Where to Get a Dog

Breeders, neighbors, pet stores, animal shelters, and advertisements are all potential sources. The healthiest dogs come from neighbors, amateur breeders by accident or intent.

Equally healthy puppies come from diligent, conscientious breeders who do what they do because they love their breed rather than because they want to make money.

Commercial breeding establishments seldom provide the enriched environment that puppies thrive on. Good breeders have the parents examined for health and possible hereditary problems before mating, and the puppies examined before sale.

Honest and reliable breeders are also proud to show you the puppy's mother. IE the mother is not there, be suspicious. Ask where the puppies live: those raised in a home develop better and faster than those raised in a kennels.

Check the puppy's medical records and ask if the puppies have begun routine worming and inoculations. Animal shelters and breed rescue associations always have dogs needing loving homes.

When acquiring one of these dogs, ask whether it was lost or surrendered. Male strays often have a powerful wanderlust. Ask about any known behavior problems.

Progressive rescue centers analyze and report their residents' behavior. The very best provide an "after-sale" service of continuing advice on behavior problems.

As with pet stores and animal shelters, all locations where dogs from different sources congregate are likely to have occasional infectious disease or parasite problems.

The very best pet stores have specially designed ventilation and isolate puppies from different litters. While this reduces the risk of disease, it increases the sterility of life for puppies at one of the most important times in their lives. Avoid pet stores if you can.

Veterinary clinics are an excellent source of information on where to get a puppy, so feel free to inquire there. Clinic staff often know the best breeders or the best organized dog shelters.