It's always exciting to start the journey of bringing a new dog into your life!
My first piece of advice is to nix the deadline. Unless there's some really unusual reason, a deadline will be counterproductive to the goal of getting the right dog.
Second, you should add to your list of criteria. Two major things you need to consider are:
Health (some breeds are more prone to having serious health concerns. If you have the finances and willingness to deal with this, great! If not, perhaps this will rule out a few breeds).
Energy level / exercise requirements (no sense getting a mini Australian shepherd if you're a couch potato OR a pug if you are an avid outdoorsman or hiker. If you and the dog are incompatible, you'll both be miserable).
As for a breeder having older pups, yes, this does happen. For instance, a show breeder may keep a promising pup, but then by 5-8 months realize that the pup is not a good show prospect for some reason or another (usually something minor and irrelevant to a pet owner). This is an excellent way to get a fantastic dog. Alternatively, a retired show dog may be placed in a pet home. This is another good way to get a fairly young dog that is well bred and well trained. However, both of these options will require you to be patient.
My first piece of advice is to nix the deadline. Unless there's some really unusual reason, a deadline will be counterproductive to the goal of getting the right dog.
Second, you should add to your list of criteria. Two major things you need to consider are:
Health (some breeds are more prone to having serious health concerns. If you have the finances and willingness to deal with this, great! If not, perhaps this will rule out a few breeds).
Energy level / exercise requirements (no sense getting a mini Australian shepherd if you're a couch potato OR a pug if you are an avid outdoorsman or hiker. If you and the dog are incompatible, you'll both be miserable).
As for a breeder having older pups, yes, this does happen. For instance, a show breeder may keep a promising pup, but then by 5-8 months realize that the pup is not a good show prospect for some reason or another (usually something minor and irrelevant to a pet owner). This is an excellent way to get a fantastic dog. Alternatively, a retired show dog may be placed in a pet home. This is another good way to get a fairly young dog that is well bred and well trained. However, both of these options will require you to be patient.
