If you want a pure bred, go to a dog show, there are so many breeds now recognized by the AKC that I never even heard of before. Find one whose look you like and then after the dog is finished being shown ask the owner if they can tell you about their breed. It is a good way to find out the good and bad aspects of any breed, they will be honest. If you want a little mutt, go to the SPCA and keep going until you see one that strikes your fancy.