If you intend to breed or show your dog there is no alternative but to buy your dog from a reputable IKC-REGISTERED breeder. Should you be in a position where nothing but the best satisfies you, then buying a registered, pedigreed dog is also your best choice.

Another alternative for those wanting to acquire a fine pet is cross bred dogs. They are not for breeding or show but some of the handsomest dogs I have ever seen were mixed breeds. But, buying a mixed pup is chancy. A cute pup can mature into an ugly adult

For the rest of us ordinary people who have financial constraints, but nevertheless would like to have a pet dog there is a better choice. That is Adoption, which is not only less expensive, it sometimes permits you to have a purebred dog that you ordinarily could not afford. Not only that you generally get a pet that is housebroken and frequently at least partially obedience trained.

Adopting a young dog past puppy hood has a number of advantages, one of which is that you avoid teething problems. A puppy can be very destructive. You also know, when you choose it, what your dog