<p>Coming in on the tail end of this debate (pun intended).
We had the most WONDERFUL rescue dog. We sadly lost our beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) to mitral valve disease last year (despite many visits to, and wonderful care by our veterinary cardiologist). His 1/2 brother, also a rescue dog, lives right behind us (we helped get him placed there). Believe me- it was no easy feat getting approved by the Cavalier rescue folks, but once we were, I made some very dear friends through that organization. We had NO “issues” with our dog, other than that he was initially a bit too excitable around other dogs- wanting to play with every one. I think we were socially promoted through obedience school, but we gave it the ol’ college try 
He was crate trained, and found great solace in his crate. In fact, that is where he passed away. He had just come in from outside, climbed into his crate, and, as they say, crossed over the rainbow bridge.</p>
<p>We fed and watered our dog in his crate. He got his treats in his crate. He LOVED his crate! It was by no means “doggie prison”. We’d keep the crate door open and he’d often go in to go to sleep. he didn’t like his doggie bed. He liked his crate. </p>
<p>I have met both breeders and rescue folks through the CKCS organizations, and I grew up with show dogs and breeders. Sorry if this sounds harsh, but some of the breeders I have met are wonderful and sincerely want to better the breed, and some are … shall we say… unusual, quirky people who tend to be critical of their competitors. However, EVERYONE uniformly agrees NOT to buy from puppy mills or pet stores. Some “breeders” are really glorified puppy mills. </p>
<p>Growing up, our showdogs had a few litters. One pup that we kept was a beautiful, although slightly neurotic dog with “issues” ( For example, if I startled him in my room he’d pee on the bed. He was also, truly, afraid of his own shadow). However, he was great in the ring and was selected for the “standards” issue of Dog World one year. But he sure was high strung. Sweet, sweet dog. Just was a few bricks shy of a load.</p>
<p>So, as long as you don’t get your dog from a puppy mill or a petstore, you will have a wonderful companion from caring individuals, and you will love him/her to death.</p>