Every year, thousands of people dream of welcoming a puppy into their home. Yet behind that excitement lies a difficult choice: should you buy from a breeder or adopt from a shelter? In 2026, this debate is more relevant than ever, as impulse purchases continue to fuel a booming pet market.
Why so many owners choose to buy a puppy
The desire for a specific breed drives many future owners toward breeders. Some want a particular size, coat type, or temperament. As a result, they are willing to spend hundreds—or even thousands—of euros to get the exact dog they have in mind.
Social media plays a major role in this trend. Cute photos of golden retrievers and French bulldogs flood platforms daily. Consequently, many people fall in love with a breed before even considering adoption as an option.
Price tags rarely discourage determined buyers. According to recent French data, some purebred dogs sell for over €2,000 in 2026. For many, the appeal of a young, pedigree animal outweighs financial concerns.
The emotional pull behind impulse decisions
Buying a young dog often feels like a fresh start. Owners believe they can shape the animal’s behavior from day one. In contrast, shelter dogs sometimes carry unknown histories, which can feel daunting to first-time owners.
« I wanted a puppy at all costs. I didn’t even think about shelters—I just wanted that tiny face I’d seen online. »
This emotional rush, however, can lead to poor preparation. Many new owners underestimate the time, cost, and patience a young dog demands. Breeders do not always screen buyers for readiness, so regret can follow quickly.
To readAuxiliary heating: the most efficient type that actually saves energy in 2026Shelters across France report a steady rise in abandoned dogs under 18 months old. This pattern suggests that impulse buying and inadequate planning are closely linked. Awareness campaigns now try to address this cycle before it begins.
What adoption truly offers in 2026
- Adoption fees are significantly lower than breeder prices, often under €300.
- Shelter dogs are typically vaccinated, microchipped, and sterilized before leaving.
- Many shelters offer post-adoption support and behavioral advice.
- Mixed-breed dogs tend to have fewer hereditary health problems.
- Adopting frees up space for another animal in urgent need of rescue.
Adoption remains one of the most responsible ways to welcome a dog. Shelters house dogs of all ages, sizes, and temperaments. In fact, young dogs under two years old make up a growing share of available animals.
Associations like the SPA in France handled over 45,000 adoptions in recent years. These organizations work hard to match each dog with a suitable family. By choosing adoption, owners directly reduce the strain on overcrowded shelters.
Still, some families feel that a shelter cannot meet their specific needs. This perception persists despite the wide variety of dogs available. Education and open shelter visits can help bridge that gap.
Preparing your home for a new young dog
Whether you adopt or buy, bringing a puppy home requires careful planning. Your living space needs to be safe, clean, and free of hazards. Moreover, stocking up on the right care products makes the transition smoother for everyone.
Joint health matters even for young dogs, especially larger breeds prone to early discomfort. FRANCODEX — Ampoules spécial articulations pour chien (x18) provide targeted joint support in easy-to-use vials, helping your dog stay active from the start.
A glossy, healthy coat signals good overall wellness. FRANCODEX — Ampoules spécial peau et pelage pour chien (x18) nourish the skin and fur with a course of dedicated care, ideal during seasonal changes or dietary adjustments.
Moving to a new home can be stressful for any young animal. FRANCODEX — Ampoules antistress pour chien (x18) offer a gentle, non-sedative way to ease anxiety during those crucial first weeks of settling in.
Keeping your home clean and safe with a young dog
Housetraining is one of the first challenges every puppy owner faces. Accidents on carpets and floors are inevitable in the early months. Therefore, having reliable cleaning solutions on hand saves both time and frustration.
FRANCODEX — Nettoyant/désodorisant Elimin’ urine 750ml (€19.95) neutralizes odors and stains effectively, which is crucial because residual scent can encourage a dog to soil the same spot again. Meanwhile, to keep certain areas off-limits during training, FRANCODEX — Granulés Repuls’off 400g (€12.50) act as a gentle deterrent that discourages dogs from approaching treated zones.
Fleas and ticks pose a constant risk, particularly in warmer months. FRANCODEX — Spray insecticide Home essentiel 500ml (€19.50) targets crawling and flying insects across your living space. For harder-to-reach corners, the FRANCODEX — Aérosol insecticide Home essentiel 400ml (€21.50) delivers a fine mist that penetrates crevices where parasites hide.
To readClean walls and ceilings in minutes with this effortless technique that leaves them spotlessInternal parasites also deserve attention in young dogs. FRANCODEX — Ampoules Vers O Net pour chien (x18) support your dog’s digestive health with a natural deworming approach. Regular use helps maintain a parasite-free environment alongside veterinary treatments.
Whole-room treatments can tackle severe infestations efficiently. FRANCODEX — Fogger insecticide habitat citron 200ml (€16.95) releases a lemon-scented fog that covers an entire room in minutes. For smaller spaces, the FRANCODEX — Fogger insecticide environnement 150ml (€14.95) provides the same broad protection at a lower volume.
Owning a puppy in 2026 carries real responsibility—beyond cuddles and cute photos. Every potential owner should weigh the choice between buying and adopting with honesty. By preparing properly and choosing care products that genuinely support a dog’s health, new owners set the stage for years of companionship built on trust, not impulse.
Crédit photo © DivertissonsNous
