Sometimes getting a dog from a good rescue can take as much time as getting a puppy from a good breeder. Really taking your time and making an informed choice is best.
If you do decide to get a puppy someday consider going to the AKC website and doing a search for conformation clubs in your state or surrounding states. Those clubs have a breeder referral contact person. Getting to know these people in person or by phone will give you some great information to start out. Go to a show or two if you get a chance. They can be a lot of fun and very informative. Take your time. If you are a responsible, stable person you are looking into getting a new family member that could live with you for the next 15 or more years. Choose wisely.
A good reputable and ethical breeder will not sell you a puppy unless they trust you. Being on a waiting list for a puppy shows stability and character and most breeders would feel better selling to someone that has the patience to wait for one of their pups. If you have the right breeder it will be well worth waiting for.
People who breed "designer" dogs are not using quality breeding stock. Putting one pet quality dog of one breed with a pet quality dog of another breed does not create hybrid vigor. It usually brings forth some bad recessive genes that can create big problems. Buying a purebred is no guarantee but buying a "designer" is certainly not increasing your chances of a healthy pup.
As I said, take your time. Keep reading on YT. It does not take long to see many of the problems that arise from rushing into getting a puppy or even an adult dog.
Also, those fancy ads online are mostly puppy mills and brokers. They know how to make a pretty looking site to draw people in. Of course they are not going to show you what the place really looks like! Same with the classified ads. Be careful. Bad breeders usually have great sales pitches. |