WHERE TO BUY A PUPPY

Where you get your puppy from is almost as important of a decision as which breed or mix-breed you choose.  (To help you decide on the breed that is right for you see the 'Top 20 Breeds' section.)  You can get a puppy from a breeder, home breeder, shelter, or pet store. 

All can be equally good choices but not all are created equal.  As is true with anything, you'll come across some breeders, home breeders, shelters, and pet stores that are great and some that are not so great.  It's best to do as much research as possible prior to interviewing the adoption agency and looking at their puppy choices.

It's also good to trust your instincts.  If the adoption agency looks dirty and/or unkempt, the puppies look sickly and uncared for, or something just doesn't feel right then it's best to move on to another choice.  You may think what's the harm I'm saving a puppy but a puppy raised in bad conditions or poorly socialized is a puppy that may turn out to be a dog with behavior problems.

Wherever you choose to get your puppy from you should also try and obtain a history on the puppy.  Ask as many questions as you can about the parents and any possible genetic disorders, the puppy's personality and the personalities of its littermates, if any socialization has taken place with people and or other animals and if so what were the results, etc.

When asking questions and meeting the puppy keep in mind what you want of your adult dog, does this puppy contain these characteristics?  If not keep looking.  It may be hard to walk away from an adorable puppy but it will be worth the wait to end up with your dream dog.

Lastly, remember the most important things are that your puppy has been raised in a loving environment, has been socialized with people and other animals, is healthy, is current on all vaccinations, and posses the traits you want in an adult dog.