I think deciding on a breed and then searching for the right breeder will help.

I would have a look at Canine Control Council's website and look at the breeds and breeders there. They have to undergo inspections etc to remain on the council.

I know a reputable breeder of golden's in Bulimba, but I'm not sure about the others. I only know she's reputable because I used to get her puppies in puppy preschool, and their temperments were fantastic. We also treated all her female dogs so we knew them all well.

I know some breeders of German Shepherds as well, but have been bitten by the mother's before and know them to be unreliable temperments, so I wouldn't suggest them as they needed heaps and heaps of work to get to be family dogs.

When you go to a breeder, you need to watch the interaction of the breeder with the dogs, see how the dogs react. How are they housed? Do they sleep in enclosures? Do they get to interact with family life? I don't think its bad to keep them in enclosures, but its vital that the pups interact in family life before you take them home, otherwise they won't know how to interact with your family.