Once you've decided on your perfect breed, then it's time to look for your perfect puppy. The first step is to track down a responsible animal shelter or breeder.

Finding a breeder
When purchasing a puppy from an owner or breeder, the evaluation process works both ways. You want to make sure of their credentials - and they want to make sure you will provide a good home. The Kennel Club or a breed club secretary may have a list of litters available, or can put you in contact with reputable breeders in your area.  You can also try going to a dog show to meets breeders and owners to find out more information.

Questions to ask a breeder

• How interested are they in the breed? E.g. showing, agility, obedience training or just breeding pets?
• Do they concentrate on a single breed? Get a feel for whether the right kind of attention is being devoted to preparing your potential puppy properly for life as a family pet.
• How many litters do they produce each year? Responsible breeders will never produce more than one litter per bitch each year.
• Where will the litter be raised? Puppies raised running around in a busy household, with cats, dogs, children and lots of visitors, will be better socialised than those reared in a quieter home or kennels.
• What support do they provide? Responsible breeders usually offer advice and support for the whole of your dog's life, and will want the dog to be returned to them if you are no longer able to look after it, whatever the dog's age.
• Are the dogs health-tested for any genetic problems in the breed?

Don't be surprised, or offended, if the breeder asks you as many questions as you ask them. This is a very good sign and shows they are genuinely interested in finding the best homes for their puppies.

Meeting the parents
If you're both happy then it's time for a face-to-face meeting. Look for a breeder that appears friendly and trustworthy, with dogs that are friendly, healthy-looking, and well behaved. The dogs should be treated with respect and the breeder should interact freely in a friendly manner with all of their dogs.

You should meet the puppy's mother - be very cautious if you are not allowed to see her or the rearing environment. Her coat and general condition may not be at its best after giving birth. It's natural for her to be a little wary of people viewing her litter but she should be attentive rather than nervous or aggressive.

It's unlikely that the father will be around when you visit. Most breeders use a stud dog that is best suited to their bitch. Ask about the father's temperament, health and pedigree. His pedigree (ancestry / family tree) should go back around 5 generations. Ideally ask to see a photo to judge if he is a good physical example of the breed.

Choosing your puppy
You usually meet your pup for the first time at around six weeks of age, but if possible, try to visit as close to 3-4 weeks as you can. At this age, puppies should be increasingly playful, outgoing, up to mischief and interested in their environment.

Avoid puppies that are nervous, withdrawn or overly excitable as they are likely to need more training and socialisation. The puppies should be plump, but not be fat, and free of any lumps or bumps. A pot-belly is something to avoid as it may mean worms. Also check for an umbilical hernia (swelling of the belly button).

Look for clean eyes, ears, nose, backside and coat. The eyes should be bright and ears should not be dirty, red, smelly, or itchy, whilst the coat shouldn't have any bald or red patches.

Place the pup on the floor and clap your hands, or make a high-pitched squeak. Does the dog respond? Deafness is a big problem in some breeds (Dalmatians, for example) and particularly for white dogs, so it may be wise to avoid a puppy that doesn't respond to obvious sudden noises.

Timing is everything
The time puppies spend with their mothers, brothers and sisters is crucial. It's how they learn how to communicate and learn the do's and don'ts. Generally, you should pick up your pup at seven to eight weeks old (a little later with certain breeds), but if you have to wait until 12 weeks then ideally choose a puppy from a busy household. It's worth noting that some insurance policies don't cover dogs that leave the breeder before eight weeks.

Rehoming a puppy
Many puppies of all varieties can be found in animal shelters across the country. A good shelter will have clean and homely pens, with a warm, sheltered area for sleeping, plenty of exercise space and toys.

Staff will be friendly, caring and knowledgeable, and ask lots of questions about you and your lifestyle to find the best dog for you. Most reputable charities conduct a home visit to make sure your home and its location are safe. Most will also neuter their dogs before they are released, or insist that you sign an agreement ensuring the operation is carried out.

For more information about rehoming a dog in your area, contact one of the larger, national organisations, such as Dogs Trust, The Blue Cross, Battersea Dogs Home or Dublin SPCA.