Due to the terrible problem with pet overpopulation we encourage looking into shelters and breed rescue organizations to find your perfect companion. You can also look for 'retired' animals from breeding and companion helper programs. Many lovely and wonderful dogs are available. While you may not be able to find as much out about the animal's background and breeding you can still get a great pet. Most shelters and breed rescues give their adoptees personality tests and, if possible, interview the releaser or the person surrendering the dog to find the reason for the dog's placement. Breed rescue organizations are well versed in specific behaviors of their breeds and can be great resources.

We advise against buying from a pet shop. You will not be able to meet the parents of the potential pet and getting an accurate medical history of the parents will be difficult at best. Often these dogs are more expensive, less healthy, and very difficult to train due to a lack of proper socialization. Buyers for some pet shops are often purchasing the dogs from puppy mills. There are great alternatives in the form of animal shelters, breed rescue organizations and breeders.