My Tips on How to Find a Reputable Pug Breeder

4 years ago, my pug Benji (whom this website was created for) passed away 💔.

I’m finally ready to get another dog (a pug of course!), and will be updating this website starting with my tips on how to find a reputable pug breeder.  

So you want a pug, perhaps the most important decision now is the breeder you choose. When you do a Google Images search for a “pug”, what you’re seeing is the AKC breed standard… but there’s a lot of variation in how a pug looks.

For an idea, here’s some pictures from Portland’s Pug Crawl, and you’ll see that pugs come in all shapes and sizes… even if they are 100% pug (and not a pug mix/cross breed).

The AKC breed standard size for a pug is 14-18lbs, but it’s rare that I see pugs in that range (most are heavier – hey they love food and treats!)

If you plan on traveling with your pug, I’d recommend finding a breeder who consistently breeds on the smaller end as pugs over 20 lbs might be restricted from flying in cabin on airplanes… and most airlines have banned flying brachycephalic dogs (pugs, frenchies, etc.) from flying in cargo because of breathing issues. Now Benji was 22lbs, but I feel he was a quite compact, and I didn’t have an issue flying with him (on Southwest):

If you take away nothing else from this post, these are my top 2 tips:

#1 – Make sure it’s a reputable breeder and not a mill

Puppy mills (and most puppy stores) will often use the brothers and sisters of a litter to reproduce… thus leading to a ton of health issues in the future.

Puppy mills know this, and won’t like to admit it.

So my advice is to talk to the owner(s) on the phone, ask them about the pug parents, where they got them, etc.

You’ll also want to see pictures because of course, your pup will likely look like a mix of the parents. For me, I look for parents closest to the AKC standard, under 20lbs with lots of wrinkles 😀

Reputable puppy stores are a dime a dozen, and most don’t have detailed information on the parents and breeders. They also tend to be about $2000+ more based on my research, so I think it’s best to cut out the middleman.

Your local pug Facebook Groups are probably your best bet, especially if they have referrals. Craigslist is another option – but definitely tread carefully and be aware of common scams.

I’m lucky enough to have found a stud owner on a local Facebook group and I will be getting pick of the litter 🙂

#2 – See the pug’s parents

The mom and dad of the litter will give you the best idea of what your pug will look like. If it’s a reputable breeder, they may have used a stud so you’d only be able to see the mom, but they should have pictures or information of the dad. What health conditions do they have? Hip issues are common with pugs. Do the pugs have allergies?  Are they on any medication, etc. (Also note that pugs are not hypoallergenic).

But admittedly, I’m not a professional. Just a proud pug owner sharing his thoughts. With that being said, here are a few tips on finding a good breeder, according to a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine).

Finding a Reputable Pug Breeder

But how do you find a reputable breeder? The best place to start is by asking your veterinarian for referrals. Veterinarians see a lot of breeders and are likely to have reliable recommendations. You can also check with the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the Pug Dog Club of America (PDCA) for breeder referral lists.

Once you’ve compiled a list of potential breeders, the next step is to do your homework. Contact the breeders and ask them lots of questions, including:

• How many pugs do you have?
• Are your dogs bred for health and temperament?
• Do you have any genetic tests done on your breeding stock?
• What kind of guarantee do you offer?
• What kind of socialization and training do your pugs receive?
• Can I come and visit your kennel?
• How much does a pug puppy cost?
• What supplies do I need for my new pug?

If you’re looking for a Pug breeder, it’s important to do your research first. Not all breeders are created equal, and you want to make sure you’re finding one who is reputable and responsible.

Doing a search for “pug breeder” in your area should do the trick in most major metropolitan areas as pugs are a pretty popular breed.

If you live in a smaller city, or just can’t find results in your area, try local Facebook groups.

Can you find pug puppies for adoption?

Highly unlikely, though you may be able to find adult pugs for adoption. If you live in a popular metro area, do a search for a “pug rescue” in your area.

More than likely it’s going to be easier and more reliable to find a pug breeder. When looking for a pug breeder, there are a few things you can do to ensure you are finding a responsible breeder.

First, request to see genetic testing results for both parents. A responsible breeder will have this information and be happy to share it with you. Second, ask about the breeder’s return policy. If for any reason you are unable to keep the puppy, will the breeder take him or her back? Finally, be prepared to pay a premium for a quality pug puppy from a responsible breeder. Responsible breeders typically charge more than pet stores or shelters because they are committed to breeding healthy and well-socialized puppies.