlike breeders, adoption services try to make the most out of the process. A lot of times breeders just want you to come pick out your puppy when they are old enough, sign a paper transferring ownership, and paying them. Shelters and foster services, on the other hand, want to you make a connection with your soon-to-be family member and to prepare them for adoption.

After Shelby died, my family liked the idea of having two dogs so we started searching for a new sister for Mckenzie. We saw a dog we liked that was in foster care and this foster family brought the dog to our house to see how she would fit. Unfortunately, Mckenzie was nervous around her and acted unlike herself.

However, this was good because then we didn't adopt a dog who wouldn't suit our environment/family. When Grace visited our house, Mckenzie and her got along perfectly. That's when we knew it was a good fit. With a breeder, you are just buying a dog and hoping it can adapt to your family. With adoption, it can give you options in making the most of the adoption process.

Now there are some pros of buying from a breeder. For example, if you are looking for a purebred dog then you are most likely only going to find them through a breeder. Also, some breeders do invest in their puppies by sheltering them and taking them to the veterinarian.

All in all, there are major differences between adopting a dog and buying from a breeder. Everyone has their opinions and preferences, but at the end of the day I see adopting as much more beneficial. I would rather give a home to a dog in need rather than buy a dog that was brought into this world so someone can make a profit off of it.