Thank you so much, Edelweiss. The first puppy I was looking at was from a Korean kennel, so the feedback I received on my first post I definitely did take to heart and began searching for a different breeder. I honestly didn't really understand what a puppy broker was. I thought that by buying from a breeder located in the USA who breeds her dogs in her home that that was okay and responsible breeding practice. She has Korean dogs, but the way she's explained it to me is that she has personally gone to Korea and bought the dogs herself and she now breeds them occasionally as a hobby. I thought that by getting a dog within the USA that had Korean lineage, I was getting the best of both worlds: smaller Korean "teacup" size, through a responsible local breeder. I do think maybe I was a little naive, but I thought that by interviewing this breeder thoroughly and reading reviews from her past clients, I had done my due diligence. I totally understand where all of you are coming from and again I am aware that you are all far more educated on these matters. I have already committed to buying this puppy by putting in a deposit and down payment, and I am absolutely in love with her based on the videos they've sent me! I won't be getting her until the first week of January because although she is a little over 3 months old, she's too small to leave her mother yet so I do appreciate that they aren't taking her away from her mom too early just because they have a buyer.
Again, maybe this is just me being naive but I do have faith that this breeder is well intentioned and cares about the health of her puppies, but I do acknowledge that I should have done more research, even though I thought the amount of research I had done was sufficient at the time.
Sorry, that was long! Basically, I think all of you ladies are much wiser about these things and I appreciate so much all of the info you've given me and I fully admit that I was a bit naive but I am hopeful and optimistic about my puppy and her health and hopefully you guys can still accept me into your lovely community here! I'm definitely not perfect and am eager to learn!
Thank you all again so much for taking time out of your busy lives to help me, I truly appreciate it! <3