Sure he’s cute and adorable, but is he right for you and your lifestyle? Find out how to pick a puppy that’s a good fit with your family. Who can resist a puppy? Those dark brown eyes….that wagging tail and soft fur make up a cuddly bundle anyone would fall in love with.. However, choosing the right puppy involves much more than falling in love...It’s just as important to know what to look for and where to look….Working with a Breeder:

If personality and predictability are important to you, consider buying a purebred dog from a reputable breeder "One of the most compelling reasons to purchase purebred dogs is that you have a chance to pick breed traits that are appealing  behaviorally" If you are opt for a purebred puppy, though, give some thought to which breed you want. "Know the breed and research it fully… What the dog is bred to do is the primary influence on his temperament and behavior…Your research should also include learning about a breed’s genetic defects and the tests used to detect them. This way you can spot a less-than-ethical breeder. Anyone who tells you they’ve never heard of such diseases or tests is someone to run away from —FAST! A good way to find a reputable breeder and to learn all about a breed is to contact the American Kennel Club (AKC) — either by phone 1-919-233-9767 or on the web at
http://www.akc.org/dic/clubs/search/club_search.cfm?action=national&display=on

The AKC maintains a directory of national breed clubs. By contacting the club for your chosen breed, you can obtain a lot of breeders in your area.. Once you start visiting breeders, study their dogs, puppies and facilities carefully.. Look at how the puppies have been raised. are they clean? Do they look well cared for. How do the other dogs in the kennel look? A good breeder can be a valuable information source after you bring your dog home. "Look for a breeder who will help you, whom you can call and ask questions, and who will stay in touch with you…Know What to Look For:  There are plenty of signs that can show whether a puppy is healthy.. Start by watching how a puppy reacts to his/her surroundings.. A puppy should interact with his littermates and with the person observing the puppies. If a toy or an interesting object is put on the floor, the puppy should show some interest in it.. Take a good look at the pup’s eyes; they should appear bright and alert, and appear to move together. Make sure, too, that the puppy can hear, and check to see if the ears are clean and dry.. Look at the pup’s skin for signs of infection such as hair loss, scabs or sores—and if possible, check the mother, too. A mother’s coat may be thinner after nursing puppies, "but she shouldn’t have scabs or sores and she shouldn’t have total hair loss over any area of her body" Also check the pup for fleas...This can give you an insight into how well the puppy has been cared for...If the puppy is full of fleas...chances are it may not have received good care.. Try to evaluate the puppy’s temperament — This can be tough to do.. Let the puppy approach you, The puppy that’s confident enough to come up to you and seems friendly is probably the puppy most likely to have a good temperament...Conversely, a pup that shuns contact, is over exuberant or exhibits either aggression or extreme fear should be avoided.. No puppy is perfect the day you bring it home...Still, your love and attention can do a lot to help him become the dog you want him to be….Check out the links below for improving your chances of finding a good pet

A Breeder's Formula
Questions to ask your breeder
10 Rules of Ethical Breeding
Recognizing an Unethical breeder
      So you want a litter of Puppy’s          
Breeding your bitch
Breeding your Sheltie
Should we Spay/Neuter our Pet