what i actually said was go to some shows, backyard breeders don't show, chat to the breeders, most breeders know of the backyard breeders anyway so will tell you , try to find out more about the breed, breed clubs etc.. as for rescue pups being a blank canvas, well i have to disagree there, if you go on any dog website for any breed at all , the first thing they all say about buying a pup is see the parents, you can get a pretty good idea of the size & nature of the pup from seeing the parents of the pup, as for adult rescue dogs, i wonder how many people would honestly take a dog to the cat & dog shelter & say we need to hand this in as its snapped at the kids! not many, i support our local cat & dog shelter giving food, papers, bedding etc weekly, & also donate via standing order to the blue cross monthly, what i was saying was my opinion, i would NEVER risk a rescue dog around kids (don't know if she has any anyway) this is only my opinion though and don't doubt for a second that some people have got a great dog from the rescue centers, but i know a few who haven't! just be careful !