WHERE TO FIND A
PUG PUPPY
Buy from a breeder who supplies a sales contract and a written health
guarantee.
WHEN TO BUY A PUG
PUPPY
A puppy should not be accepted until it is at least 8 weeks of age and has
its first vaccination from a veterinarian. Ask the breeder for proof of
this.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN YOUR PROSPECTIVE PUG PUPPY
A healthy Pug puppy will be very active, alert and outgoing.
A sleepy, lethargic or shivering puppy indicates a possible
sickness.
A puppy’s eyes should be bright, wide and clear with no squinting,
watering or film over the eyes.
Its gums should be pink - not pale or puffy.
The coat of the Pug puppy should not be dull but should be clean and
shiny, and return quickly back to normal after being gently squeezed
together between the thumb and forefinger. If it does not, the puppy may
be dehydrated or some other serious problem.
Examine the puppy’s skin. There should not be any black dirt, indicating flea feces. White dandruff can indicate cheyletiella mange (or walking dandruff). Scabs, sores or bald spots could be ringworm or demodectic mange.
Hold your prospective Pug puppy close to your ear and listen to its breathing. It should sound clear with no rattling or rasping. The puppy should breath quietly and easily with his mouth closed. The Pug puppy who must open his mouth to get enough breath may already have a breathing obstruction and may have future respiratory problems resulting from stenotic nares (small nostril slits), an elongated palate, or similar problem.
Look for a hard formed stool. A puppy with diarrhea may be sick. A pot belly may indicate worms.
The ears should be clean, without brownish red dirt or wax that may indicate ear mites.
If the ears have a crease or fold at the back, they may need to be taped to bring the ears forward enhancing the Pug head.
A well socialized Pug puppy should be curious and want to play. He will
come out to meet you when you go to visit. He shouldn’t be afraid, or
growl at you.
NOTABLE PUG TRAITS
The Pug likes to use your foot as a table or cushion whenever possible to
lay their head on or to munch on a toy, bone or biscuit.
The Pugs most famous behavior - running in crazed circles with their ears
back, and tail tucked between their legs. One name for this odd behavior
is the "Pug Scuttle".
Pugs like to be near people, and will follow them from room to room
waiting for a lap to lay down on.
Pugs are addictive, and there are few people who only own one.
