VISIT AN ANIMAL SHELTER FIRST
Even if you're looking for a purebred. At any given time, a significant percentage of the dogs in a shelter are purebred and awaiting adoption alongside their mutt counterparts. Besides, looking at the mixes that are available for adoption can either confirm your decision to look for a purebred, or change it.
FIND A RESPONSIBLE BREEDER AND VISIT THEIR PREMISES
Ask your vet or contact local breed clubs to find the most reputable in your area. Be sure to visit the facility to see where your dog was born, whelped and exercised. If possible meet your prospective dog's parents.
It's most likely going to be from a puppy mill. Dogs born in puppy mills tend to have more health problems due to the poor conditions into which they are born, and in which their mother lives.
TALK TO A BREED RESCUE GROUP
Even if the nearest group for the breed of dog you seek is cross country. Oftentimes, they'll help arrange transportation in order to get the animal to you.
Reprinted from Angie's List Magazine, August 2010, p. 64.
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