I just want to say one thing at the risk of being shunned - not all puppies brought in Pet shops come from "Puppy Farms".

My SIL breeds Labs but cannot afford or be bothered with registration fees with VCA, all of her dogs could be registered though. When her girl dogs do have litters (one season in one season off) she often goes through a pet shop as it is easier for her to sell them (she is a farmer not a full time dog breeder). When she sells them herself they are generally much cheaper then you would find with registered breeders but are just as good - just not from show lines.

Most registered breeders charge an absolute fortune for pure breds and it can make pet ownership for some people very costly. You shouldn't have to spend a tonne of money for a pet regardless if you are wanting to show or not.

Our Newfie cost $1500 and that was 12 years ago and he had a short life span of 6 years we didn't get another "pure bred" from a breeder and I will never buy from a breeder again.

I personally prefer rescue dogs and have 1 adopted semi rescue dog (we knew her previous owner and she was not taken care of). Admittedly she has taken some work and we still have a few small issues with her but she is generally good and is very loving and loyal especially towards me (I was the one who brought her home).

I would gladly go that way again