The Most Common Myths About Rescue Dogs—Debunked!
When someone mentions they’re thinking about getting a dog, the phrase “adopt, don’t shop” often comes up. And honestly, I always hope they’ll at least consider visiting a shelter first. There are so many wonderful dogs waiting for homes—some of them have spent their entire lives in shelters—who would make amazing companions.
That said, I understand that some people have their hearts set on a specific breed or type of dog, and I won’t criticize anyone for choosing to go through a breeder. Everyone has their own dreams and preferences. However, I would encourage anyone in that position to spend just one afternoon at a local shelter. Take the time to meet the dogs—you might be surprised by who steals your heart. And even if you leave without adopting, thank you for considering a rescue dog. It makes all the difference to those waiting for a second chance.
Thailand is home to an estimated 8 million street dogs, locally known as soi dogs. This staggering figure becomes even more alarming when you consider that a single pair of dogs can lead to over 500 puppies within just two years, as their offspring can begin breeding as early as six months old and reproduce twice a year. The result is an overwhelming number of puppies born on the streets each year, many of whom face harsh conditions and an untimely death.
This is why we hope people will adopt from shelters, it creates a space in the shelter and allows another dog that is struggling on the streets to find care. Whilst I do accept people wanting certain dogs in their life, I don’t accept a lot of the myths that circulate around rescue dogs that stop otherwise willing people from adopting one. So we aim to debunk some of these myths here today.
Myth 1 Rescue dogs are Aggressive or Dangerous
Aggression in dogs is not exclusive to rescue animals; it can occur in any dog. While I’m not aware of specific studies on the topic, it’s reasonable to assume that most aggressive behaviors are learned in a home environment rather than being innate. Aggression is rarely a genetic predisposition—it is typically a learned behavior.
While it’s true that some rescue dogs may have aggression issues, shelters are well aware of these behaviors and work actively to address them. Shelters wouldn’t allow an aggressive dog to be adopted without ensuring the necessary training and support are in place. After all, if a dog displayed aggression after adoption, it’s likely they would be returned to the shelter, creating a difficult situation for both the adopter and the animal.
Furthermore, such experiences could discourage others from adopting rescue dogs, as word of mouth spreads through friends and family. Shelters are keenly aware of this and take great care to ensure the adoption process is as positive as possible for both the dog and the new owner. When a dog is adopted we want it top be for life.
If you adopt a puppy from a shelter there is no reason to think it will grow up to be aggressive. If you choose to adopt an older dog, the shelter can provide valuable insight into its temperament and any existing behavioral issues, ensuring you make an informed decision.
Myth 2 Rescue Dogs Are Unhealthy or Have Too Many Medical Issues
Most rescue dogs at least here in Thailand are mixed breeds. If you get a dog from a breeder it’s likely to be a purebred dog, which is a nice way of saying inbred.
“The effect of inbreeding, body size and morphology on health in dog breeds”, published in 2021 in Canine Medicine and Genetics. This research analyzed DNA data from 49,378 dogs across 227 breeds and found that the average inbreeding coefficient (F) was approximately 0.249, or 24.9%.
So what does that number mean ? A 25% inbreeding coefficient ( and some breeds were as high as 40% ) is the rough equivalent of inbreeding you would find between full siblings in humans.
Mixed-breed dogs tend to be genetically more diverse, which can offer significant health advantages. Many purebred dogs, on the other hand, are predisposed to specific health issues due to selective breeding. For example, some breeds have a high likelihood of passing on conditions like hip dysplasia, which can lead to a lifetime of pain for the dog and costly vet bills for the owner. Bulldogs are a notable case, with 70% of the breed affected by this condition. Other breeds also face high rates, with up to 50% of their populations struggling with similar issues.
Additionally, a high inbreeding coefficient increases the risk of immune system disorders, shorter lifespans, and a variety of other genetic health problems. Choosing a dog with greater genetic diversity can help mitigate these risks and lead to a healthier, happier companion.
Much like the myth surrounding aggression, being a rescue dog isn’t the primary cause of health issues—inbreeding is. I often joke that if a dog is resilient enough to survive the tough streets of Thailand, they’re more than capable of thriving in the comfort of your living room.
Myth 3 You Can’t Train a Rescue Dog
This is completely misguided—not just slightly, but profoundly wrong. I’m a dog trainer specializing in working with rescue dogs, and I’ve seen firsthand how quickly these dogs can transform with the right approach. Within just a week of training, I’ve had dogs who’d spent their entire lives in shelters successfully running agility courses.
Yes, training rescue dogs sometimes requires a slightly different approach—you need to build trust and establish a relationship first. But most rescue dogs crave human interaction and attention. Once you’ve earned their trust, they often become the most eager and motivated learners.
Take Nenny, for example. At the start of the week, she was terrified during training sessions. But by Friday, after spending time with our volunteer Talita and forming a bond, Nenny was practically pushing her way out, excited to engage. That shift—from fear to confidence—is something I see regularly with rescue dogs. Once they trust you, they become incredible training partners. NokNoi, our adorable little tripod, eagerly volunteered for training. Every morning, as I took the dogs out to train, she would greet me with enthusiasm, determined to join in. Now, the real challenge is teaching them to wait their turn—every dog currently in training is so eager, they want to go again and again!
Myth 4 Rescue Dogs Are a ‘Last Resort’ Option
I think people think like this because they are ‘free to good homes’, but the reality is the expense of owning a dog isn’t in purchasing a dog, the expense comes from caring for your dog for the next 15-20 years ( your pure bred is probably cheaper in this regard as some breeds life expectancy is only 6 years ). I personally think having a rescue dog in your life is more rewarding, they definitely appreciate being rescued. They are a living being, not a last resort though.
Myth 5: All Rescue Dogs Have Behavioral Issues
While it’s true that some rescue dogs may have behavioral challenges, it’s important to remember that even dogs who’ve never seen a shelter can face similar issues. Certain breeds, for example, are naturally predisposed to quirky behaviors—Border Collies may spin in circles, while Bull Terriers are known to chase their own tails. These traits aren’t exclusive to rescue dogs.
In fact, shelter dogs often come with surprising behavioral advantages. Many have had extensive exposure to other dogs, which means they tend to communicate and socialize well with their peers. This is a skill many pet dogs lack, as you might notice from frequent scuffles at the dog park.
Adjusting to life in a home can take time for a rescue dog, but this isn’t a behavioral flaw—it’s simply a period of transition. With patience and consistency, they adapt beautifully. Most importantly, shelter dogs are incredibly eager to connect with humans. Their desire for affection and interaction makes them highly trainable and rewarding companions.
Myth 6 You Can’t Find Specific Breeds in Shelters
In the pre-internet era, this might have been a challenge. However, today most shelters have websites, and there are even breed-specific rescue organizations available. While it’s unlikely you’ll find an 8-week-old puppy of any breed in a shelter, with a bit of effort—mainly browsing online—you have a good chance of finding the breed you’re looking for at a shelter.
Give Them A Chance
If you’re considering adding a dog to your life, I highly encourage you to visit your local shelter. Keep an open mind—sometimes the dog you think you want isn’t the one you’ll fall in love with. I’ve had both rescue dogs and dogs I purchased, and I love them equally. If I had room in my life right now, after my experience working with Second Chance Dog Shelter in Pattaya, I know without a doubt I’d adopt one of their dogs (probably Nok Noi, but maybe Creamy, Beans, or Toast). Shelter dogs often come with a story, and that only adds to their unique charm and beauty. I don’t think anyone would ever regret adopting a rescue dog.