How to Rescue a Dog of One of the Top Breeds

Can’t get over the wrinkly, stout build of the bulldog? Or obsessed with the classic curl-covered poodle? That doesn't mean you have to buy a puppy from a breeder or pet store to find your perfect companion. You can still adopt a dog! While many of the dogs you’ll find at your local animal shelter are mutts, (which make perfectly good pets by the way!) if you’re set on one of the top breeds you can still save an unwanted pet from other sources.

It’s easy to rescue a dog from one of the ten top breeds of 2011 if you go through a breed-specific rescue organization. While you may be waiting forever to find a lab or boxer at your local animal shelter, rescue networks do the hunting down for you. They work to rescue, rehabilitate when needed and find foster and forever homes for unwanted, neglected or abandoned dogs of a specific breed. Here’s how to find a rescue network for the top breeds.

How to Rescue a Labrador Retriever: Labs make great family dogs and they're the most popular breed in American according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). Luckily there are a number or rescue organizations focused on saving unwanted labrador retrievers and placing them with loving families. To find a rescue network in your area visit The Labrador Retriever Club’s site to do a search.

How to Rescue a German Shepherd: If you're on the hunt for a German Shepherd, you're in luck. There are over 100 rescue networks dedicated to this top breed across the US with organizations in almost every state. Browse the listings on the American German Shepherd Rescue Association's web site. 

How to Rescue a Beagle: Find a your beloved beagle by browsing beagle rescues by state on Rescue Me! or by contacting one of the rescue groups listed with the Beagle Rescue Foundation of America. 

How to Rescue a Golden Retriever: It's no surprise many families want to add a gentle, loving, loyal golden retriever to their home. The Golden Retriever Club of American National Rescue Committee has compiled a list of more than 100 rescue organizations state-by-state acroos the country. 

How to Rescue a Yorkshire Terrier: The Yorkie is a top pick for small dog lovers. Start your search with the Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue, United Yorkie Rescue or the Yorkie Rescue of America. 

How to Rescue a Bulldog: If you're dreaming of a bulldog, look no further than the Bulldog Club of America Rescue Network. Their list of available bulldogs is sure to have you swooning and signing up for a chance to adopt in no time. 

How to Rescue a Boxer: You can find a boxer rescue organization near you thanks to the list of groups compiled by the American Boxer Rescue Association.

How to Rescue a Poodle: Pining for a poodle? Look no further than the Poodle Club of America, which helps pair poodle aficionados with available rescues. 

How to Rescue a Dachshund: You can find a little long-bodied dachshund through several rescue organizations. Try Dachshund Rescue of North America or All-American Dachshund Rescue. 

How to Rescue a Rottweiler: Find a rottie rescue group near you through the directory at North East Rottweiler Rescue & Referral. They list groups all over the country.