In toady's world is a lot of conflicting information about pure bred dogs and the so called designer breeds. Many articles suggest that designer dogs are healthier then you're AKC registered dog. Those articles often are miss-leading and the actual information is false advertisement. A so called designer breed is simply a breeding of two different breeds together, trying to create a different look. There are no pedigrees that can be researched or available health history behind these dogs. This dogs are relatively new and have become real fashion items.
Your well bred AKC registered dogs have many quality's and advantages. Most of these breeds have been around for a fairly long time. Therefor we know allot about them. A responsible breeder knows all about his dogs temperament, quality's and also health issues. These breeders spent a lot of time and money, getting there dogs checked out by board certified veterinarians and specialists. This is done to carefully select healthy sound animals for breeding, with out loosing the breed specific qualities.
You can choose the size and temperament of your future companion.
Therefor carefully check out the person you are planing to buy from. Make sure to call and find out more about these people. You want to choose a breeder that has a great deal of knowledge about his or her breed and has been breeding for a while. You want to make sure this person will first and for-most sell you a healthy puppy.
A healthy puppy has to be raised in a appropriate and clean place. With lots of interactions from it's care givers! Go see the person you are considering buying from. Or you may be able to visit with people that have been to the breeders house. Never put down a non refundable deposit! Deposits are normal, but you should have the ability to choose if you like the puppy or not and get your money back, if you so choose to.
If you don't like the puppy selected, a good breeder would not consider this a good home. Ask a lot of questions, this is a new family member that is comming to live with you for the next 10 to 15 years. If you get the feeling that the person selling you the puppy is more interested in the money then the home this puppy is goign to, be careful. A good breeder those not make money from breeding dogs. If the dogs are the only source of income, it usually leads to bad decision making and improper breeding policies.
Word of mouth is still a very useful tool. Listen to people! If there are lots of strange stories try to find out more about them! Don't hesitate call the breeder and ask him or her about your concerns. This has to be a relationship of trust and understanding. You want to be able to call your breeder with and concerns you may have trough the live of your dog.
