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Step 1
Find a reputable breeder. Ask a vet or friends and family with a pug for recommendations. Contact a local kennel club and even the American Kennel Club for a listing of approved breeders. Note that reputable breeders don’t often advertise in newspapers unless they have to.
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Step 2
Interview the breeder before you meet the puppies. You don’t want to fall in love with a puppy before you find out if the breeder is trustworthy. Find out how long the breeder has been in business and why he chose to breed pugs. Be sure to find out if there have ever been any health problems with the breeder’s pugs and if there is a health guarantee (usually a 24 to 48 hour time period for you to take the puppy to your vet for a full checkup.)
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Step 3
Observe each puppy you are looking to adopt. Determine their personalities within the litter and alone with you. If you have small children, now is a great time to see how a puppy responds to them. Does the puppy like to be held? Watch how he responds when you move him to another room away from its litter mates. Use different toys to check for dominant, timid or fearful behavior.
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Step 4
Examine each puppy closely. Look for a clean coat. It should be shiny and smooth, though possibly a bit coarse. The eyes should be big, bright and clear. Pug puppies may have tear stains, but there shouldn’t be any red or pink areas. A pug’s legs should be short and the body should be stout. Look at the nose to see how big the nostrils are. It may not be a problem, but surgery can be done to widen them if breathing becomes an issue. Your breeder should be able to tell you if any of her puppies has had this problem.
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Step 5
Meet the parents. As with any puppy, the parents are good indications of what the puppies will be like. Good pug parents are very friendly, loving and playful. Be wary if either parent is hyper or aggressive toward you or the puppies.
