corvuss

Mpacker, just an FYI, there are
Responsible breeders,
Puppy mills - have dozens or hundreds of dogs, varying conditions but all are a bad way to breed/keep dogs, profit-driven,
Backyard breeders (byb) - usually have only a few dogs, they think they are responsible but they aren't, also profit-driven.

Other folks here are far more knowledgeable than I, and can give you better information, but I do know not to buy dogs from pet stores, online, from byb, or anyplace except a reputable breeder.

My 2 hounds are rescues. Even though the idea of a puppy is very appealing, I can't see myself ever buying one. In my area there is never a shortage of dogs, including bassets, that need homes. Until the day comes where that is not the case, (sadly most likely never) I'll stick with rescues.

Oh yeah, don't patronize any pet store that sells puppies or kittens. Don't even buy pet supplies from them, any money they get encourages their bad business.