Everyone knows how to find a mongrel. The best way is to adopt one amongst the thousands of dogs available in shelters and rescue homes. You may also want to have a look to our site (<http://en.vivapets.com/petsites.php?op=adoption>). Mongrels or "mutts," as affectionately called by their fanciers, have a good amount of qualities and generally make fantastic companions. However, if you still want to purchase a pedigreed dog then you must think hard. Purebred dogs cost a lot of money and require a great deal of research.

Before embarking in such an adventure you should consider the following questions:
 
Which is the breed that adapts the best to your family?

Are you experienced with animals or not? If not you should not purchase a breed with dominant temperament or of great dimensions. Choose a gentle, sweet-tempered animal. Don’t allow dog fashions or the symbol of status to influence your decision. You may discover, too late, that the beautiful dog you wanted so much does not have a temperament compatible with yours. In the end it will be the animal who will suffer the most. Check our dog breed section where you can find useful information about the characteristics of the most popular breeds.
 
Available space

Do you live in a house or in an apartment? Large dogs should not live in limited spaces and no dog should live tied up as a prisoner.

Why do you want a dog?

Protection, family companion, children’s companion (remember that small children should never be left with dogs without careful supervision).

Time available

Do you have a few hours to spend with your dog? If you and your family do not have the time to provide your dog with constant social interaction consider not purchasing the dog.
 
Financial means

Don’t buy a dog if you don’t have the financial means to take care of him, to treat him when he is sick and keep him in good conditions. You cannot pay a dog by installments and health expenses can be quite significant. Your vet may give you some hints on the feeding and health expenses (vaccinations, regular check ups, etc.).

You still want a purebred dog. Have you already selected the breed? Then let’s go second phase!

Where to purchase a purebred

You must purchase the animal from a reputed breeder. Check our site or the internet. Visit various breeders and ask them to see the dogs. Make sure they are being kept in good conditions. Ask for the dog’s history record and check his ancestry. Check if your the dog is free from health problems and that the breed is prone to develop. A good breeder will make you a good number of questions to make sure you and your family will be good parents. Always give honest answers and willingly. The breeder’s interest is a guarantee that he/she loves his/her animals. Most reputed breeders will not sell their animals to prospective buyers who refuse to answer their questions.

Sale Conditions

The pedigreed dogs are sold with a registration certificate and generally with the first vaccines and deworming. If the registration certificate is not available, find out about the approximate date of the delivery. If the animal has received the first vaccines ask for the vaccination record which must be signed and stamped by a Vet. Ask for information about the dog’s diet. If you are not completely satisfied try another breeder.
If you are bringing home the dog you wanted, congratulations! We wish you and your animal a long and happy relationship. Love him, take care of him and have fun!