How to Find A Dog

First, do you really want a dog?

Dogs are wonderful companions, they can perform all sorts of useful tasks, they never talk back and "happiness is a warm puppy". But before you take the plunge and get a dog, remember,

Dogs take time.

They are very sociable animals who dislike being alone. Do you have the time every day to spend walking, feeding, playing with your dog? And they live for ten to twenty years, so this is a long-term commitment.

Dogs need space.

Do you have a fenced yard? If not, can you make other suitable, realistic arrangements for your dog to get adequate exercise?

Dogs cost money.

They must be fed, they need health care, they need grooming. Your house will need more cleaning with a dog, and you will have to replace or repair things that puppies will damage.

Dogs are the most varied species in existence, ranging in size from the six-pound Chihuahua to the 200-pound Mastiff, and from the sociable Golden Retriever to the dominant, aggressive Akita.

Before selecting a breed for your new dog, carefully consider your own personality, your family situation, what you expect of your dog (watchdog, companion for your children, hunting, etc.), whether you live in a house with a fenced yard or in an apartment, etc. Become acquainted with the eight major groups (Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding and Miscellaneous) and their characteristics.

Do not decide based on looks alone. Take your time before you decide on what breed will become this important addition to your family. Get a copy of Paws to Consider by Brian Kilcommons & Sarah Wilson, an excellent resource for helping you make this important choice in an informed way. This book is available from Dogwise.com. Or, go to the excellent interactive breed selector at ivillage.com.

Now that you know what breed you want,

First, consider adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue organization. Millions of dogs are euthanized each year, and you might just find your perfect companion at the local pound or with through a rescue group for your favorite breed. See the rescue links at Kyler Laird's animal rescue resources and the AKC National Breed Club Rescue Network.

Find a serious hobby breeder. A serious hobby breeder will usually belong to a breed club, be involved in showing dogs, present a clean environment with healthy, well-socialized puppies, be at least as interested in your qualifications to be an owner as you are in the breeder, give you a record of dates and types of inoculations and worming and insist that you take the pup to a vet for a check-up and to continue with inoculations, give you written instructions on feeding, training and care, provide a pedigree and registration application form; provide references; provide a written contract with conditions of sale and warranty; and assure you that the relationship between you and the breeder is a continuing one.

Avoid: pet shop or dealer puppies, who are poorly bred and raised and treated as merchandise; "backyard breeders", who own a dog but often are not knowledgeable and typically think it will be "fun" or "profitable" to have puppies; a breeder who lets you handle a very young puppy, as there is a real risk of transmitting disease before they are vaccinated; signs of neglect such as lack of water, pans of uneaten food and dirty conditions; a breeder who will sell a puppy under seven weeks of age, as early separation from the dam and littermates can be very detrimental both psychologically and physically.

Find conveniently located breeders of the breed you have selected in our breeders.NET directory, but remember, it is up to you to check them out.

We accept no responsibility for the quality of any breeder included in the directory. We suggest you take your time, visiting a few breeders, learning as you go. Sometimes it's tough, but try to avoid falling in love with the first puppy you see.

Now that you have found a breeder, you must prepare for