How to Buy a Pug Dog

Pugs are popular small dogs with big eyes, short noses and warm hearts. They are comedians, and they love their families. However, Pugs are not for everyone. They breathe loudly, they snore, they pass wind and they are stubborn. They can require some special care due to their short muzzles and facial wrinkles. If you have carefully researched the breed, and you feel that the Pug is the dog for you, then you're ready to begin your search for your new four-legged friend.

Instructions

1. Visit the local dog park and talk to Pug owners. Ask for recommendations or warnings regarding Pug breeders.

2. Attend a dog show. Observe the Pugs and talk to Pug breeders.

3. Join an online Pug chat group or forum. Ask for referrals to reputable breeders.

4. Visit the Pug Dog Club of America's website (www.pugs.org) and see if the breeders you've met or been referred to are members. Club members are not the only good breeders out there, but membership in the national club means that a breeder adheres to the club's code of ethics. You can also use the club's breeder referral to find member breeders in your area.

5. Contact a reputable breeder and make arrangements to visit his kennel. Meet all of the breeder's dogs, including the litter you are interested in and the mother of the litter. Ask questions. A quality breeder should not hesitate to show you at least five generations of the litter's pedigree, provide health-testing documentation and discuss potential health issues. Look for conformation or obedience titles on the breeder's dogs and ask for names of previous clients and the breeder's veterinarian so you can get references.

6. Prepare to answer questions about why your home is a good place for a Pug. Reputable breeders care about the future lives of their dogs, so the breeder should ask you many questions regarding your home environment and lifestyle.

7. Read all documents and contracts prior to signing. Be sure you understand everything in the documents prior to making a commitment.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider a rescue Pug. There are many Pugs available through rescue groups. Refuse to buy your Pug from a pet store. Responsible breeders do not sell to pet stores. Pet-store dogs are prone to health and behavioral issues.

• Do not feel obligated to go with the first breeder you meet. Talk to several recommended breeders. Do not trust everything you see on the internet. A fancy breeder website doesn't tell the whole story. Visit the breeder in person, not just online, before you make a final decision.

References

• Pugman
• Pug Breeders
• Buying a Pug Puppy

Resources

• Pug Rescue
• Pug Dog Club of America