I have a friend who has a rescue dog.I wanted to get one,but they have outpriced themselves around here.My last dog(a mutt) cost me 150 bucks from a private owner.His dogs "got together" and they had unwanted pups.So he was cheap.I figured i'd give the rescue place a chance thinking they were inexpensive.But they fix them,so even if you want a regular dog that can reproduce it ain't gonna happen.This and the chip they put in them means they are at least 350 bucks.I have also had a friend who's had a bad experience with his rescue dog.The dog is untrainable and barks at everyone,even his owners.It's not vicious but it snaps at you.The dog was found wandering the streets in southern Illinois.They ship em up here because here we have no kill shelters.My current dog is akc,he has his testicles in case I want to breed him.I have never had a dog of mine fixed.I also don't let them wander around to get into "trouble" that way.I got to pick my current dog in a nice setting.It was from a breeder who breeds dogs and horses.So he was on a farm,with his brothers and sisters,and parents there.Which I consider important.He cost 350 bucks.I don't see how these shelters sell any animals at the same cost.It was an easy choice for me.Get an unknown older dog who's been God knows where,or pick one from ideal conditions for the same price.Had the shelter dog been cheaper I may have got one.But not for 350 bucks.