Low Numbers of Purebred Dogs in American Shelters

The National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA) conducted a study to examine the types of dogs present in American animal shelters. One goal of the study was to estimate the size of the purebred dog population in shelters. Previous estimates put purebred numbers at approximately 25% of the shelter population. First-hand observers feel that this percentage is too high.

NAIA wrote, “Establishing more accurate information would benefit policy makers who rely on such data when drafting legislation; consumers who consider it when choosing a family dog; and society at large, which forms opinions and attitudes about dogs, based on their perception of such issues.” The 25% estimate is seen as causing an unnecessary stigma that purebreds are a large problem for pet population control. It also leads consumers to believe that purebred dogs are readily available at most shelters.1

Previously, breed designation has relied on owner statements or shelter staff. Shelter staff are not typically dog breed experts, nor are owners surrendering their dog. NAIA found that Collie-like dogs are labeled as Collies, chunky black dogs are labeled as Labrador Retrievers, and stocky short-coated dogs are labeled as Pit Bulls. According to NAIA, the previous studies that put purebreds at 25% of the shelter dog population in the 1990’s used the number of purebreds that entered shelters. They did not examine the percentage of dogs that were available to the public for adoption. It is important to make this distinction because purebreds are reclaimed by the owners more often than mixed breeds.1

The NAIA’s Shelter Project Study found that purebreds make up approximately 5% of the American shelter population. NAIA wrote, “It is interesting to observe that the number of purebreds in shelters would be 3.3% were it not for two breeds that are overrepresented, Chihuahuas and dogs described as Pit Bulls. Together, these two breeds account for 35% of all purebreds listed by shelters in this study. What is not well known is that Chihuahuas are the single most numerous purebred found in shelters today. Because Chihuahuas are small, attractive to adopters and highly adoptable, their numbers are especially high in shelters that import dogs for adoption.“ 1

Director of Government Relations for the American Kennel Club, Sheila Goffe said, "The NAIA study results are very encouraging. It is the most extensive survey on this subject to date and it shows that dogs identified as purebreds are rare in American shelters today, an outcome that responsible breeders, rescuers and AKC have worked decades to achieve. We are gratified that AKC programs were able to contribute to this result and we are committed to continuing these programs to further reduce the need for shelters and rescues – not just for purebreds, but for all dogs." 2

Will North American Shelters Run Out of Dogs?

The National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA) aims to decrease the euthanasia of adoptable pets in American shelters. In order to be effective, they need greater knowledge of the pet marketplace. Recently NAIA conducted some research on shelter dogs. It is difficult to quantify the number of animal shelters in the United States, estimates range from 3,500 to 6,000.1

Several decades ago overpopulation was an issue across the United States however it has been eliminated in several regions. Now that shelters are feeling less pressure from canine overpopulation their roles are changing. In order to continue to offer dogs to the public some shelters are now importing dogs 1. The public safety issues of importing dogs will be discussed in a future InfoStream article.

Why are shelters running low on dogs? NAIA President, Patti Strand believes that one cause the American Kennel Club (AKC). The AKC encourages thoughtful selection of pets, sterilization of all dogs not intended for breeding, and highlights the commitments required to be a responsible dog owner. While the lack of dogs has been noticed across Canada and the United States, animal rights groups are still trying to eliminte American dog breeders. The main issue with this is that it is nondiscriminatory and negatively affects both responsible and irresponsible breeders. Strand said, "These extreme animal rights groups have become so ideological and irrational that they would rather risk importing rabid dogs from Asia and Africa than support humane, responsible breeding in the U.S. so consumers can purchase the dog of their choice from a responsible and in many cases regulated American breeder." 2 

   

Dr. Emily Weiss from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) writes, “I do not think pets should be just for certain people (those who can afford a puppy from a high-end responsible breeder, for example), but for all people who want to care responsibly for a pet. The crisis is that we are running out of puppies! There are many communities that simply do not have juvenile dogs entering their sheltering system. This is great news!! And, this is the source of my concern. So here is where the crisis is – when there is a need, the void is usually filled. How do we want the void left by the lack of puppies to be filled? I know one thing we can all agree on, we sure do not want it filled by puppy mills and those who breed with no understanding of the importance of early socialization, proper nutrition and the like.” 3