If you work with registered breeders, your kennel club will most likely offer health and dog insurance in case of accident or loss.  With pet shops or side-of-the-road breeders, you may not know what you are getting until it is too late, there is no ‘money-back guarantee’, and you might get stuck with all sorts of vet’s bills.    The most important thing is not the dog’s looks, but that it is healthy, and you have the ability to raise It  to be a happy and well-adjusted animal.  Knowing where to buy a puppy is as important as what breed of puppy to buy.   Take advice from trusted friends about reputable breeders.  If in doubt, visit the humane society or dog rescue groups.  They will be glad to help in your search for the perfect puppy companion.   And don’t forget to consider a young adult rescue dog.  There are many rescues available through the economic crisis, who are homeless through no fault of their own.    Go to http://www.petfinder.com/ for more information on shelters and breed rescue groups in your area. You could just find the puppy your adult dog of your dreams sooner than you think.