Best Place to Get a Puppy

So, my first dog passed away about four years ago and a miss the heck out of him. I've been wanting to get a puppy for a while and I may be doing that this coming May. However, I don't want to get the same breed because, silly emotional me feels like he'd be replacing his old dog.

So, I'm not sure what breed I'm looking for. I used to have an Australian shepherd. I'm not looking for a small yippy dog and I don't want a huge monster either. I'm not big into labs because they just look too generic to me. I'm going for a medium sized dog thats not too docile nor too overactive.

I've heard only bad things about buying from puppy stores but, the problem is, if I don't have a particular breed I'm looking for, I can't go to breeders.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to the best places to buy a puppy?

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An animal shelter. Adopting an animal from a shelter is a great way to find a wonderful pet, and it's one of the kindest things you can do to help an animal that needs a good hope. Obviously puppies are extremely popular, so finding one from a shelter might take some work, but it's worth it. It sounds like a good option for you if you're not picky about breed particulars. Visiting shelters and meeting lots of dogs is also a good way to get a feel for different breed temperaments. Don't expect it to be a one-stop deal, though -- and don't discount older dogs, either!

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Updated On: 1/14/08 at 03:59 PM

Try your local shelter! There are hundreds of thousands of dogs looking for homes at shelters right now and over 2 million dogs put to death each year because no one adopted them. Please don't have another dog bred, adopt one of the dogs longing for a good home.

I got my last two cats from the shelter and they are the sweetest things! Well behaved, they don't claw things, or spray.

Save an animal from a shelter!

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Go to an animal shelter!! They are always the sweetest dogs!

At the Pound!

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Ohmigosh, I totally have the Pound Puppies jingle stuck in my head now.

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If you want a particular breed, there are animal rescue groups that focus on specific types of breeds.

Petfinders is also a great resource - many of the rescue groups post on that site.

Also, call your local vet and see if they have any suggestions of some groups who may have the kind of dog you are looking for.

I would suggest to read A LOT about different breeds - some small dogs have great temperaments. Even if you're getting a mixed breed, having an idea of the breeds involved can give you some insight into the temperament, though of course this is no guarantee.

Of course breed-wise I would recommend Border Terriers. They are small, active, affectionate, yet love to cuddle up with you and be inside on a cold dreary day. You can occasionally find one in need of rescue.

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shelter, adoption,

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yes, puppies. May not be new born, but 4 - 6 months probably.

Petfinder.com is a great tool.

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My cat Zorra was a kitten, and listed on petfinders (as well as being affiliated with a rescue group that went to a local pet store).

They held her for me until she was old enough to be fixed and adopted.

Yep, just go to your local shelter. You'll be so glad you did!

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