January 2, 2026, 4:14 pm | Read time: 4 minutes

Recently, I read something interesting: An influencer from the dog scene wrote in a social media post that she criticized people with their purebred dogs at a city event. She was, for example, angry that she had to cross the street with her small dogs because a Great Dane was “in a bad mood.” The dog was too big, the owners too incompetent, and anyway, Great Danes have a short life expectancy, so why would anyone get such a breed? Not a particularly malicious post, but one that suspiciously smelled of purebred dog bashing and the “Adopt, don’t shop” community.

People Are Tired of Constantly Hearing Negative Statements About Breeding and Purebred Dogs

I was annoyed because I know, of course, that she is against controlled breeding. Still, it was like a bad accident: I had to look at and read the comments. Her numerous followers wrote what sycophants typically write: how right the influencer is and that purebred dog owners are all superficial and inconsiderate.

But then there were comments showing a development I’ve noticed recently: People are tired of constantly hearing negative statements about breeding and purebred dogs. They are fed up with do-gooder chatter. They want beautiful dogs again. Dogs that make a statement, have charisma, and are mentally and physically unimpaired. They want dogs that fit into their lives.

More on the topic

Alarming Development Decline in Puppy Numbers Among Breeders! VDH: “Buyers Want Cheap, Immediately Available Dogs”

Dog Trainer Takes Stock “Adopt, Don’t Shop”? Why We Should Critically Examine the Slogan

I Rescued This Dog, So You Have to Work With Me for Free

In times of “Adopt, don’t shop,” you usually get hit with the moral club right away. Buying a dog based on appearance? How superficial and selfish can you be? And then from a breeder with papers, meaning health certificates of the parent animals and pedigree? Shame on you.

The dog must have a maximally terrible fate or at least be “without papers” and so messed up that the vet, dog trainer, and physiotherapist work for free. At least that’s the expectation of many followers of the “Adopt, don’t shop” ideology. Very important for this type of dog owner: bothering other people with the fate of their own dog. The motto: Do good and talk about it. How often have I heard this sentence as a dog trainer: “I rescued this dog, so you have to work with me for free.” No, I don’t have to.

Also interesting: “Dogs from Animal Shelters? Not an Option for Me!”

We Must Be Allowed to Decide for Ourselves Where the Dog Comes From

And those who are not impressed by this and prefer to go to a breeder become the enemy. This has worked well for years because it has been fueled by the media and celebrities. Now times are changing, and the moral high ground of the dog scene is crumbling. Due to the crises in the world, many people are financially and psychologically severely affected. They long for an environment where they can relax, unwind, and disconnect. For many, this includes having a dog that is easy to handle and makes them feel comfortable. Where this dog comes from, whether from a reputable animal welfare organization or controlled breeding, we must be allowed to decide for ourselves again. Without guilt. And I’m glad that we are slowly getting back to this point.