I recommend adopting from a good Breed Rescue Group. THe animals are checked by a vet and "fostered" in families until they are ready for adoption. That way the new owner gets a "heads up" on the animals' likes, dislikes, fears, etc. A requirement to take the dog to obedience classes is usually part of the deal.
Good shelters know all of the breed rescue groups in their areas and usually turn over any pure breds, or pure bred "looking", dogs to the rescue group.
Of course a shelter is a good place to adopt a mut and mutts make very fine pets. Often the cross breeding means that they are not as subject to disease as some of the pure breds.
I adopted a beautiful Golden Retriever from a rescue group in Wisconsin 4 years ago, and my daughter adopted an equally fine Standard Poodle from a group in Manhatten 3 years ago. Both dogs happened to be named Max.
One of the finest creatures (2-legged or 4) the Good Lord ever put on this earth was a total mutt from a shelter. She was smart, healthy, eager to please and full of love for her family.
Coming home every day made me understand how Bill Clinton must have felt walking into a room full of the MSM because she always showed far more affection, loyalty and understanding than I ever deserved. ;~))