What's wrong with that puppy in the window?
 

Taken from Hound Health Handbook (page 5) written by Betsy Brevitz, D.V.M.:

Please don't buy a dog from a pet store. Buy all the supplies you need there, but get your dog from a shelter or a top-notch breeder. Here's why:

A dog should not be an impulse buy. The decision to get a dog should not be prompted by a window display of eight-week-old Pugs. If you haven't given serious thought to how a dog will fit into your life, wait.

Dogs in pet stores are not the best of show. Pet stores sell their dogs purely to make a profit. Good breeders, on the other hand, are also in the business for the love of the breed--they work hard to produce healthy puppies free of genetic disorders, and they also breed for sound temperament.

Buying a dog from a pet store supports puppy mills. Because pet stores need a consistent supply of animals, they often get their dogs from large commercial breeders known as puppy mills, which churn out dogs without regard to breed standards, health or temperament. Dogs bred in puppy mills are more likely to suffer from malnutrition, disease, genetic defects, and overall poor quality.

Service counts. Few pet stores have the knowledge, time, or inclination to help you after you take your dog home. A good breeder, by contrast, is an invaluable source of information. She can help you pick the right breed, and she'll stay in touch with you and your dog forever, offering information and help each step of the way. A conscientious breeder will even take back a dog at any time if you feel you can no longer care for him. Well-run shelters are also great resources. They'll help you choose a dog that is well suited to you, and will often provide free or low-cost spaying or neutering, microchipping and even obedience classes.

This can't be said enough and what a good post to have here ....especially during the holidays !!! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

I must admit, I am guilty
 

One of my first yorkies, Jasper, was a pet store pooch. He was always sick, very non-standard looking, and we spent loads of cash on him over his lifetime trying to keep him healthy. I have never bought a pet store pet again. We loved him just the same, and had him for 12 happy years, but still, we learned a hard lesson.

Thanks for posting this, Kimberly.

Glad...12 years ago you probably had NO Idea how those pet store puppies came to be -

Most of us are just learning all this as we go.... and you didn't do anything wrong - but the puppy Millers who sold him to that store did - you were lucky to have him 12 years....Bless his heart - he was one of the lucky ones to have a nice home with you and I bet he was very loved

Thanks, V!
 

Love ya, girlfriend! I just hope the new folks just starting their research can learn from my mistakes. :(