If you are planning on purchasing a puppy, you want to start by researching breeders.
 Not all breeders are created equal.
 Good breeders always have a definite purpose - and that purpose is always to better the breed.
 The breeder should have high standards for confirmation (the dog's physical attributes) and temperament.
 The breeder should have a history of producing high-quality dogs - and that history should be verifiable through references from past puppy buyers.
 The breeder should also be able to confirm that puppies from their previous litters have won titles or awards (in fields such as obedience, agility, confirmation, etc.
).
  Your breeder should be involved with a code of ethics club or, at the very least, they should have a contract that addresses typical maladies in your puppy's breed and proves that the parents of the puppies have been checked for those maladies.
 Make sure that you research these possible health risks in advance and discuss them (and their presence in the parents) with the breeder.
 If at all possible, attempt to view both parents, as this will provide invaluable information about what you can expect your puppy's appearance and temperament to be like as an adult.
Never purchase a puppy from a pet store or a puppy mill.
 These establishments exist only to turn a quick profit, and thus give little thought to the quality of the dogs they turn out.
 Often, these institutions will attempt to pass off mixed breeds as purebreds.
 They will also keep the puppies confined in cramped spaces that force them to eat, sleep, and relieve themselves in the same location.
 This leads to puppies that are extremely difficult to housebreak, as well as many that have compromised immune systems.
With professional breeders left as the only good option, it is important for a prospective buyer to understand the hallmarks of a responsible breeder.
 Because puppies cannot regulate their body temperatures, it is imperative that they be kept inside with their mothers in a warm (not hot) environment.
 As the puppies mature, they should have an area where pine shavings (or similar material) are used as a marker of where they go to relieve themselves.
 By using this method, the puppies will have a head start on housebreaking, and they will quickly learn to use shavings in their new home rather than creating messes around the house.
 The breeder should also have an identification system (such as collars made from colored yarn).
This allows the breeder to track the pup's temperament and health history -- knowledge that any good breeder will be able to share with you prior to your purchase.
  Your breeder should not allow the puppies to go to their new home at any age under seven weeks.
 Prior to going home with you, the puppy should have received at least one vaccination and been wormed twice.
 The puppy should have been started on a weaning formula and then put on a quality puppy diet (it is important that you keep this diet consistent - sudden changes can disrupt the puppy's digestive system).
  With these tools, you are ready to make an informed purchase of a new puppy.
 Enjoy your canine companion and take good care of him - he'll return the favor.