New Pug owners want to make sure their precious pup has had the best start in life, so it’s important to put in some groundwork before bringing a pup home.
Finding a reputable pug breeder is the best way to avoid nightmarish puppy scams so that your new pal is well-socialized and healthy.
This blog is your go-to guide for:
- how to find the best Pug breeders
- a full list of Pug breeds near me (in the US)
- tips to identify a good Pug breeder
- and more
You’ll hear the pitter-patter of tiny paws in no time.
8 Ways to Find Reputable Pug Breeders
We’ve done our research to compile the best pug-pup protocol out there. By enlisting some (or all if you’re dedicated) of these steps, you’ll be sure to find a top-notch breeder and your dream pup in no time.
But there are still a few things you should do before searching for a Pug breeder. By being well-informed, you’ll have the right questions up your sleeve and know what warning signs to look out for when you start to visit pug breeders.
So, what should all prospective pug owners know before beginning their search?
Any prospective owner must learn about the breed before committing to homing a pug. Read up on the breed to make sure they are right for you and you for them. Are you in a position to offer the nutrition, exercise, environment, and healthcare a pug needs?
If you still think a pug is perfect for you, that’s great news. It’s time to put in the hard graft. You’ll need to have lots of patience to find the perfect pug breeder. Start by following our 8 ways to find reputable pug breeders.
1. Scour the search engines
Using search engines in your search for a breeder can be extremely useful. By knowing exactly what to search for, you’ll gain access to a plethora of information. Start by searching these two key terms:
- Pug breeders in (your location)
- Pug puppies in (your location)
Search website results and makes contact with the staff to gain additional insights. Always be vigilant when trusting web sources. A good site doesn’t always guarantee good breeders.
Many reputable breeders don’t breed their puppies for business purposes. As such, some of the best breeders might not even have a designated website. Watch out for puppy farms.
These large-scale commercial breeding operations are businesses, but not the type you want to support. Puppy mills or puppy farms prioritize money over well-being and often show up in classifieds, search engines, and social media sites.
Always air on the side of caution. To avoid misleading online information it’s always better to ask trusted individuals.
2. Check-in with Facebook
Social media, Facebook, in particular, can be extremely useful for want-to-be pug owners. Many prospective owners see great results using this method.
Facebook groups serve as an easy-to-access community of doggy know-how. In these groups, you’ll be able to learn more about pug puppies, breeders, and rehoming/rescue options as well.
Try searching phrases like ‘pug breeders’ or ‘pug rehome’ and see what comes up. Join some groups and ask lots of questions. Make sure to do some digging before committing to a purchase.
3. Consult your local veterinarian
Talking to your local veterinarian is a fantastic way to guarantee your information is coming from a reputable and professional source. Vets will have a plethora of knowledge about pug breeders, as well as local recommendations.
Ask your vet what to look for in a breeder. What should you ask? What warning signs should you look out for? In addition to this, ask the veterinarian for her or his recommendations for reputable pug puppy breeders in your local area.
Local breeders will have an established relationship with a preferred veterinarian. As such, your local Vet is likely to have a list of trustworthy breeders in your local area. By consulting your local veterinary professional, you can’t go wrong!
4. Browse breeder directories
Browsing through a directory is another top-tip. Search for pug breeder directories. The American Kennel Club breeder search is a highly reputable source..
Going through an official directory improves your chances of finding a reputable breeder. But that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down completely. Some crooks and puppy farms will always slip through the cracks, so use caution.
5. Get in touch with your local dog club
Once you’ve browsed the directories, investigate your local dog club in more detail. For dog owners in the United States, the Pug Dog Club of America and local pug clubs specific to your state/region will be able to help you source a list of breeders.
Many local clubs are affiliated with the PDCA. They hold several events, shows, and functions throughout the year for their members and put on activities to spread awareness about the breed, host group walks, and issue regular correspondence.
6. Chat with other dog owners
Plain and simple. Sometimes a chat can teach you a whole lot. Don’t discount talking to friends about their experiences. Particularly if you have a friend or acquaintance who owns a pug of their own. Ask them about the steps they took to find their pet.
Don’t be shy. Most people like to share their experiences and help out where they can. Your friend might have some golden information for you, so reach out and ask lots of questions.
Another option is to reach out directly to an obedience or training school. Find other pug owners and approach them. Ask them where they got their own pup from and if they would recommend that breeder to you. Most dog owners are happy to help.
7. Seek advice from rescue shelters
Rescue shelters and organizations are in the know about all things dog-related. Many shelters partner up with local breeders who offer them temporary care and accommodation when rescue facilities are at full capacity.
As a result, most shelters will have a wide network of trusted and reputable local breeders on call. You can rest assured that any breeder willing to take in a dog in need has every dog’s best interest at heart.
8. Avoid pet shops at all costs
And finally, here’s a little word of warning. Pet shops might seem like high-street animal-care professionals, but not all pet shops are reputable businesses. Many pet shops are a front for unethical and inhumane puppy farm businesses.
It’s best to avoid pet shops altogether unless you can guarantee that your pet shop of choice is a reputable organization. If puppies are in small glass cages, don’t go there.
Almost 10000 puppy mills/farms exist in the United States today. Though your heart might tell you to rescue a pup from this horrid upbringing, the reality is that the best way to stop these inhumane business practices is to stop channeling money into them.
Avoid Pug Scam: Develop A Pug-Breeder Radar
It helps to know how to spot good pug breeders from the bad. A lot of this comes down to common sense. If you suspect a scam, steer well clear. You’re not all alone, however. There are some common signs and signals to look out for.
By knowing what a reputable Pug breeder looks like, and how to spot a crook, you’ll be well informed when it comes to contacting local breeders in search of a precious pooch.
So, what does a reputable dog breeder look like, and what are some major red flags?
A reputable Pug breeder will…
- keep dogs inside where they are warm, comfortable, and well socialized.
- Keep dogs in a clean, safe, and comfortable environment. That means fresh water, bedding, toys, and a designated toilet area.
- Make sure the dogs and puppies are relaxed around people.
- Be a dog enthusiast. Many great breeders are keen participants in shows and competitions.
- Invite you to make multiple visits before taking your pup home.
- Ask you lots of questions to see if you are a good fit for a pug puppy. Expect to be asked about your dog-owning history, home set-up, and working hours.
- Be aware of, and open to using, The Puppy Contract
- Have a Local Authority License for breeding and selling pets as a business. They should have no issue showing you this on request.
- Provide official, genuine paperwork. This could include puppy vaccinations, microchipping, worming and health tests.
A bad Pug breeder might…
- keep dogs outside, in a backyard, basement, or garage.
- Keep dogs in unsanitary conditions.
- Not prioritize socializing their dogs and pups.
- Seem uninterested in dog-care and more interested in business.
- Sell you a puppy prematurely without any adequate checks.
- Take little interest in knowing if you are a suitable owner for their pups.
- Not provide a contract or welcome back service (for dogs that need to be returned under special circumstances)
- Not offer home visits or the opportunity to visit your puppy at their home before purchase.
Be Ready to Get Your Pug From A Reliable Pug Breeder
Ready. Set. Go!
You’re ready to find your perfect pooch from one of the many reputable pug breeders in the US.
Remember to ask around and do your research.
By knowing what to look for and what to avoid, you’ll be sure to bring home a healthy, happy pooch in no time.