Just a few comments on ways to assess whether you are dealing with a caring breeder or not.

Ask for references on the breeder - people who have bought pups from an earlier litter or if it's the breeder's first litter (and everyone goes through that) ask for a vet's reference.

Ask for a copy of the Puppy Sales Contract - if the breeder has one, read it carefully and if there isn't one, ask why not?

Ask to see the sire's and dam's Health Certificates - if there are not any health checks, why buy there?

Ask under what circumstances the breeder will take back the puppy

Did the breeder ask you searching questions about your experience with dogs and family circumstances?

For the breed you are looking for, search all the ads on e-pupz and the other free sites and see how many litters are advertised from the same breeder if you do this for a few weeks before you are ready to buy your pup you will soon be able to pick out many of the puppy farmers.

A caring breeder is happy to talk about the breed, the pups, give references, take up references on you. An 'I'm in it for Money' will be showing you the door or hanging up on you pretty quickly.

Sgurr