Here are my top three places to get a puppy, followed by who you should not get a puppy from.
A Reputable Breeder
A reputable breeder is knowledgeable of their breed and likely offers a contract and guarantee. Dogs and puppies should be healthy, and puppies should be required to stay with their litter mates until at least 8 weeks of age.
Places to find a reputable dog breeder include Breed Clubs, the AKC website, and meeting and getting to know a breeder at a local dog show. Referrals from friends and family are also a good place to start.
Stay away from puppy mills, pet shops, and any breeder who has more than two or three breeds. The three breed rule goes back to focusing on bettering the breed and knowing the breed inside-out.
A Reputable Rescue
I believe the best rescues keep their puppies in foster homes. Puppies from foster homes should be more social and at least partially house trained. Other requirements should be vet care, vaccinations, and microchipping. The big bonuses are spay/neutering, and obedience and crate training.
A reputable rescue will most likely be registered with the state and have a 501c(3) non-profit status.
Stay away from rescues that don’t provide vet care or vaccinations, or who keep their puppies in filth. Beware of rescues who offer multiple purebred puppies as well – some less-than-reputable rescues offer stolen puppies for their premium price.
Family, Friends, and Strangers
Accidents happen. A mixed breed puppy from a stranger, family member, or friend is much better than a puppy mill puppy. You may have to vaccinate and de-worm the puppy yourself, but you can almost guarantee the dog wasn’t bred just for the money.
Consider offering to spay the mother dog in exchange for a puppy. Low-cost spay/neuter clinics make this option more affordable.
