I have only been in Pugs for a couple of years so relatively inexperienced in knowing how to choose a show potential pup. I have asked around the rings and spoken to exhibitors / breeders to give me some guidance, particularly with what lines to choose / healthy lines.  My mind is now a torrent of confusion. Over the past weeks, I have so much contradictory information on lines, types, coat colours and who breeds 'good' dogs.

Is it true 'top' people in the breed do not sell their show quality pups to mr joe bloggs like myself, or would they risk selling you a 'duff' puppy knowing it will be campaigned in the ring.

What to do, should I just pay my money and take a chance ??

thanks, guys.

Talk to Gwen - gwen.oake@virgin.net - she'll give you honest and up to date information! :D

What to do, should I just pay my money and take a chance ?? NO.. get good advice.

As Val has said Gwen would point you in the right direction.

I did get lots of advice from all different people in Pugs.   Am totally confused as they contradicted each other. I just dont want to ripped off, thats all i ask.

Hi Danny,

I consider myself a Joe Bloggs too but have booked my pug puppy for later this year and cant wait.  I want to show too.  I have found the genuine breeders who care for the breed will be willing to help and point you in the right direction.  I have found the people who try and put you off for whatever reason are maybe frightened you may become their competition :-0 and want to feather their own nests :-(

The advice I received from some contradicted that of others too I have whittled it down to one breeder and by gut feeling is right.   Do your research and you will find the right breeder for you in the end. :-)

Quite often and hopefully most will agree is to try and buy a soundly bred dog that has potential as even the best dog can be wasted on a novice. With sound breeding and temperament you can move on from them.

Mail Gwen , she may not have something but I think she is as honest as they come. :-)

Well, we just bought our pug baby 2 months ago (can give you details of her breeder as i think she had another litter ready to go around now) and i spoke to lots of people with pugs, as well as researching myself as to what to look for (big, round head, good ears, nice feet, nice tail etc) and phoned up some who had puppies locally and showed.  She referred us to Delilah's breeder who immediately said, when we mention we might be interested in one of her puppies, "And why should i sell you a puppy? What experience of showing do you have?" lol!  She was quite abrupt at first until we told her we'd shown labs and were definately planning to show the pug.  Her two remaining puppies were for sale ONLY to show homes as she thought they were very definately show potential.  Never go for a breeder who says they will definately be champions or stuff like that as theres just no way of telling at that age and i always get a bit wary when people say that.  But these puppies looked good for their age.  The breeder has lots of experience with pugs so lots to compare them with.  Also, the dogs she uses are all shown and many of them are champions so that gives the puppies more of a chance!!

As for coat colour and stuff, i'd just go for what you like, i think most judges are more interested in whether the dog fits the standard than what colour it is!!!  Certainly thats the impression i've got from talking to them :)  But make sure the puppy looks correct for the colour it should be - Theres stuff in the breed standard about what they should and shouldnt have on the coats :)

Jess seems to be pointing you in the right direction. Approach a breeder(s) who seem to win on a consistent basis, and who have sold pups to people who have often won on a consistent basis. By win I mean Champions. People who have never made a dog into a Champion, or who rarely win a 1st prize are hardly likely to suddenly breed a stunner for you. Only take advice from those who have achieved a great deal in the ring with their Pugs.