Where do you buy dogs, and what do you look for?

[SoylentG]

I'm looking to buy my first dog, and I'm not sure where they're commonly purchased? I'm looking for a specific dog (Daschund Miniature or Tweenie, Short Hair, preferably smooth coat), and I haven't seen any advertised in my local paper, or nearby town's paper. I was considering going to Canton (Texas) Tradesdays, but I'm not sure what all I should be looking for, when deciding on a puppy.
I'd love to have some help and input on the subject, as I'm more or less ignorant to dog purchasing specifics.

 

[funboy6942]

Check your local shelter or dog pound. In some you will find the exact dog your looking for or one you never would of that can be had for the price of shots. Not to mention you save them from being put to sleep, already trained in some way, and will end up giving you unconditional love for saving them.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Local shelter/SPCA/Humane Society

Find one that comes to you fearlessly, tail wagging, healthy shine to the coat, and willing to play.

Also, what's your living area (house, apartment) - do you have a lot of time to dedicate to the dog, space for it to run, and of course the money to support it?

- M4H

 

[compuwiz1]

We got this at the shelter.

A very well behaved, very affectionate, 2 year old Chi.

 

[DrPizza]

You can search for the breed of your choice to see if something like this exists:
Golden retriever rescue program

We got a pure-bred golden retriever through the golden rescue program. We weren't interested in breeding him, thus papers weren't a concern, and he came pre-fixed.

 

[Kromis]

If you want, you could also go to Korea to get a dog!