Are you in the market for a puppy? If so, you need to keep some prurient facts in mind. First and foremost, remember that a pure breed puppy for sale is always going to be more expensive (sometimes by as much as a factor of 10) than a mixed breed or mutt. Ask yourself what you’re looking for from a dog. If you’re only looking for fun and companionship, then any breed will do. Head to your local ASPCA or animal shelter and try to find a home for an unfortunate dog.

If you fancy a pedigreed dog, with papers, you’re going to have to contact the American Dog Breeders Association. They are the only licensed body in the United States that can issue and accept pedigree paper. They can also help you find an accredited breeder in your state or region. This will ensure you’re buying a quality breed at a fair price as the ADBA works to set prices for breeds.

A pure breed will cost you. Sometimes significantly. A certified breeder will charge more for a puppy if you want to eventually breed him or her. This is a form of price control that helps breeders better control the market and avoid undo competition and a market inflation for the breed in question. But be warned: not all pure breed dogs are worth the price. Keep in mind many pure breed puppies will eventually develop particular problems. This is because the pure breed gene pool tends to be rather fragile.

This plays into the appeal of a cheaper, more stable mixed breed. Mixed breeds tend to live longer, develop less complications as they age, and cost less to purchase and maintain. They tend to be much more affectionate (if trained and raised properly) and make for outstanding guard and family dogs. This may not always be the case, but by and large, if your goal is to have a dog that has more bang for the buck, so to speak, your can’t go wrong with a mixed breed.

Pure breed or not, never acquire the puppy from a puppy mill. These are breeding kennels that breed purebred dogs in massive quantities, often at the cost of the dogs’ mental and emotional stability. Mother dogs are often abused and their offspring taken too soon to pet stores across the nation. Always make an effort to visit the kennel or breeder before you buy. Get to know him or her and find out if the puppies are properly socialized. It will save you considerable time, money, and emotional pain.

The Internet is riddled with ads for puppies for sale. Beware of shysters and criminals and make sure you visit the kennel or breeder in person before paying for your dream dog.