There are evidently pros and cons on both sides of this question, and the truth is that a dog can be ideal for any purpose – either as a pet, or as a working dog – regardless of whether they have been rescued or purchased from a breeder. There are so many factors that can determine the success of a dog for any given purpose.
Often, dogs are left at rescue shelters because of the circumstances of their owner (they may have moved out-of-town, family circumstances may have changed, or the owner may have even passed away). Even if a dog has a history of abuse and neglect, they can still be trained.
If you are considering adopting a dog from a rescue shelter, take a look at our guide to the questions you should be asking when you visit.