You know the breed of dog you want from the extensive research you have done. Even though you have no intention of ever showing the dog you are going to purchase, a dog show is one of the best places to visit to learn about the different breeds that might interest you. By visitig the show and seeing the breeds it will help you make up your mind as to what breed you finally decide upon.

Most of the exhibitors will be very frank about the virtues and drawbacks of their breed.

The next step is to search for the right breeder. You do not have to search for the top breeder but you want a good breeder with a great reputation. The show breeders may be able to steer you in the direction of some really reliable and good breeders for the dog you are looking into.

The one place I recommend you do not purchase your dog from is a "puppy farm" or pet shop. Neither is a suitable place to find a good puppy. Young dogs are treated as commodities when they come from a puppy farm and go to a pet shop. A dog from a puppy farm can have serious health problems and they can be seriously mistreated.

Before you make the leap, take your time and be prepared to wait for the dog you really want. Do not rush into it. Visit the kennels and see the dam with the puppies in the litter (and other litters) and if possible the sire of the puppy. Be sure to study the conditions that the puppies are being reared.

Eight weeks is about the right age to purchase a puppy. If you buy a puppy any younger you may find that the puppy has not been socialized properly. Most people agree that the period between six and eight weeks is a very important time in a puppy's life for his/her development. If you choose a puppy older than eight weeks the important thing is to make sure it has be socialized. So, do not think that it is bad to purchase a puppy older than eight weeks. Just make sure that the dog has been socialized with his/her siblings and humans and not just left in a kennel to fend for themselves.

If your dog comes from show stock never expect that your dog will be show quality or a show winner. No one, even the show breeder, can tell a winner at eight weeks.

A good breeder will and should provide you with the puppy's pedigree and a receipt for your purchase.

Check with a vet to see what innoculations a dog should have at the age you are going to purchase him/her. The breeder should have the shots up to date and be able to provide you with all vaccination certificates and veterinarian records.

You may even be expected to sign a contract between yourself and the breeder as to the breeder's liability should a puppy later devolpe an inheritable condition. This is because we live in a "sue happy" society. Recent court cases have made it plain that if a breeder fails to warn a purchaser of conditions that are recognized in the breed, and the puppy later develops such a condition, the breeder my be held liable, even though he or she is unaware of the existence of the problem in the puppy and has taken reasonable precautions to avoid the condition.

The contract you sign, of course, must be reasonable.

You should be given a feeding chart from the breeder for the next stage in your puppy's life. Be sure to take it with you to the vet to discuss it and decide on the brand of food that you feel will be right for your puppy.

You should expect that the puppy has been wormed, and is free from skin parasites such as fleas, ticks and lice.

Some insurance companies have schemes to have the breeder sell short term life insurance policies to the new owners. Be sure to avoid these.

Be sure to see as many dogs of the breed that you want before you begin to choose.

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Make sure the puppy is alert and has clear bright eyes. Its nose should be clean. Forgive crusts of food! Make sure the ears are free of wax and dirt. If you see what appears to be black in the dog's ears this could be an indicator of ear mites. The coat must be clean, pleasant to handle and smell good. No sign of grittiness on skin or coat. If you see what looks like black coal dust this could be an indicator of fleas. Brush back the hair in the opposite direction slowly to check for fleas. Fleas can be difficult to spot. Make an examination of all the puppies to assure that they have all been taken care of properly.

The skin of the puppy should feel loose and soft. There should be no sores.

No discharge from the eyes of the pup.

Make sure the puppy does not suffer from diarrhea. A quick check of the puppies bottom will give a clean bill of health for this possible problem.

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Never be blown off about the condition of the puppy or excuses for its behaviour; and never buy a puppy because it's the last one left and you feel sorry for it.

I believe that puppies choose their owners; rather than the other way aroud, and there is much to be said about this claim. A very shy pup may not have been socialized properly and could have problems later on in life. The puppy that comes forward to you from the litter is probably the right pup for you.

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