So, my question is, what should I look for?
I see a lot of ads that look appealing with phrases like "first puppy shots," "AKC" (sometimes followed with certified, sometimes unregistered), "parents on site." Those seem like the mark of honest people and healthy pugs, but am I mistaken?
Bloodsage, Gydyon and Caela, your help would be most appreciated.
You should look for people who have at least one champion dog in their family and usually more. That doesn't mean you need to buy a dog that has potential to be a show dog. Most litters end up with at least one pet quality dog - a dog that won't meet the show standards because the fur's not the right color or somesuch. Just being AKC registered doesn't mean much. Any puppy born of two AKC registered dogs of the same breed qualifies for registration. First puppy shots is not much either. Most reputable breeders will have all shots taken care of through the 8th week plus deworming. I think that's 2-3 sets of vaccinations by then.
Your best bet is to call the people in the ads and ask questions. Their answers should tell you whether or not you've got a good breeder on the phone.
quote:
Mr. Parcelan startled the peaceful upland Gorillas by blurting:
The time for my pug to arrive is fast approaching and health is a big concern, since a disreputable pug seller means for poor pug health.So, my question is, what should I look for?
I see a lot of ads that look appealing with phrases like "first puppy shots," "AKC" (sometimes followed with certified, sometimes unregistered), "parents on site." Those seem like the mark of honest people and healthy pugs, but am I mistaken?
Bloodsage, Gydyon and Caela, your help would be most appreciated.
Make sure that you are allowed to meet the bitch--refusing to let you see her is a bad sign. Also, make sure they are part of the breed's national club, and follow the clubs guidelines for breeders, and that both parents were tested for (and negative of) any of the common maladies for pugs. . .which you'll also find by contacting the national pug organization.
One of the clearest signs that the breeder is reputable will be a clause in the sale that guarantees you the right to return the dog, no questions asked, for its life. All reputable breeders offer such a return service.
You should also feel like the breeder is very interested in you and what kind of home you'll provide for the dog. Anyone willing simply to give you a puppy for cash is someone you should avoid--a good breeder will go to great lengths to interview you and make sure you can provide a good home for the dog.
As for what to look for in a puppy, I recommend doing a bit of research online. The national pug club should have some guidelines for prospective buyers for what to look for. In general, though, take a visit or two to evaluate the pups at the breeder's--look for the ones that are neither too timid nor overly aggressive and dominant. Decide beforehand whether you want a boy or girl, and whether you plan to have it "fixed" (highly recommended, unless you're going to show it).
Because of their facial anatomy, pugs have some unique health requirements--make sure you're familiar with all of them, and prepared to discuss them with the breeder.
--Satan, quoted by John Milton
Oh, and make sure you don't titter like a schoolgirl when the breeder says "bitch." They don't like that.
Under capitalism, man exploits man. Under communism, it's just the opposite. - John Kenneth Galbraith
Both of ours came from pug rescue organizations, so I have no personal experiance dealing with breeders n such. But I know enough pug people to know that anyone who is on the up and up, will want to find out everything before they'll turn one of their puppies over to you.
And like Kaglaaz said, call other local breeders and find out what they think of the one you've chosen.
Only thing I would add is to also call your vet, I know ours keeps a list of puppy mills and breeders who sell sick puppies.
Thanks for the advice, fellas.
quote:
Mr. Parcelan screamed this from the crapper:
I've talked with breeders here (those not in the paper) and they're generally bad news. They breed almost exclusively show dogs and their pet dogs are around nine hundred bucks or so.Thanks for the advice, fellas.
You pay for quality. Sucks, but it's better than getting a dog that's sick or will die from a congenital condition in a few years, after racking up thousands of dollars in vet bills.
Under capitalism, man exploits man. Under communism, it's just the opposite. - John Kenneth Galbraith
quote:
Verily, the chocolate bunny rabits doth run and play while Mr. Parcelan gently hums:
I've talked with breeders here (those not in the paper) and they're generally bad news. They breed almost exclusively show dogs and their pet dogs are around nine hundred bucks or so.Thanks for the advice, fellas.
That's about normal.
--Satan, quoted by John Milton
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Aw, geez, I have Bloodsage all over myself!
That's about normal.
My grandmother sold Bernese Mountain Dogs at 2500 bucks for a show dog, and 1500 for a pet, and Pekingese at the same rate (this is five years ago, mind you). Of course, she bred champions more or less exclusively, so, again, you get what you pay for. The high prices kept the douchebags away, too, so she mainly attracted dog show people. *shudder*
Under capitalism, man exploits man. Under communism, it's just the opposite. - John Kenneth Galbraith
quote:
Karnaj startled the peaceful upland Gorillas by blurting:
My grandmother sold Bernese Mountain Dogs at 2500 bucks for a show dog, and 1500 for a pet, and Pekingese at the same rate (this is five years ago, mind you). Of course, she bred champions more or less exclusively, so, again, you get what you pay for. The high prices kept the douchebags away, too, so she mainly attracted dog show people. *shudder*
I know what you mean--dog show people are, um. . .unique.
$800 on up to a couple of grand is about right for a "pet quality" dog, depending on breed and location.
--Satan, quoted by John Milton
quote:
Mr. Parcelan had this to say about pies:
Charlie, Gus and Ajax are all good quality, healthy dogs and they only cost 400 odd.
What Breeds? I Know my folks got their last dog, Dillion a Pure-Breed Chcolate Lab, for $400. But tha was in MT, were ver good labs are easy to find due to the abundance of Farms and hunters. The same goes for Border collies, or reall and herding or hunting dog. In NJ a pure breed lab goes for about $800+
quote:
Channeling the spirit of Sherlock Holmes, Mr. Parcelan absently fondled Watson and proclaimed:
Charlie, Gus and Ajax are all good quality, healthy dogs and they only cost 400 odd.
That's entirely possible, but not the norm if you're looking for a solid, problem-free puppy.
--Satan, quoted by John Milton
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Over the mountain, in between the ups and downs, I ran into Bloodsage who doth quote:
Make sure that you are allowed to meet the bitch--
It's a good idea to see the mother dog, too. 
