In every breed, ethical breeders struggle against this riptide, but the sheer numbers of animals produced per year can put these ethical breeders in the minority.
Because of this, finding a healthy, stable dog from popular breeds can be a real challenge. Proceed with caution. Take your time; visit puppies without cash in your pocket. Keep chanting to yourself: "All puppies are cute, all puppies are cute, all puppies..." Look for health clearances, spay neuter clauses and a statement in the contract that the dog can come back to the breeder at any time. Look for someone whose been “in the breed” for more than five years, ideally more than ten. Do not buy from anyone who makes dogs their sole source of income. Beware people who take credit cards, who always seem to have puppies and who have puppy-pushing websites without any real credentials other than “we just love this breed”. Make sure you are getting what you want and need before bringing the puppy home.
TOP TEN PUREBRED DOGS
(According to AKC statistics)
2006
Labrador Retriever
Yorkshire Terrier
German Shepherd Dog
Golden Retriever
Beagle
Dachshund
Boxer
Poodle
Shih Tzu
Miniature Schnauzer
2005
Labrador Retriever
Golden Retriever
Yorkshire Terrier
German Shepherd Dog
Beagle
Dachshund
Boxer
Poodle
Shih Tzu
Miniature Schnauzers
2004
Labrador Retriever
Golden Retriever
German Shepherd Dog
Beagle
Yorkshire Terrier
Dachshund
Boxer
Poodle
Shih Tzu
Chihuahua