Weigh your options when you are shopping for a puppy.

If you are just looking for a bargain go ahead and get the cheapest puppy you can get. Chances are pretty good that you will be happy with your new puppy and not have any major problems down the road. Unfortunately not all puppies grow up to be perfect and healthy adults.
 
We will start with a definite DO NOT. Do not consider getting your puppy from a pet store or puppy store. These stores usually buy puppies in litter lots from comercial producers that sometimes house over 1000 dogs in tiny crates expecting them to produce 2 litters each year. When they are to old to produce puppies they are usually destroyed. Their puppies may come with certified AKC pedigrees, but they can not tell you about health and temperament issues having never seen any of the ancestors.
 
Let the buyer beware! We went to a shelter to rescue a Bullmastiff that had been surrendered by his owner. When we got there we found a 2 year old mixed breed dog that didn't resemble a Bullmastiff. According to the shelter staff the owner had purchased an AKC registered Bullmastiff puppy from a local breeder for $500. He had the AKC papers to prove it. Unfortunately he hadn't done his homework, as he didn't know what a Bullmastiff puppy should look like. He didn't ask enough questions. He did not see either of the puppy's parents. He was scammed!
 
A prospective puppy buyer should search the internet and dog magazines for breeders that appear to be legitamate. He should contact all breeders that may have puppies available at some date in the future. Breeders that respond should be interviewed by phone as soon as possible. Keep a written record of calls made and your first impression. Get a Veterinarian reference and call them.