THE PUG CLUB OF NSW INC

Buying a New Pug Puppy

Bringing a Pug puppy into your family is an exciting decision, but choosing the right breeder and a healthy, well-socialised puppy is an important part of responsible dog ownership.

The Pug Club of NSW recommends that prospective puppy owners take the time to learn about the breed, visit breeders, meet the puppies and their mother, and ask questions before committing to a puppy.

Choosing a Responsible Breeder

A responsible breeder should be happy to discuss their breeding program, the health and temperament of their dogs, and the particular characteristics and challenges of owning a Pug.

Where possible, you should:

• Visit the breeder and see where the puppies are raised.

• Meet the puppy's mother and, where possible, other related dogs.

• See the puppies together as a litter.

• Ask about the health testing undertaken on the sire and dam.

• Ask about any hereditary conditions relevant to the breed.

• Ask how the puppies have been socialised and exposed to everyday household experiences.

• Ask what veterinary care, vaccination, worming and microchipping the puppies have received.

• Ask what support the breeder provides after the puppy goes home.

DOGS NSW recommends that puppies remain with their mother and breeder until they are at least eight weeks of age.

Under the DOGS NSW Code of Ethics, a member must not release a puppy by sale before eight weeks of age, and puppies must be microchipped and vaccinated before leaving the member's care.

Before Your Puppy Comes Home

Before taking your puppy home, you should receive appropriate documentation and information about their care.

This should include:

• A current vaccination certificate signed by a veterinarian.

• Microchip documentation.

• Registration and pedigree documentation, where applicable.

• Information about the puppy's diet and feeding routine.

• Worming and vaccination history.

• Advice about general care, housing and welfare.

• Breed-specific information.

• Copies of relevant health-testing results where genetic testing has been undertaken.

• Information about any known medical condition, disease or injury.

DOGS NSW members are required to provide purchasers with a current vaccination certificate and microchip documentation, and relevant health and veterinary information as required under the Code of Ethics.

Choosing a Healthy Pug Puppy

When you meet a litter, look at the puppies as individuals as well as observing how they interact with one another and with people.

A healthy puppy should generally be:

Bright, alert and active
A puppy should be interested in its surroundings, responsive to people and willing to explore and play. A puppy that is unusually lethargic, weak, shivering or reluctant to interact may require veterinary assessment.

Bright-eyed
The eyes should be clear and bright, without excessive watering, discharge, persistent squinting or an obvious film over the eye.

Clean around the mouth and gums
The gums should generally be pink and healthy-looking rather than unusually pale, swollen or inflamed.

Clean-skinned
Check the skin and coat for obvious sores, scabs, bald patches, irritation or evidence of parasites. Flea dirt can appear as small dark or black specks in the coat.

Clean-eared
The ears should be reasonably clean and free from excessive wax, discharge or an unpleasant odour. Dark, coffee-ground-like debris can be associated with ear mites or other ear problems and should be investigated by a veterinarian.

Clean and healthy-coated
A Pug puppy's coat should be clean and have a healthy appearance, without obvious areas of irritation or hair loss.

Remember that no visual examination can guarantee that a puppy is free from inherited or other health problems. Ask the breeder about the health of the parents and what health testing has been undertaken.

Getting to Know a Pug

Pugs are companion dogs through and through. They generally love being involved with their people and will often follow you from room to room, supervise whatever you are doing and insist on being part of the family action.

They are affectionate, entertaining and often wonderfully mischievous.

And then there is the famous Pug Run!

A Pug may suddenly launch into a completely unnecessary burst of speed, racing around with ears flying back and tail tucked over its back — often in seemingly random circles. This entertaining display is affectionately known by Pug people as the Pug Run.

Living with a Pug means being prepared for plenty of personality, plenty of companionship and, very often, plenty of laughs.

Take Your Time

Never feel pressured into buying a puppy simply because one is available.

A responsible breeder should be willing to answer your questions and should also want to make sure that their puppy is going to the right home. DOGS NSW recommends visiting breeders, asking questions, meeting the dam and learning about the breed before making your decision.

If you are unsure about a breeder or puppy, contact the Pug Club of NSW for information and guidance before committing to a purchase.

A puppy is a commitment for many years. Taking the time to choose carefully is one of the best things you can do for your future Pug and for your family.

Colleen Kirgan-Khoury
President / PR Media / Pug Rescue / Welfare Co-ordinator
Email: [email protected]

Deb Cummings
Vice President
The Pug Dog Club of NSW Inc
Email: [email protected]

Kathy Gill
 Show Secretary
The Pug Dog Club of NSW Inc
Email: [email protected]

Alaina Walters
Treasurer
The Pug Dog Club of NSW Inc
Email: [email protected]

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