Quote Originally Posted by Vela
You know what, you are as entitled as anyone else to choose where you get your dog from. I think it is unfair to pass judgement on someone just because they choose to get a dog from a breeder rather than a shelter. (I didn't say anyone has at this point but often people do). I bought Cracker from a breeder and I don't regret it for one minute. Yes for those who get dogs from shelters, this is wonderful, but not everyone wants to do the same thing and it's not wrong to buy a puppy from a responsible ehthical breeder. It gets tiresome for people to assume everyone should do something a certain way because they do it that way. I have had wonderful shelter dogs, I also have a wonderful purebred dog I bought from a breeder. There is nothing wrong with your decision to do so and don't feel bad about it. Everyone is entitled to do what works for THEM at each particular point in time. If you want a certain type or breed of dog and you want to purchase that dog from a reputable breeder then you go for it. It's your dog, your decision. Don't let anyone make you feel bad for it. Rescue is wonderful, adopting dogs from shelters is wonderful, but so is buying a well bred dog if that's the kind of dog you want.

The best thing you can probably do is research what kind of testing is "required" of breeding stock for the breed you are looking at. Is the breed prone to hip dysplasia, etc etc. And then find out if the breeder has hips, eyes, and other testing done on their breeding stock. That will help you decide if they are responsible about helping bring healthy dogs into the world. Most puppies are fine to leave at 8 weeks, but before that really is not in their best interest. See if they have health histories of past puppies and maybe even see about talking to some people who have bought puppies from them before. Also check on the treatment of the parents, etc. Their living conditions, how many times they breed the bitch in a lifetime, etc. Good luck with your search for the right puppy, and don't feel bad about it.

Yes the problem of too many pets in shelters is awful, but the OP didn't cause the problem and her buying a puppy from a breeder won't stop the problem. I for one appreciate responsible ethical breeders of purebred dogs who try to maintain a breed and health standard. Not all breeders do that but I appreciate those who do. Let's not try to make her feel bad and just wish her luck with her puppy finding. If there weren't good responsible breeders breeding dogs true to breed, pretty soon there wouldn't be any purebreds, only BYB dogs and accident dogs and while those can be wonderful dogs, some people like certain breeds, there is nothing wrong with that. The problem is in irresponsible owners who won't spay and neuter their pets, so don't make the OP feel bad for wanting a certain breed or type of dog and for doing research and trying to obtain one from a reputable breeder.

Edited to add that Sarah's post was very well written and informative. Good advice there on what to look for.
Well Said