Discuss genetica's answer to: Is it better to get a dog from a shelter or to buy ...

Well this is my opinion of course so here goes. I think you should buy a pure-bred pup from a reputable breeder. Make sure the breeders does not breed more than two different breeds. Make sure they are from a reputable registry. eg: A.K.C. or Canadian kennel club,or United kennel club! Thes, and only these, do I recommend. If you adopt a dog from a pound you are asking for trouble. Firstly, most people that turn in a dog /pup in to a pound are having problems with the dog. It could be barking, digging, biting, or a miriad of problems that the former owners do not declare. Secondly, by adopting these dogs,you are encouraging, indescriminate breeding practices,in other words ---as long as people keep getting these dogs  from pounds,people will keep not getting their animals fixed {spayed Neutered} More than 80% of these animals have changed hands and end up back in the pound. And every time a person adops these animals, there is a fee,to keep all the employees salaried. It seems cheaper in the long-run to get a pound dog but over a long time is is not. because these dogs have health issues both mental and physical and that costs $$$$   better off paying a good breeder{ not a puppy miller} for a nice healthy pup that you know where it comes from,and see the pup from almost birth. Also you get to meet the parents of the pup,and see how you pup will look like when older. Ask the breeder to show you where the pups sleep, and play---make sure your pup is clean --no fleas,and bouncy! Make sure there is no doggy smell--- a clean kennel should not smell horrible! a slight doggy odor is O.k.but nothing stinky! or walk the other way. Do not buy from a breeder with multiple breeds--- they are out to make money. there is a very small profit,if any to breeding healthy quality pups! good luck!