Meeting the Pug Breeder
OK. You’ve got the research done and
have compiled a list of breeders to visit as you continue your search
for your Pug. Here’s where the process becomes truly difficult, and this
article will help prepare you with some plain, simple facts describing
things you absolutely positively must have or see
before you buy a Pug puppy.
Health Certificate:
This is probably
the single most important item a breeder must provide for you. The
health certificate, which should
only come from a veterinarian, attests that the puppy you purchase
is healthy and free of illness, defect or disease. If the breeder you’re
visiting does not provide this, or hedges on the answer, move on to the
next breeder on your list immediately.
De-worming and
Vaccination Records:
Another must have.
These records are your proof that the Pug you’re considering has been
de-wormed and given the appropriate vaccinations thus far. If this isn’t
there, or available, move on to the next breeder.
Sales Contract:
The sales
contract should contain, at minimum, the following terms:
That you, the buyer must take your Pug
to the veterinarian of your choice within a specified period (usually
2-6 days) after you purchase the puppy. If, during that examination by
your veterinarian any pre-existing conditions are found, you will be
able to return the puppy to the breeder and receive a full refund of the
purchase price. Pre-existing conditions include Luxating Patella,
irregular heartbeats, and others mentioned here.
If at any time during your ownership of
the dog, you decide that you can no longer care for your dog, the
breeder will receive the first opportunity to purchase the dog from you
at the going rate for a dog that age. Most reputable breeders are
concerned with the lives of the dogs they produce, and want this
opportunity due to the fate that many dogs find in this circumstance…
The sales contract must contain the name
of the dog or another equally acceptable identifying factor, the price,
the required deposit for holding the puppy for you (with indication of
refundability), the date the full balance is due, the amount of the
balance, and the total cost. Your name, the breeder’s name or business
name, and the dogs name should all be in the contract.
Parent of Premises:
The breeder must
make at least the mother of the puppies available for you to meet. By
meeting the mother of the pups you’re considering you can get a better
idea of the puppies possible temperament and health. In addition, you
can also have the opportunity to evaluate how the mother is being cared
for.
Free Reign of the
Premises:
The breeder should
allow you to inspect and investigate their premises. Now this does not
mean you are free to visit their bedroom, but rather their breeding
facility…Where the pups and parent(s) live, sleep, feed and cared for.
The breeder shouldn’t have anything to hide, and thus should be more
than willing to allow you this access.
Spend Time With
the Puppies:
While this may seem an
obvious point, many people purchase Pug puppies sight unseen, and unless
you’re having a Pug shipped form someplace out of your range, and from a
breeder you know you can rely upon, this is a no-no. The breeder should
allow you to spend as much time as you wish with any and all of the
puppies available for sale. They should not rush you, hesitate in any
way or limit you in this endeavor. If the breeder does not allow this,
has an excuse against it or hesitates for any reason, it would be wise
to move on to the next breeder.
These are the basic “must haves” from
all breeders you meet. You of course have the right (and you should
exercise it) to ask the breeder any and all questions you feel are
relevant. Please see Questions You Should Ask the Breeder for a list of
useful questions that may help you decide if this breeder is the one you
wish to do business with.
Remember, if it’s a
concern to you, then you should ask…There are no stupid questions!