Where to get your dog

Reputable Breeders:

Breeders know just about everything about there is to know about the breed of dog they raise, and they work to improve the quality of that breed with every litter. The money they spend on breeding a litter of puppies far exceeds the money they make from selling the pups. They are doing it for love, not money.

Breeders will screen potential buyers very carefully, turning down those whom they feel will not provide the pups with the right lifestyle or environment.

Don't take offence if a breeder suggests that you think about another breed.

she has both the dog's best interests, and yours, in mind, because a bad match will leave everyone unhappy. In fact, responsible breeders will almost always take a puppy back if for some reason it doesn't work out, or your circumstances change. And a responsible breeder will happily answer your questions and give you tips and advice, even long after you've taken your new friend home.

A good breeder will offer a contract that explains the pup's health and neutering requirements. For instance, if you don't plan to show the dog, the breeder may ask you to sign a contract stating that you will have the dog neutered at a certain age. This is because the breeder feels responsible for the dog for the dog's entire life and wants to make sure the dog doesn't end up in the hands of someone who will breed him without the benefit of knowledge and experience.