Since the word "Pups" is right in our name, people often ask why we don't sell puppies. We will NEVER sell puppies and would never recommend that you buy a puppy from a pet store. Reputable breeders prefer to deal with the pet owners personally to make sure the pups they carefully bred go to good homes.
Stores selling pets are often supplied by "puppy mills" that give minimal care in overcrowded conditions. Dogs living in puppy mills can develop sores from the lack of sanitation, and puppies raised there can suffer from many permanent health and social problems. For more information about puppy mills, visit http://prisonersofgreed.org. (Please use caution, as the images of puppy mills are very upsetting.)
If you really want a purebred puppy, find a good breeder by asking other dog owners who bred their dogs. Go to dog shows. Insist on visiting the breeder's home. See the whelping area and meet your pet's parents. A good breeder will be proud to show you. Ask how many litters they have per year. Research their reputation online. A great source for purebreds is petfinder.com. You can browse by breed and adopt a dog that is most likely already housebroken, trained and fixed. You also have the satisfaction of knowing that you rescued a dog and gave them a second chance.
Also, don't forget that all purebred dogs are really good old fashioned mixes. In fact, "mutts" are usually healthier, heartier and more intelligent than many purebreds that have suffered from years of inbreeding. An excellent place to find a well behaved and healthy mixed breed dog is through Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends. Check out their website, or come to an adoption event here at Mom & Pup's.