It doesn't matter if you're looking for a show-stopping purebred or a loving pet that lives to dig up the garden and sleep on your best chair. Your first step is finding a healthy, quality pup either from a conscientious breeder or a reputable rescue.

Where to Look

You'll find breeders almost everywhere. The Internet is loaded with breeder websites, and you can find purebreds listed in newspaper and magazine advertisements. Unfortunately, some of these breeders may not be as good as they sound. Although many breeders will offer a health guarantee that promises to replace the puppy if he becomes ill, not many people will return a dog once they fall in love with it.

Ask your veterinarian for the name of a good breeder. She knows if there are breeders in the area who produce healthy or unhealthy puppies. Even if she doesn't know anyone in the breed you're interested in, she may have an associate who does. The American Kennel Club's breeder referral program is also a good source of information. You can contact any AKC national breed club for its list of good breeders and club rescue groups for both puppies and adult dogs that need a new home.

A Reputable Breeder

When it comes to buying a healthy purebred puppy, it's all about choosing the best breeder you can find. A good breeder has devoted years to producing the best puppies possible, and really cares about what happens to their puppies for the rest of their lives.

The breeder will probably screen you to make sure that you can offer the dog or pup the best home possible, so expect to be quizzed. A good breeder will freely offer information on the breed's behavior, care, health, and training. This comes in handy if you come across a problem later on. Your breeder will be more than willing to share her expertise, and most are happy to hear from owners with questions and anecdotes. It helps to select a breeder you like and feel comfortable talking to.

Health Clearances

A reputable breeder chooses the healthiest breeding stock before she breeds them. If tests are available for the genetic health issues her breed is prone to developing, such as hip or elbow dysplasia, she'll test the male and female to make sure they are clear of problems. Adult dogs with health problems should never be bred.

When you're out puppy shopping, ask to see proof of health clearances or even the parents' health files. When you're spending anywhere from $500 to $2,500 for a purebred puppy, you have a right to make sure it's healthy. Many breeders will provide a health guarantee.

These guarantees typically provide a replacement puppy in case she develops a genetic, life-threatening illness within the first two years, and a few breeders may offer a monetary reimbursement for a major problem. A good health guarantee includes a letter from the breeder's veterinarian stating that the puppy has been examined and is healthy.

Adopting a Healthy Puppy

If you're interested in adopting a breed from a shelter, do some homework before you bring the dog home. Research the genetic weaknesses this breed may be prone to developing and decide if you want to take these on. With mixed breeds there's no way of knowing what hereditary problems your dog may have. Either way, observe your dog for any signs of respiratory disease. Coughing may indicate kennel cough, which is contagious but treatable. Ask when the dog was examined by a veterinarian and if the dog is clear of intestinal parasites. If the dog comes with a medical history, this is helpful. Look the dog over carefully and run your hands over his entire body to look for any tumors, fleas, hair loss, and inflamed skin, which may be signs of allergic dermatitis. Skin conditions are not life threatening but are often difficult to treat, so think carefully before adopting a dog with this problem.