Find the breeder first - even if he/she doesn't have puppies yet. I love my breeder.
You must be/remain 'picky.' You'll find the right one.
While there are no guarantees, the breeder - who has established lines - kind of knows what you're getting. My puppy has been compared to her "grandma." Everything that my breeder told me she should be, she's turning out to be.
Show breeders DO breed for temperment. It's not just something they say in an advertisement. My breeder has been been show breeding for 35 years. He's also a member of our local YTCA. Look at the YTCA referral list for your area.
A little bit of a wait for the right pup will serve you well! And it beats all the long drives all over the place.
Good luck. Tracey |