@Christy remember when you assisted in rehoming Maggie with me?
Right here on the forums. God, I loved that dog. I miss her so much.
Everyone thought she was a shiba mix, but she ended up being pure Shiba Inu (don't I know it, that attitude!) Someone definitely payed a pretty penny for her at some point. Unfortunately, as they're a Japanese breed, they're notorious for being bred out of puppy mills. (ahem, Amish...) And because of their looks, people graviate to these dogs not understanding their nature or personalities, they just want them because they're small and adorable and spunky, but they often end up in rescues when they're too much for your average dog-owner. My neighbor proudly bought one from an "Amish Farm" in PA and I was horrified. He hadn't done any research on her either. He almost gave her up because she was so difficult and I gave him lots of advice and resources and even offered to take her but eventually he stopped treating her like a normal dog, and more like the queen shibs she was and they started to coexist better.
But I'd had previous experience with that breed and knew what to expect. That's why I scooped Maggie up as soon as I could: I've seen too many shibas rehomed multiple times because they are a difficult dog.
I've seen great outcomes with shelter dogs and pure-bred dogs alike. I've grown up with a weimaraner and an english lab. Our family had specific wants and needs in dogs. But we've always rescued cats. However, when I'm ready for another dog, if I'm not finding anything at the shelter, I'll probably look into a specific breed.
I take the ugly, the nutty, and the old. 
As long as you take care of your animal it's all good with me.
