You can find breeders through referrals from friends and family.  If they are happy with the puppy they have, many will happily recommend their breeder to you.   The breeder may not carry the breed of puppy you are looking for, but they, in turn, can recommend the appropriate puppy breeder or a purebred rescue group looking for owners, a situation which is sadly all too common.  

Many people start out with a cute puppy, but end up with an adult dog they don’t have time for, or any interest in any longer.    One would think they would value something they might have paid literally thousands of dollars for in some cases, depending on the breed.   Still other people have changed circumstances, such as sudden bad health, and can’t keep the dog any longer. So keep in mind that most of the dogs in breed rescue are there through no fault of their own and are just looking for a second chance at love in a safe and happy home.