There are many rescue groups out there which have older dogs available for adoption. These dogs have often already been housebroken, and may even have received some training. The original owner may have had to part with the dog for health reasons, or because they were not prepared for the enormous undertaking that was in store for them, and they let the dog learn all kinds of bad habits which were intolerable to them. If you're not fussy about the breed characteristics, and feel like taking potluck, you could adopt a mixed breed. If you can determine the parentage of the dog, you may get an idea about whether or not he'll like water, pull a sled, retrieve, or do whatever else it is you might like to do with your dog.
Mixed breeds are wonderful dogs.
It's just that sometimes, no one bothered to write it down. They're just as noble, just as smart, and just as worthy to be your lifelong friend as any of the registered purebreds. When you pay more for a registered purebred, you're paying for the record-keeping and the registration. Your dog will love you the same, no matter what his parents looked like. So you adopt a wonderful dog or puppy and bring it home.