Or try a pure breed rescue group if you know the breed you really like. I do not like certain breeds and their traits - so I have one adopted from a rescue group who does the type I want and I have one from a breeder. I have also been a foster home for the type I like. Also - I sent the breeder some pictures as the puppy grew up - but I got one as a pet not a show dog - the breeder, while polite and a nice guy, does not try to keep in touch with me about my (beloved) dog.
Being a foster dog care giver might give you a start and you can see if you really want a dog that way too. And research the breed or breeds you might be interested in - they are not all alike. For example, lot of people love terriers - I could not live with one at all. The same is true for me about labs and golden retrievers - great dogs for some one who is not me.

I think often the boundary thing gets a little over-played around here and I really don't think is that big of a deal.
But making sure you get the right pet that you will take care of for its whole life is super important - I think.