My Charlie Boy was a gift from my husband on our anniversary in August. He was advertised in the local paper as a "purebred"...NOT! But he's big and healthy and very energetic
I had purchased a beautiful little girl in June from a BYB whom I didn't know anything about (Lesson Learned!). My little Lilly passed away 3 weeks later, it broke my heart!
I got my two girls as adults from a local breeder (also considered a BYB) but this time I RESEARCHED and checked references! I did a lot of web site work/design for her and was able to negotiate a nice price, as well as being able to visit her home and see things for myself