Where did you get your pets?

I purchased my Alaskan Malamute, Carling from a a Kennel Club registered breeder. They didn't live too far from me when I was living in North Wales. I had done my research on the breed and I was asked questions over the phone first just to make sure I knew what I was getting in to. Then I went around to the house and I met the Mum to the puppies who was a stunning bitch and of a lovely temperament. I was then shown where the pups were living, there were only the two boys left and a little black ball of fur picked me as his new mum.
I think it is vital to meet the mum or Dad or both if possible of a pup you are buying. Also it is important to see where the pups are living.
Is it a clean place? Are the Mum and Dad of good nature?
Carling's mum had all the paperwork and was also his Dad was a Canadian Champion equivalent of Crufts so I have his birth tree