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While Pugs have become more popular, their availability from reputable sources has not increased to meet the demand. Remember that what happens to your Pug before he joins your family can directly influence his training once he comes home. Choosing a Pug from the right source must be considered a part of the training process.

The Show Breeder

Purchasing a puppy from a show breeder can be a lengthy process. These breeders often keep puppies longer, as they observe them and continually evaluate their potential in the show ring. A show breeder is keenly aware of the Pug’s health concerns, screening for genetic defects prior to breeding. They usually know the pedigree of their Pugs for many generations, and can share information about your puppy’s grandparents and great-grandparents.

Show breeders do not produce a large number of litters in a year. It is not uncommon for a show breeder to have a waiting list for puppies, and many will require a deposit in order to reserve a puppy from a future litter. Show breeders seldom advertise in newspapers or on the Web. Most of their puppies are sold by referral from other puppy purchasers or other breeders.

Breeders of show Pugs can be a great source of information for a puppy buyer.

Show breeders may also have older puppies or young adults that have been trained for the show ring, but for one reason or another, are not as competitive as the breeder had hoped. These Pugs are usually quickly acclimated to a new family and home, as their preparation for the show ring has previously exposed them to frequent handlings, new people, and storage environments. Show breeders’ experience with Pugs, combined with their ability to properly care for and socialize puppies before they are sold, makes them the perfect option for purchasing your new Pug puppy.

To find a show breeder you should plan to attend a local dog show. The American Kennel Club (www.akc.org) can provide you with a list of upcoming shows in your area. Show breeders may appear to be difficult to talk to at first, especially if you approach them while they are waiting to enter the ring. Be patient and persistent. You should ask if there is a good time to ask them some questions. If you intend to compete with your Pug in any performance event, the show breeder can evaluate his or her puppies and provide you with the best candidate for your chosen activity. If you cannot attend a local dog show try contacting a kennel club in your area and ask for a breeder referral list. Local veterinarians may also be able to provide referrals.

Pug puppies can be hard to resist

The Hobby Breeder

A hobby breeder is someone who breeds Pugs strictly for placement as pets. These breeders usually have one or two males and breed them to the female Pugs they own. Hobby breeders may produce several litters per year. They may also have limited knowledge about the health problems of the Pug, and may know very little about the Pugs in their puppies’ pedigrees.

Puppies from hobby breeders are generally raised in the breeder’s home. A hobby breeder may advertise in local papers, veterinary clinics, and on Web sites dedicated to puppy sales.

The Pugs used for breeding by hobby breeders are most often of the Victorian type, so it is important to observe both the mother and father. Victorian-type Pugs often lack the sedate, easygoing Pug temperament, one of the qualities that draw families to this breed. Their hyperactivity can make them a challenge to breed. The future behavior of your puppy will be influenced not only by the genetics inherited from mom and dad, but his observations of their behavior.

Pet Stores

Pet stores generally have Pugs available within a short period of time. If you are impatient and must have a puppy right away, a pet store may be your only option.

All pet stores purchase their puppies from commercial breeding operations. The puppies are usually sold through a middleman, known as a broker or wholesaler. These puppies are almost always separated from their littermates at an early age and may have been housed in poor conditions prior to arriving at the pet store. These factors can negativelyaffect a puppy’s adaptability and train-ability in its new home.

The parents of pet store puppies seldom receive any screening for genetic health issues, and are used for breeding regardless of medical problems, type, or temperament. While it may be hard to resist a Pug puppy that looks at you with those big, sad eyes, it is important to remember that you have no knowledge of his background or breeding.

Newspaper Ads

Your local paper may contain advertisements for Pug puppies. These ads may be placed by hobby breeders, or puppy brokers, the very same people who supply the pet stores. You can distinguish where the puppies are from with a little observation and by asking a few simple questions:

∎ Check the phone number. If the same phone number appears several times, listed with several breeds of dogs, the puppies are being sold through a broker.

∎ Ask the person who answers the phone if one or both parents are on the premises. A hobby breeder usually has them and will let you meet them. A broker only has puppies available for purchase. A broker may also indicate that the litter was bred in another state by a “friend” or “relative” and that they are trying to help sell the puppies.

∎ Ask when you can come and see the puppies. A hobby breeder will set up a time for you to visit. A broker may offer to meet you halfway, usually in a parking lot, in a location they seem to know very well.

Puppies sold through brokers generally originated in facilities such as barns or outdoor pens that have poor conditions. Once again you will have no knowledge of the puppy’s parents, and should a problem arise with your puppy in the future, you will often be unable to locate either the breeder or the broker who sold you the puppy.

Internet Sales

A fancy Web site does not necessarily indicate that the puppy is nicely bred, but the Internet can be a useful tool for locating a Pug breeder, if you know where to look.

Breeder referrals are offered by many kennel club Web sites; you can find them through the American Kennel Club (www.akc.org). The Pug Dog Club of America also provides a breeder referral contact (www.pugs.org).

If you choose to type in the words “Pug puppy” on a search engine, you’ll be directed to hundreds of classified ads. You must do your homework, and know what to look for before agreeing to purchase a Pug via the Internet. Many of the commercial breeders supplying pet store chains also advertise via pretty Web sites. Another group of breeders, often referred to as puppy mills, have found the Internet to be a virtual gold mine for selling Pug puppies. These breeders produce many puppies each year, in conditions that are unsanitary, and providing only minimal care to the dogs used for breeding. So how do you know if the “breeder” listed on the Internet can provide your family with a suitable, healthy puppy? Ask these questions:

Like mother, like daughter—heredity can affect your Pug’s trainability and health.

∎ Can I come and pick up my puppy? If a breeder will not allow you to see where the puppy has been raised, a red flag should go up.

∎ Can I have references from previous puppy buyers? Reputable breeders are happy to provide you with names and phone numbers of previous clients.

∎ May I have a copy of your guarantee and purchase contract to review? If a breeder will not provide these, or does not use them, do not purchase a puppy.

Humane Shelters and Rescue Organizations

If an adult Pug seems to be a better fit for your family, start your search by contacting your local humane society. Unfortunately Pugs do wind up in shelters; most are young adults desperately in need of a stable home that can provide training.

Pug rescue groups are located throughout `t the United States. These groups generally charge a nominal adoption fee and can be a great place to find an adult Pug to fit your family and lifestyle.

Local veterinary clinics can usually provide a list of shelters and rescue organizations in your area. You can also find many rescue groups online, or through The Pug Dog Club of America.