1. Remember, starting with quality gets you quality – Do your research.
2. Go to the library and educate yourself on the breed that is a match for your family. Is the breed appropriate for your home and lifestyle? Is the dog acceptable in size? Is the dog good with young or older children? What are the grooming requirements? What was the dog bred to do genetically (breed history)?
3. Where should you go to find your dog? There are numerous sources. Some examples are: American Kennel Club, A.K.C. Gazette, Dog Fancy, Breed magazines, Newspapers, Internet, Referrals, Humane Societies, Dog Shows, Pet Stores, and Breeders. Make sure you visit the environment that the puppy was raised in.
4. Ask the breeder, before the purchase, to review the pedigree with you.
5. Do not pay cash. Make sure you get a health certificate, guarantee or contract that is signed and dated. The full price of the dog should be determined before the deposit is given.
6. Do not buy a puppy that is on medication.
7. Meet both parents if possible. Educate yourself on predisposed genetic disorders of different breeds. Make sure that testing has been done on the parents.
8. Leave your children at home the first time you visit the breeder. This is a 10 to 15 year commitment, and emotions always come into play with children and puppies.
9. There is a Puppy Lemon Law in Pennsylvania. It is illegal to trade, sell or barter puppies under 7 weeks of age. Do not meet in public places such as a parking lot, flea market, or petting zoo. You should always be able to visit, and be able to return to where you purchased the puppy.

Most of all, your puppy will need supervision and patience. Your puppy will be learning a lot of new things, good and bad. It is your job to lead him/her in the right direction of what is right and wrong. This puppy is like a baby – keep the youngster safe. I would highly recommend researching the library for books on caring for and training a puppy.

You should also have a veterinarian picked out. You can get referrals from your breeder, friends, relatives and neighbors that take good care of their pets.

You can get assistance in choosing the appropriate items for your breed from a local pet supply store, such as Leone's or Petco.