Buying or Adopting a Pug

Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]

The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)

The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)

The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)

Is a Pug the right breed for you?

Pug Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find

Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family.

Are YOU the right owner for a Pug?

Can you provide what this breed needs?

• Someone home most of the day
• Fenced yard (not an electronic/underground fence)
• No young children in the household
• No large dogs in the household (safety issue)
• Extra safety precautions – ongoing supervision and surveillance of what's going on around your Pug, being careful where you step or sit, not allowing leaps from high furniture, keeping small objects off the floor so the dog can't choke, closing all gaps in fences and gates, etc.
• Sufficient exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Pug stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
• "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; tricks and games such as Musical Toys and Hide 'n Seek; instructions in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words
• An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
• A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
• An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Pugs are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
• An owner who is okay with constant shedding (yes, really!), near-constant snorting/wheezing sounds, and housebreaking perhaps taking a long time
• Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Pug to lots of people and other animals
• Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Pug, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say

Which sex? What age?

Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?

Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?

Where can you buy or adopt a Pug?

Pugs are very common in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Pugs rank 32nd. Everyone has seen this breed; they're easy to find.

Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
Pugs are often available from Dog Rescue groups. Pugs may be turned over to Rescue because they shed constantly – this reality catches quite a few owners by surprise, followed quickly by dismay!

Owners might also give up their Pug when it develops one of the health problems inherent in the breed. Perhaps the owner can't stand the constant snorting and snuffling. There might be housebreaking issues. Other Pugs are given up simply because of changed family circumstances, and these dogs may have no behavior problems at all.

Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
You'll rarely, if ever, find a Pug here. Any Pug that showed up at at animal shelter would be quickly adopted, unless it has a major temperament problem. Pug Rescue also tries to monitor shelters, and if a Pug comes in, they try to take the dog into their rescue network.

Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy a Pug from a show breeder, who breeds Pugs to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You can also buy a Pug from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.

Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Pug puppy should have:

• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America's CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases
• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certifying the dog to have normal knees

Also, at least ONE PARENT of a Pug puppy should have:

• a DNA test proving they are Normal/Clear of a deadly neurological disease called Pug Dog Encephalitis.

If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Pug ends up blind and lame.

Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
Pugs are frequently found in pet shops. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!

Which puppy?

Choosing the Right Pug Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Pug puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.

AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Pug puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?