Shelter counters claim they don’t have pedigree rescue dogs—’100% purebred’

Shelters across America have experienced potential pet owners only asking to adopt purebreds and because of this, one Illinois-based animal shelter posted a clip to show that, although not purebred, shelter dogs are still a 100 percent great fit for families.

A TikTok video posted to the account @nawshumanesocietymokena showcases the live-in dogs that need to be adopted. Instead of being the sought-after purebred kind people want, these dogs have their own unique traits. They are cuddle monsters, good boys and girls, and as happy as could be.

The caption on the October 18 clip reads, “Nothing but purebreds over here.”

“The intention of the video was to be funny because we get a lot of people that want purebreds for some reason or asking for a certain type of dog,” Becca Keller, the shelter’s development manager, told Newsweek.

Keller explained that people will reach out to the Mokena, Illinois, shelter, asking if there are hypoallergenic dogs, certain sized dogs or specific breeds like French bulldogs available to adopt.

The response from the shelter includes a no, but they are quick to offer alternatives that fit the similar physical characteristics or personalities a potential adopter wants. The goal with providing options is to open up people’s eyes and minds to adopting different dogs, which has worked in the past for Keller.

People have changed their minds on certain dogs after meeting them and seeing the dog’s personality up close, Keller explained. Doing this also helps break down the negative stereotypes many dogs receive because, after all, every dog deserves to have a forever home.

TikTok user @weirdwildlandfireman commented: “All pups are pure.”

What Is a Purebred Dog?

When picking which dog to add to the family, plenty of people turn to purebred dogs. A purebred is one who has been bred to meet the specific standards of a particular breed.

The reason why many will turn to purebreds is because of the dog’s predictability, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). An owner will be able to meet their expectations more easily with a purebred dog by knowing the expected size, temperament, grooming needs and activity level of the dog. The AKC also lists health, community and legacy as other reasons people like to get purebreds.

Although owners might DNA test their mixed-breed dogs, there is still a level of uncertainty. You might never know if the dog shows more characteristics of one breed over the other.

Shelter Numbers

It was commonly believed that purebreds made up about 25 percent of dogs living in animal shelters but following a groundbreaking study from the National Animal Interest Alliance, the percentage has dropped significantly, according to AKC. The study has found that just 5 percent of dogs available in U.S. shelters are purebred and if you remove pit bulls and Chihuahuas from the study, it drops closer to 3 percent.

Each year, 6.3 million pets are surrendered to U.S. shelters, an average of 17,260 a day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The number of dogs and cats taken in by pet shelters hit 46,807 during January 2023, an increase of 1,744 compared with January 2022, the 24Pet “Shelter Watch Report” found.

Around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.

“It’s kind of silly to go to a breeder when we have dogs waiting for homes and to get out of the shelter,” Keller said.

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