My husband and me, with our Miniature Poodle, Buffy Hello! I'm pleased to meet you!

My name is Michele Welton and I've been involved with dogs for over 30 years. That's my husband and me on the left, with one of our dogs, Buffy.


Trainer and Competitor

I trained my first dog when I was 14 years old. Since then I've trained, shown, and titled many breeds in obedience, agility, herding, tracking, schutzhund, and conformation events.


Obedience Instructor and Behavioral Consultant

I've been teaching canine obedience and behavioral classes since 1978, and offering breed selection consultations since 1989. My advice on choosing, raising, and training dogs has been featured on the Orange County TV News Channel and in the Orange County Register newspaper.


Author of Pet Books

But my true passion is RESEARCH and WRITING. I’m the author of four hardcover and softcover books published by Henry Holt and Company:

  • Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer’s Guide (First Edition)
  • Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer’s Guide (Second Edition)
  • Your Pet Bird: A Buyer's Guide
  • Your Purebred Kitten: A Buyer's Guide


Book cover for Your Purebred Puppy, First Edition Book cover for Your Purebred Puppy, Second Edition Book cover for Your Pet Bird Book cover for Your Purebred Kitten


I'm also the author of numerous eBooks on raising and training dogs (all available from my web site).



Web Designer and Webmaster

Logo for the Your Purebred Puppy web siteAnd I designed and wrote the web site you're reading right now, where you can learn how to choose and raise your dog.

If my site helps you separate the right breeds from the wrong breeds... the responsible breeders from the clueless breeders... and if it helps you find and raise a wonderful dog... I'll be happy. Enjoy!