Adopt, don’t shop! Rescue pups by breed in Alabama

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Pit Bull
Pet adoption puts smiles like this on everyone’s face—human or doggo. Photo via Bama Bully Rescue on Facebook

New year, new pup! If you’re considering bringing a new furry friend into your home, rescuing an animal in Alabama is a wonderful way to do it. One misconception about becoming a rescue dog parent is that you can’t choose that one breed you really love. These breed-specific rescue organizations prove that idea wrong.

Know What You Need

Ginny scaled Adopt, don't shop! Rescue pups by breed in Alabama
Meet Ginny! I grew up with labs, so I have to admit I have a soft spot for that breed. Photo via Beth Cunningham for Bham Now

Ask any dog person and they’ll tell you that different breeds have different personalities. Australian shepherds are brilliant, golden retrievers are loyal and sweet, beagles are playful and energetic.

Even though it can certainly vary dog to dog, being aware of breed personality and traits can be a great help when deciding what kind of fur baby you want to add to your family.

However, looking for specific breeds doesn’t mean you can’t rescue a dog in need! Rescue animals are some of the sweetest and most loyal animals you’ll find, and adopting one is a wonderful thing to do.

Check out these rescue organizations all across Alabama that are breed-specific, and bring your perfect pup home today!

1. Australian Shepard

Australian Shepard
Contrary to their name, Australian Shepards are about as American as they come. In fact, several Native American tribes called Aussies the “ghost eye dog” in reference to their genetic disposition for crystal blue eyes. Photo via BARK on Facebook
  • BARK (Bone-a-fide Aussie Rescue Krewe)
  • Click here to learn more
  • Email: BARKaussies@gmail.com
  • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 414 Clay, AL 35048

2. Basset Hound

Basset Hounds
Second only to the bloodhound, basset hounds are some of the best sniffers in the dog world. Their keen sense of smell is 40 times that of a human’s. Photo via Basset Hound Rescue of Alabama on Facebook
  • Basset Hound Rescue of Alabama
  • Click here to learn more
  • Phone: (888) 501-2472
  • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 936 Northport, AL 35476

3. Beagle

Beagle
Don’t let these puppy-dog eyes fool you—these sweeties are quite the talkers. “Beagle” comes from a Middle French term meaning, essentially, “loudmouth.” Photo via SOS Beagle Rescue on Facebook
  • SOS (Save Our Snoopies) Beagle Rescue
  • Click here to learn more
  • Email: ALSOSbeagles@yahoogroups.com
  • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2641 Gulf Shores, AL 36547

4. Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier
The Boston terrier is the first official breed created in the United States. They picked up the nickname “American Gentleman” because of their tuxedo-like markings. Photo via Birmingham Boston Terrier Rescue on Facebook
  • Alabama Boston Terrier Rescue
  • Click here to learn more
  • Email: boston@ABTR.org
  • Mailing Address: 427 County Rd 281 Courtland, AL 35618

5. Chihuahua

Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are the world’s smallest breed of dog—although they make up for it with pretty big personalities. Photo via Southern Belle Chihuahua Rescue on Facebook

6. Dachshund

Dachsund
Bet you never knew that dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers, although you can’t tell from this photo. Glamor shot via Dixie Dachsund Rescue
  • Dixie Dachshund Rescue
  • Click here to learn more
  • Email:  info@dixiedachshundrescue.com
  • Mailing Address: 4212 Beardsley Dr. Montgomery, AL 36109

7. Doberman

Doberman
Dobermans are some of the smartest dogs around—in fact, they’re known for occasionally outsmarting their owners. Photo via Sweet Home Doberman Rescue on Facebook
  • Sweet Home Doberman Rescue
  • Click here to learn more
  • Phone: (334) 721-3612
  • Mailing Address: PO BOX 310584 Enterprise, Alabama 36331

8. German Shepard

German Shepard
These lovable babies are some of America’s favorites—in 2014, they were the second-most popular breed in the nation. Photo via Helping Shepherds​ of Every Color on Facebook
  • Helping Shepherds​ of Every Color Rescue
  • Click here to learn more
  • Email: everycolorrescue@yahoo.com
  • Address: 3066 Zelda Road Montgomery, AL  36106

9. Golden Retriever

Golden Retreiver
What’s more quintessentially American than a golden retriever? They were actually a common sight in the Oval Office during both President Ford’s and President Reagan’s terms. Photo via Adopt a Golden on Facebook
  • Adopt a Golden Birmingham
  • Click here to learn more
  • Phone: (205) 290-7788
  • Email: info@adoptagoldenbirmingham.com
  • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 361753 Birmingham, AL 35236

10. Greyhound

Greyhound
These are one of the oldest dog breeds, dating back to Ancient Egypt. One greyhound even makes an appearance in The Odyssey. Photo via Alabama Greyhound Adoption Center on Facebook
  • Alabama Greyhound Adoption Center
  • Click here to learn more
  • Address: 1000 John Rogers Drive Birmingham, AL 35210
  • Email: AGRACStaff@gmail.com
  • Phone: (205) 833-6654

11. Labrador Retriever

Labrador
Labs have consistently ranked as the most popular breed in America for the last 24 years. Photo via Southern Skies Labrador Rescue on Facebook
  • Southern Skies Labrador Rescue and Adoption
  • Click here for more info
  • Phone: (256) 486-3560
  • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 8810 Huntsville, Alabama 35808

12. Pit Bull

Pit Bull
Pit bulls can have quite a bad reputation, however, most owners will tell you how sweet these big babies can be. In fact, pit bulls were once considered to be so trustworthy with children that they’ve been known as nursemaids or nanny dogs. Photo via Bama Bully Rescue on Facebook

13. Pointer

Pointer
This breed is sometimes called the “Cadillac of Bird Dogs.” All that excellence must really wear ya out. Photo via Souteast GSP Rescue on Facebook

14. Pug

Pug
Pugs were the preferred breed of Ancient Chinese Emperors. Sometimes of the most pampered pooches were given their own mini palaces and guards. Photo via Alabama Pug Rescue and Adoption on Facebook
  • Alabama Pug Rescue and Adoption
  • Click here for more info
  • Phone: (205) 999-2733
  • Email: pugsrescued@aol.com
  • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 279 Westover, Alabama  35185

15. Siberian Husky

Husky
These sled dogs are as sweet and cuddly as they are powerful. Plus, they’re one of the most beautiful breeds, in my personal opinion. Photo via Alabama Siberian Husky Rescue on Facebook.
  • Alabama Siberian Husky Rescue
  • Click here for more info
  • Email: info@alsiberianhuskyrescue.com
  • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1083 Springville, AL 35146

If you know of a breed-specific rescue organization in Alabama that we missed, let us know! Shoot me an email at beth@bham.com.

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Beth Cunningham
Beth Cunningham

A Birmingham transplant who can usually be found hitting a new hiking trail or restaurant opening when she's not writing stories and snapping photos for Bham Now.

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