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No matter where your search for a Pug leads you, it is up to you to be educated about your purchase. If you are looking for a puppy, you should ideally be able to visit the litter before the day arrives for you to take him home. Observe how each puppy acts and reacts to his littermates, human caregiver, and your family. A bossy, out-of-control puppy may require a more assertive training program, and a more confident family. A shy puppy, one who always seems to move away from contact, will require a training routine that includes positive interactions and minimal stress after you take him home.

Make sure that your Pug puppy appears healthy and happy.

If you plan to have fun in obedience or agility, you will want a puppy that is active and observant, with an air of confidence about him. Self-confident Pug pup pies make wonderful performance dogs.

Check each puppy carefully for any signs of illness or health problems. His eyes should be bright and clear, with no discharge, cloudiness, or protrusion evident. Check his ears by gently lifting the ear flap and taking a peek at the ear canal. It should be free from debris and dry, with no offensive odor. His nose wrinkle should also be clean and dry; if it is dirty, damp, or has a strong odor now, this condition will most likely be chronic. Every Pug puppy should be inspected by a licensed veterinarian prior to being sold to a new owner, and should have received at least one vaccination. Ask for a health record with the veterinarian’s name and the clinic name, address, and phone number.

Observe the overall body shape, condition, and structure of the puppies in the litter. Fat, roly-poly Pug puppies, with good body condition, become relaxed, properly proportioned adults. The legs should resemble tree trunks sturdy enough to support a square body. Legs on Pug puppies that look more like saplings are often seen on the Victorian-type Pugs. Those Pugs who have a future athletic career, running and jumping in agility, must be able to handle stress on their bones and joints, so structure and condition is of the utmost importance.

The location where the puppies are raised should be clean, well ventilated, and free from odor. Pug puppies that are raised in dirty, cramped cages or pens are often impossible to completely housetrain.

To Pick or Not to Pick

It is natural to fall in love with every Pug puppy you see, but there may be one puppy that really catches your eye, and tugs at your family’s heartstrings. Is that puppy truly the right puppy for you? Show breeders will most likely select a puppy for you, based not only on your preferences, but more importantly, on their observations and evaluations of the litter, and your family’s specific needs. An observant, responsible breeder can often pick the Pug puppy that best reflects the qualities your family truly needs. Pug puppies that are purchased from other sources are often sold on a first-come, first-sold basis. You may be forced to choose a puppy who, while cute and adorable, may not really be suited for your family, or leave empty handed.

An educated Pug buyer asks questions, requires the right answers, observes potential puppies, and, above all, uses common sense when making a final decision. While there is always the temptation to “rescue” a puppy if he looks ill, has been raised in unsanitary conditions, or is currently on medication with the “guarantee” he’ll get better soon, it is in your family’s best interest to decline the purchase. A healthy, robust Pug puppy gives you the best foundation for a healthy adult Pug.