But the poll would need to be adjusted. Would the UK now fit into “other Europe”?

https://www.englishforum.ch/daily-li...-you-poll.html

Jeez guys, please be nice. It was posted with good intentions ...

Have a nice day everyone

Thank you Susie. Although the Panorama programmes l deals specifically with the UK, it also covers other international aspects, including the USA in particular.

Certainly not an issue which is UK only specific.

SusieQ has clearly not been viewing other threads in which you are active, in order to determine which are “nice” comments or not. You are far from a shining example.

With which you void your own argument above where you posit that all British know what you're talking about.

Back on topic …

We are looking to get our first official dog - I’ve always sworn by adopting over shopping (and have always done so with our felines). I still can’t get over the dream of having a specific favorite breed however. I have some local reputable Swiss breeders I have been considering, but am still on the fence as to whether or not I want to go that direction. Adopting or buying as a puppy is a must for us!

The Swiss seem to have very negative views about adopting dogs whenever I mention it to them, which I find surprising. “You don’t know what you are getting etc.”

There are pros and cons to both scenarios in my opinion.

Puppy training can be tough but then a rescue dog can also come with its own issues with regards to training.
In theory you can limit the risk of genetic problems when getting a puppy from a reputable breeder etc. You may not know anything about the history of a rescue dog.

Getting a dog is not something to be taken lightly and I commend you for doing your research beforehand.

Not at all, I said anyone British would know about the Panorama programme, which has been running for a very long time.

Susie-Q- not all Swiss feel like this. I know very many people who work in national and international rescue, and they find 1000s of homes every year for the dogs. Going back to the Panorama programme, many would be concerned about adopting some breeds like pitbull, because of their genetic background and the way they were possibly trained. Many rescuers do not place some dogs in homes with young children, for instance.

I've heard of it. It's the one where their reporters use illegal means and falsify documents to get interviews.

Credibility 0/10.

Susie, if it helps:

Switzerland does not at present have the same number of unwanted dogs that so many other countries struggle with. Lucky Switzerland.

At present there are very few puppies in Swiss Tierheim. When young puppies come in, the phones tend to ring off the hook with inquiries from potential adopters. Generally there are more people wanting to adopt a puppy from a shelter than puppies available.

So - and I say this having devoted my life to rescue - If you have decided that bringing a dog into your home as a puppy is the right thing for your family, you shouldn't have qualms about looking for your puppy through a responsible, ethical Swiss breeder.

Read up on the breed, read up on the breeders, be aware that the breeder likely will put you through an assessment similar to what you would go through if adopting. And you should carefully assess the breeder's committment to the welfare of the breed and these specific puppies as well. (Hint: Early socialzation program!)

Just be aware of, and stay away from, the Dark Side. By the way, these insidous barstewards pretend to be both rescues and breeders. So eyes wide, whichever route you go.

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The goal of all who love dogs is that every single puppy born will be loved, healthy, and happy, raised thoughtfully and humanely, and considered a treasured family member for his/her entire natural lifetime.

Making that commitment to your pup is far more important than the (responsible, ethical) breeder vs (responsible, ethical) rescue debate.

Thanks so much as usual …

I am aware at how tough it is to adopt as a puppy in Switzerland, so have eyed rescues in other countries in Europe.

What do you think about this? There are some very reputable organizations and I of course would go above and beyond to make sure all paper work and requirements are met prior to bringing the pup in.

We want a puppy as we want to bring something less threatening home to our two kitties and want to go through all the joy (and pain) of training one ourselves.

Are you able to travel to the rescue(or breeder) outside Switzerland?

This is something the rescue I volunteer with insists on. Cross border adoptions are generally not a problem, but the rescue insists on in-person meeting and assessment for all adoptions. This is a protection for both the puppy and the adopters. There is so much that simply has to 'click' that can only be determined in person.

(I've never adopted a puppy - oldies and crazies are my thing - but I've adopted many dogs from outside Switzerland. In every case, I have travelled to wherever the puppy is. If far away, I plan to stay a while so that I have sufficient time to fully assess whether we are the right people for this dog.)

Generally once both the rescue and adoptive family have agreed, the family definitively adopt the puppy there, in the country where the rescue and puppy are. The family then import the puppy to Switzerland, following all the BLV requirements. And obviously take care of transport back to Switzerland.


This rescue never ships a dog. Adopters must travel to them.

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Make sure you understand legal issues when you sign the contract.

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I would urge you to travel to visit the puppy, especially if it is your first dog.

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That you have cats can complicate the situation, so make sure you discuss that point with the rescue.

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Now - not all rescues work this way. When you find a rescue (or a breeder) you feel comfortable working with, make sure you understand their policies - and more importantly, why they have those policies in place.

All the best.

Oh yes, absolutely - a must!

I didn't say you falsify the argument. I say you void it, render it moot, as you concede the UK isn't the world.
I figure adopting can be rather tricky for Jane Doe's. I would never even consider adopting a dog of any age with children because you don't know the dog's history. Probably likewise around older or frail people.

If you need more sources I can get you into contact with a friend in Berlin who works for years in rescuing dogs abroad (officially etc).
Most are adopted from the Canary Islands.