As a cat and dog breeder, I get many requests for pets. Whether the person is looking for a puppy or a kitten, I give them the same advice. Deal with a reputable breeder, someone who has a clean, well run cattery/kennel, and who can supply references,health clearances, pedigrees, copies of contracts, etc.A breeder who refuses access to any of these, has something they don't want you to see.If you can, find a breeder who shows their dogs. Ask what their show records are for their kennel. Championships are a hallmark that their dogs have met the criteria set down for that particular breed. There are people who do not show, and this is not necessarily a bad thing, but it requires careful scrutiny to make sure they are an honest, ethical breeder.
Never buy a purebred animal without a contract that clearly defines your responsibilities as the buyer, and the breeder's responsibilities as the vendor. Read your contract carefully before signing.

Unfortunately buying a "purebred" pet often comes down to the price. Then you have to consider why the other person's price is lower. Perhaps it is because they are in an area where there are many breeders, and it has become a competitive market, although that's not what breeding should be about. Animals should not become "bargains", offered cheaper if you buy two. They are living creatures, and deserve to be treated with some degree of caring and respect. Finding a pet at an unexpected bargain price, may be because you have found a puppy/kitten mill. This is a hard to define term, but takes in many different situations, including the person who overbreeds their animals, in order to make a profit, with no thought for the improvement of the breed, or the health of their dogs/cats. There are also people referred to as "paperhangers". That is, a breeder with an unregistered dog, or one of mixed parentage, who gets papers for it from an accomodating breeder, in order to sell "purebreds". You may also come across a person who is breeding "purebred" animals who cannot be registered. This may be because they have no idea of the parentage of their own animals, or it can be because they have bought a purebred on a contract which forbid breeding, and they are now breaking the agreement.

In Canada, this is covered by a law called the Animal Pedigree Act. Regretfully, it does not cover cat breeders; however dog breeders who contravene this act can be liable on summary conviction, of fines up to $25,000. It is illegal in Canada, to advertise a dog as purebred, when you cannot supply the registration papers.

There are people who will breed to absolutely anything, including closely related animals; or dogs/cats not of the same breed (just to get something "interesting"); and of course, the ones who breed the life out of their animals by not allowing them time to recover from their last litter.Then there are breeders who use juvenile, immature animals, and end up with "babies" having babies. If you come across a breeder who does not have a good reputation, or whom other breeders are reluctant to comment on, then investigate further before making any committments. As a breeder myself, I know what a difficult position it can be, to have someone ask you to recommend a particular person when you have personal knowledge that their ethics are not compatible with that of a person who puts their animals first. Inbreeding, cross-breeding and overbreeding can cause a multitude of behavioural and physical problems. The bargain a person may get today, can cost them dearly tomorrow. In the end, the price isn't worth it. Deal with a person who has a reputation for being ethical , a contract that backs up their word, and who treats their animals well. You won't regret it.