If you are purchasing a dog or puppy in the UK it has to be fit for sale. The best and easiest way to see if the dog is healthy is to have a vet check it straight after your purchase. If there are immediate problems, then your vet needs to give you details in writing so you can return the dog/pup and get your money back. BUT a vet check can miss heritable disorders that are late onset conditions so you need to see what health checks are necessary for the breed you choose and that the parents of the pup have been tested and the results are OK.

As to what breed to choose for a pet, everyone on the forum has a favourite breed to recommend but so much depends on your personal circumstances. For a first time owner, I'd suggest one of the smaller or medium breeds known to have an easy going disposition. Some of the larger breeds are best left to experienced owners as they can be quite challenging. I know these are sweeping generalisations and many of the big dogs are soft as a brush with the right people. Anyway other people will be along to make their suggestions soon.

Sgurr