Finding the Perfect Dog -

Bringing a pet home can be a long well thought out decision.  Sometimes it's a spur of the moment decision that requires education after. 

Either way, the fact that you are here and are researching your new family member means you are willing to do what is necessary to make a good decision.  It means you are taking responsibility for your dog, and that is what they need most from you. 

Dog Breed Guides can give you an educated look into what your dog may be like as a puppy and an adult.  However like people, you never know what your pet is going to be like.  Their personalities differ just as much as ours do.  Be prepared for anything and everything. 

Petfinder.com provides a list of animals that are available for adoption in your area.  You can search by breed type and size.  They are a non profit website with a lot of great adoption information.  Adopted pets can be more difficult, but not always.  A lot of adopted animals are very grateful to have a clean, warm place to live with a family who feeds them on a regular basis etc.  It's rewarding to adopt an animal, because without your love and support the animal may not have had a second chance. 

Purchasing a Puppy

If a pure-bred animal is what you seek, purchasing may be a better option.  Do not support puppy mills = do not purchase puppies from pet stores.  Animals that come from puppy mills are typically less healthy and can come with personality disorders.  It's difficult to walk into a puppy store and leave without rescuing the little sad puppies in their cages.  Just remember that for every puppy you purchase, another must replace it.  It rewards abuse.  Some pet shops are unaware that their dogs came from mills, but the majority of puppies do. 

If you want to purchase your puppy, check your local papers.  Puppies that are ready to go home should have had at least one visit to the vet.  Most should have had two.  Before you go to see the puppies ask for their health care providers name so you can continue their care there if you wish.  However asking this question serves a larger purpose, it proves that they have been cared for.  Call the provider and verify that the puppies have indeed been vaccinated or checked out properly to date. 

If the owner of the puppies requires a specific amount of notice before you see the pup, there may be a mill involved.  They will typically bring the puppy to a location other than the mill to show it.  However, some great breeders do this so it doesn't disturb their animals.   So you have to be careful and use good judgment in the situation.  Look to verify that the mother is present and for signs that the other puppies are living together at this location.