[gemy]

I believe for some people no matter what you say, they will go their own way. Be it buy from a pet store, a byber, or a puppy mill.

I personally can't refer anyone to a "reputable cross breeder", because I don't know any people that breed crosses. And I would by nature distrust anyone who is breeding for the "flavour" designer dog of the year. I would be quite surprised if they truly do all the health checks necessary. They appear to me to be playing russian roulette with puppy's lives and health at stake.

One small story, despite hours of conversation that my hubby had with a co-worker, about our breed, about what his needs are, about how to select the breed right for you, he went out and got a "labradoodle". Fast forward six months later and his 8mth old pup is almost uncontrollable. High nervous energy, goofiness personalified, and has turned out to be a rather large dog. Also the coat does shed, and requires a fair bit of maintenance (this he was assured from the breeder that would not be the case).

He has asked for help. They did do one round of puppy classes, and that was it, for training. That is of course paramount problem one. But he did not see the parents of said puppy, did not inquire into their temperaments, and wonders why he has this goofy nervous dog. Dah gee could it be that most Labs don't settle down to about 3yrs old (even with ongoing training and at least 2 hrs of moderate to vigorous exercise a day), poodles can be notoriously high strung and with their sharp intelligence, need lots of mental and physical stimulation. Bah humbug. By the way he was told to look at the characteristic temperament of every breed to see what would fit his lifestyle. And this dog cost him over $1000 dollars. Some deal.

For me it is purebred dogs from a reputable breeder that I will always choose to support.