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Looking for a pug puppy? Pug puppies are adorable. They are playful, fun, mischievous, are extremely loving, have great personalities and get along great with children. They are easy to keep in a small space, like an apartment because they are a small dog. It’s so easy to want one of these puppies BUT… don’t just pick the first one you see.
Research the breeder
The first thing you should think about when deciding to get a puppy is the breeder. There are lots of reputable breeders out there, but there are also people who should not be breeding or selling puppies. I would recommend researching the breeder before even thinking about choosing a puppy. Look at their website, read reviews and most of all, talk to people who have bought puppies from this breeder. Also, I think it is very important to visit the property and see what the kennel conditions look like.
A true story
A few years back, I bought a black pug puppy from a breeder in Emporia, Kansas. I was so excited about this puppy… until I seen the dog kennels- then I was worried. They were dirty and unkept and I was unsure about buying this puppy. I ended up buying Dolly anyway because I wanted to get her out of those conditions BUT it turned out, my intuition was right. Dolly died of pug encephalitis at the age of 4. I’m really glad I got to give her a great life for 4 years, but this breeder should not be in business because he/she is breeding with a parent that is passing a genetic disease down to its puppies.
Research puppy’s parent’s health history
Be sure and look at the history of the puppies parents and look specifically for any genetic diseases, hip problems, specific breathing problems, etc… If the breeder refuses to let you see the history, do not buy a puppy from them. A reputable breeder will show you any potential problems that your puppy might have-and they won’t hide anything from you. Also, contact the Pug Club of America, Inc., The American Kennel Club or AKC to ask about a particular breeder- they will have information on them. When you find a reputable breeder, you may get put on a waiting list for a puppy- that’s a better option than buying a pug puppy with multiple problems.
When a breeder calls you and says they have a litter of puppies, here’s some things you should look for when you go see the puppies:
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Check the puppies eyes to make sure they look clear and bright. Make sure there is no redness.Talk to the puppy and make sure he/she looks right at you and is attentive.
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Check the puppies ears. Make sure they are clean, they don’t have ear mites, they aren’t crusty and they don’t look red. Ears should be pink in color and they should not have an odor.
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Watch the puppy walk. Make sure he/she is walking normally and not favoring one side over the other. Make sure the puppy is not limping.
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Look at the puppies mouth and teeth. He/she should have pink gums and their teeth should be white.
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Look closely at the puppies nose. Make sure the nostrils are open and do not close or partially close when the puppy breathes in and out. It should be cold and slightly wet.
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Play with the puppy. Watch how he/she interacts and watch how they breathe after playing for a bit. Watch its energy level. Your puppy should act friendly and have lots of energy. It should not act as if it’s afraid.
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Rub the puppy. Make sure it’s skin is clean and dry and that he/she is not sore anywhere you touch.
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Look closely at the puppies fur. Make sure it’s soft and shiny and you don’t see any fleas.
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Look at the puppies bottom.Make sure it is clean and dry.
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Stand above the puppy.You should not be able to see its ribs.
A reputable breeder will:
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Spend time with you
- They will arrange to meet with you so you can visit the puppy and its mother, dad and/or siblings at the home where it was born and raised. They will not hurry you through this process- they will want you to be comfortable and make sure you and the puppy are compatible.
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Will answer any and all questions you have about the puppy that you choose.
- They will show you health records, paperwork, certificates, etc… They will ask you questions too about where the puppy is going to live. They will be concerned that their puppy is going to a good home. They will also be happy to show you their breeding license and walk you through their kennels.
Here are a few questions to ask the breeder before purchasing the puppy:
- Did you breed this puppy? Is the puppy kept where it was born?
- How many puppies were born in the litter?
- Have any of the puppies in the litter had health issues?
- Have the puppies been treated for worms or will they be treated before being bought? If so, how many times?
- Will the puppies have vaccinations before being bought? How many times and which vaccinations?
- Have the parents been screened for any genetic diseases?
- Are the puppies going to be microchipped before being bought?
Buying a puppy is a lifelong commitment… to both you and your puppy. Checking a puppy over good and buying a puppy from a reputable breeder will pay off in the long run. If you get a healthy puppy, it has a great chance of growing into a healthy adult and you will be able to love and enjoy your dog for many years. Give your puppy a great start… and a great home!!
Until next time,
Hugs and pug kisses,
Candy
