Pug. Juliette Cunliffe

playfulness, great charm, dignity and an outgoing, loving disposition.

       Locating a breeder of quality Pugs and selecting a healthy, friendly, typical Pug puppy are the primary goals of the new Pug owner.

       YOUR PUPPY PUG

      Before deciding to look for a puppy, it is essential that you are fully clear in your mind that a Pug is the right breed for you and your family. The Pug is a small breed, but is quite a tough little character, in both body and personality. The short coat should not present any problems, but if you have anyone in your family who is prone to allergies, be sure that he will not be affected by a Pug’s coat before you make your purchase. Even dogs with short coats shed hair to a certain extent. Regular brushing will limit the amount of hair floating around your home or on your carpets and furniture.

       YOUR SCHEDULE ...

      If you lead an erratic, unpredictable life, with daily or weekly changes in your work requirements, consider the problems of owning a puppy. The new puppy has to be fed regularly, socialized (loved, petted, handled, introduced to other people) and, most importantly, allowed to go outdoors for house-training. As the dog gets older, it can be more tolerant of deviations in its feeding and relief schedule.

WHERE TO BEGIN?

      If you are convinced that the Pug is the ideal dog for you, it’s time to learn about where to find a puppy and what to look for. Locating a litter of Pugs should not present a problem for the new owner. You should inquire about breeders in your area who enjoy a good reputation in the breed. You are looking for an established breeder with outstanding dog ethics and a strong commitment to the breed. New owners should have as many questions as they have doubts. An established breeder is indeed the one to answer your four million questions and make you comfortable with your choice of the Pug. An established breeder will sell you a puppy at a fair price if, and only if, he determines that you are a suitable, worthy owner of his dogs. An established breeder can be relied upon for advice, no matter what time of day or night. A reputable breeder will accept a puppy back, without questions, should you decide that this is not the right dog for you.

      When choosing a breeder, reputation is much more important than convenience of location. Do not be overly impressed by breeders who run brag advertisements in the dog periodicals about their stupendous champions. The real quality breeders are quiet and unassuming. You hear about them at the dog shows and seminars, by word of mouth.

      Choosing a breeder is an important first step in dog ownership. Fortunately, the majority of Pug breeders is devoted to the breed and its well-being. New owners should have little problem finding a reputable breeder who doesn’t live in a different state or on the other side of the country.

HOW TO SELECT A PUG PUP

      Once you have contacted and met a breeder or two and made your choice about which breeder is better suited to your needs, it’s time to visit the litter. Keep in mind that many top breeders have waiting lists. Sometimes new owners have to wait as long as two years for a puppy. If you are really committed to the breeder whom you’ve selected, then you will wait (and hope for an early arrival!). If not, you may have to resort to your second- or third-choice breeder. Don’t be too anxious, however. If the breeder doesn’t have a waiting list, or any customers, there is probably a good reason. It’s no different than visiting a restaurant with no clientele. The better establishments and restaurants always have a waiting list—and it’s usually worth the wait. Besides, isn’t a puppy more important than a special dinner?

       ARE YOU PREPARED?

      Unfortunately, when a puppy is bought by someone who does not take into consideration the time and attention that dog ownership requires, it is the puppy who suffers when he is either abandoned or placed in a shelter by a frustrated owner. So all of the “homework” you do in preparation for your pup’s arrival will benefit you both. The more informed you are, the more you will know what to expect and the better equipped you will be to handle the ups and downs of raising a puppy. Hopefully, everyone in the household is willing to do his part in raising and caring for the pup. The anticipation of owning a dog often brings a lot of promises from excited family members: “I will walk him every day,” “I will feed him,” “I will house-train him,” etc., but these things require time, effort, consistency, and promises can be easily forgotten once the novelty of the new pet has worn off.

       Select a puppy with a lively personality and signs of good health.

      Pug puppies almost invariably look enchanting, but you must select one from a caring breeder who has given the puppies all the attention they deserve and has looked after them well. A young puppy should look well fed, but not pot-bellied, as this might indicate worms. Take note of the eyes which should look bright and clear, without discharge. Nor, of course, should there be any discharge from the nose and certainly no evidence of loose motions. Always check the bite of your selected puppy to be sure that it is slightly undershot.

       ARE YOU A FIT OWNER?

      If the breeder from whom you are buying a puppy asks you a lot of personal questions, do not be insulted. Such a breeder wants to be sure that you will be a fit provider for his puppy.

      The puppy you choose should have a healthy-looking coat and a lively personality. Under no circumstances “take pity on” the weakling of the litter, nor on one that is unduly shy or aggressive.

      It is essential that you select a breeder with the utmost care. Initially the American Kennel Club will be able to put you in contact with a breed club, or perhaps directly with breeders, but it is always a good idea to visit a large show at which Pugs will be exhibited. This will provide you with a valuable opportunity to meet various breeders and to see the quality of their stock.

      Since you are likely to be choosing a Pug as a pet dog, you simply should select a pup that is friendly and attractive. Pugs generally have small litters, averaging four to five puppies (though larger litters are sometimes known), so selection maybe limited once you have located a desirable litter. While the basic structure of the breed has little variation, the temperament may present trouble in certain strains. Beware of the shy or overly aggressive puppy; be especially conscious of the nervous Pug pup. Don’t let sentiment or emotion trap you into buying the runt of the litter.

      The gender of your puppy is largely a matter of personal taste. Male Pugs show great kindness toward female Pugs and both sexes are extremely placid and “laid back.” The difference in size is noticeable but slight. Coloration is not the most important consideration when selecting a Pug. Remember that it will be more difficult to find a good silver pup, as the apricot-fawns are most numerous. The black Pugs, unique in their own right, possess single coats, which may be preferable for the allergic owner.

      Breeders commonly allow visitors to see the litter by around the fifth or sixth week, and Pug puppies leave for their new homes around the tenth week. Breeders who permit their puppies to leave early are more interested in your money than their puppies’ well-being. Puppies need to learn the rules of the pack from their dams, and most dams continue teaching the pups manners and dos and don’ts until around the eighth week. Breeders spend significant amounts of time with the Pug toddlers so that they are able to interact with the “other species,” i.e., humans. Given the long history that dogs and humans have, bonding between the two species