Puppies are adorable bundles with wagging tails, soft eyes and warm puppy kisses that pull at your heartstrings, begging you to take them home.  As difficult as it may sometimes be, the choice of a puppy should not be taken lightly.  Each breed has its own characteristics and health issues which need to be considered.  Not doing enough research often results in puppies being resold and, unfortunately, some end up in the pound.  This is not the fault of the poor puppy; the uneducated owner is to blame.

Before buying a puppy, talk to several owners about the breed you are interested in, gather information and make an informed choice.  Research the breed on the internet.   The AKC website is an excellent source for information on Purebred dogs.   Each breed was developed for a specific function and, as a result, their personality and traits may not match your lifestyle.  Be sure to become completely familiar with the breed you are interested in before deciding to buy a puppy.  Remember, your puppy is depending on you to care for and love him for life.

All breeds have health issues that they are prone to and you should be aware of that.  Beware the hard sell! Just because a puppy has papers, does not guarantee quality.  It only means that the puppy has a traceable family tree.  Did the breeder talk to you about dog crates, explain how to use them and stress how helpful they can be with housebreaking and providing a safe place for a nap and a necessity when traveling?

ASK these Questions:

• What kind (if any) health guarantees does the breeder offer.  See if the puppies were vet checked.  If they give you a health guarantee-get it in writing!
• Are the puppies registered?  And ask if you can see the ORIGINAL registration papers of the parents and possibly a 4 or 5 generation pedigree when you come see the puppies.
• Always ask to see the parents of the litter.  This will begin to give a picture of what your puppy might look like in adulthood it will also show you if they are breeding sick or poor quality dogs and if the parents have any odd personality issues like unsociable or aggressive.  Remember your puppy gets its characteristics from its parents.  You might also ask to see pictures of puppies from past litters if they are available.  If the parents aren’t available, ask to see other dogs of their breeding.
• Ask to see the facilities where the dogs are kept, bred, and where the puppies were raised.  Don't just walk up and pick a puppy out of a box and leave.  Unsanitary conditions could cue you to possible health factors for your puppy.  Good breeders will have clean and tidy facilities for both their puppies and adult dogs to reside in, with areas for exercise and playtime.
• Inquire about a return policy.   Even if you don’t get your money back if the experience doesn’t turn out, most breeders would rather have the dog returned to them than to have it potentially end up in a bad situation.  The welfare of the dog should be paramount.

A Reputable Breeder:

• Breed to improve the breed not simply to make money.
• Will be happy to show you their dogs and facilities.
• Will screen you carefully to ensure your suitability.
• Will sell only healthy stock, fully vetted and guaranteed for a reasonable length of time after the sale.
• Will stay in touch with you to see how you're getting along with your new dog.
• Will have no problem with you seeing the entire registration paperwork and purchase contract.  If the breeder starts gives you reasons why they can't show you the appropriate paperwork, then you might need to be careful about buying from them.  DO NOT leave the property without the puppy registration application or a signed contract, and make sure it is the original printed from the kennel club, not a copy. 

Remember this is a lifetime investment in your time, energy, and financial resources.  A puppy whether bought for show or pet will need your love and attention for its entire life.  A dog gives so much to the owner and asks for so little. 

Ask yourself, "Am I really ready for this commitment?"