"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."--Roger
Caras So, you AND your family have made a decision to get a puppy. Please DO NOT go to a pet store looking for a puppy. DO go to a pet store and purchase either a book about the breed you want, or a guide to choosing a breed. Purchasing a puppy from a pet store supports PUPPY MILLS and purchasing animals from these stores feeds a system of neglect and abuse from the very first moments of a puppy's life
Start by learning all you can, check out our BREEDER DIRECTORY page, ask for information concerning breeders in your area. Call these people, ask questions, go to see their dogs.
Reputable breeders will ask as many questions of you as you should ask of them. Breeders should take lifetime responsibility for their dogs. Ask for references from people that have purchased puppies from them previously.
Local newspaper ads may lead you to a good breeder if you know what to look for. Make sure that the breeder has researched the pedigree and potential genetic health problems in their breed. Many people just take a male and female and breed them without concern for what the puppies may or may not inherit. You should expect a high standard of responsibility from the breeder. You are accepting responsibility for the life of your dog for his WHOLE life. You should want him to have a full healthy life, free of health problems, which will cause him misery, and cost you vet bills.
"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."--Roger
Caras
Links to more information about puppies, breeders, breeding, and responsible ownership.