Risa
Applying for your Pickwick Pug
We breed for ourselves and we do not breed a litter unless we are looking for the potential of keeping a puppy. We do not breed often. We are not a puppy mill. This is why we do not offer any puppies until we have evaluated and made cuts. In addition to the recommended health screenings we have a much more stringent list of qualities that must be met before a pug is added to the Pickwick program. These are our requirements and we are non-negotiable on these.
1. We will not keep a breeding dog that doesn’t have great digestive health.
2. Perfect skin and ears without extra care.
3. No medications given for reproductive health or maintenance on breeding dogs.
4. Solid temperaments with people, other dogs, and quick learners…. Pretty is as pretty does.
5. Good travelers that do well on the road, a good show, performance, service, or companion - all travel well.
6. Free breathing dogs that can thrive outside of greenhouse conditions.
7. A dog anyone would want at any point of their life.
8. The physical traits and hallmarks that make the breed desirable to those who fancy them.
9. Soft, plush, clear coat.
10. Dark black pigment and ears with head wrinkles. A gorgeous head piece is a must.
11. Exceptional movement. Strong pasterns, hips, patellae, level topline, normal spine with no hemivertebrae, correct tailset and earset.
12. Substance and tight connective tissue. Lots of bone.
13. Clear eyes.
14. Clear hearts and lungs.
15. No defects. Testicles descended. Strong production of litters with ZERO special needs, puppies that wean and house train.
Obviously, we won't be able to keep every puppy we breed, so we are grateful to those wonderful owners we have been blessed to have met over the years who are giving their Pickwick pug(s) amazing and enriched lives. Many of these owners waited for over a year after being approved as prospective future owners.
The pugs we breed are like our children. Their well-being is paramount to us and we want to find each pug the perfect match and perfect home. That's why we are so thorough in the application process -- so we can really get to know each other! Any puppy or pug we place is examined by our amazing board-certified Veterinarians, is up-to-date on the appropriate vaccinations for their age, microchipped, de-wormed, and socialized/trained. Every pug we breed is registered with AKC with a spay/neuter contract unless the puppy is a show prospect which involves a different application process, contract, and training plan. Whether the puppy is registered with "limited" (for a companion pug, requiring spay/neuter at the appropriate age around 12-18 months) or "full" (for a show home/breeder) depends upon many factors, but we believe that ALL puppies -- whether companion pets or show pugs -- are expected to be a part of the family and live in a household environment. Legendary AKC judge Patricia Trotter summed up our beliefs perfectly at the 2021 Westminster Dog Show when she said "We love all dogs as dog lovers, mixed breeds and pure breeds. They are all pets. Now, every pet may not be a show dog but, be assured, every show dog is a pet."
If you are interested in owning a Pickwick pug one day, here is the application procedure.
We breed for ourselves and we do not breed a litter unless we are looking for the potential of keeping a puppy. We do not breed often. We are not a puppy mill. This is why we do not offer any puppies until we have evaluated and made cuts. In addition to the recommended health screenings we have a much more stringent list of qualities that must be met before a pug is added to the Pickwick program. These are our requirements and we are non-negotiable on these.
1. We will not keep a breeding dog that doesn’t have great digestive health.
2. Perfect skin and ears without extra care.
3. No medications given for reproductive health or maintenance on breeding dogs.
4. Solid temperaments with people, other dogs, and quick learners…. Pretty is as pretty does.
5. Good travelers that do well on the road, a good show, performance, service, or companion - all travel well.
6. Free breathing dogs that can thrive outside of greenhouse conditions.
7. A dog anyone would want at any point of their life.
8. The physical traits and hallmarks that make the breed desirable to those who fancy them.
9. Soft, plush, clear coat.
10. Dark black pigment and ears with head wrinkles. A gorgeous head piece is a must.
11. Exceptional movement. Strong pasterns, hips, patellae, level topline, normal spine with no hemivertebrae, correct tailset and earset.
12. Substance and tight connective tissue. Lots of bone.
13. Clear eyes.
14. Clear hearts and lungs.
15. No defects. Testicles descended. Strong production of litters with ZERO special needs, puppies that wean and house train.
Obviously, we won't be able to keep every puppy we breed, so we are grateful to those wonderful owners we have been blessed to have met over the years who are giving their Pickwick pug(s) amazing and enriched lives. Many of these owners waited for over a year after being approved as prospective future owners.
The pugs we breed are like our children. Their well-being is paramount to us and we want to find each pug the perfect match and perfect home. That's why we are so thorough in the application process -- so we can really get to know each other! Any puppy or pug we place is examined by our amazing board-certified Veterinarians, is up-to-date on the appropriate vaccinations for their age, microchipped, de-wormed, and socialized/trained. Every pug we breed is registered with AKC with a spay/neuter contract unless the puppy is a show prospect which involves a different application process, contract, and training plan. Whether the puppy is registered with "limited" (for a companion pug, requiring spay/neuter at the appropriate age around 12-18 months) or "full" (for a show home/breeder) depends upon many factors, but we believe that ALL puppies -- whether companion pets or show pugs -- are expected to be a part of the family and live in a household environment. Legendary AKC judge Patricia Trotter summed up our beliefs perfectly at the 2021 Westminster Dog Show when she said "We love all dogs as dog lovers, mixed breeds and pure breeds. They are all pets. Now, every pet may not be a show dog but, be assured, every show dog is a pet."
If you are interested in owning a Pickwick pug one day, here is the application procedure.
Jeff with Tory (CH Pickwick's Worship the Ground I Walk On)
Here are the application steps:
1. Online Application/Inquiry Form: Complete online inquiry/application form thoroughly in detail. (Click the button link at the bottom of this web page to take you to the separate inquiry/application form webpage.) Please note: We receive applications regularly and we try to review them as quickly as possible and send an email response. However, during super busy times with our main jobs, or when we have newborn puppies, it can sometimes take us longer to find time to review all applications and respond. There have also been a few occasions when the form submission did not submit properly on the Weebly platform or the email notification went to spam. If you don’t hear from us after a couple of weeks, you might want to touch base again “in case” the online form submission went to spam or somehow didn’t go through. That is rare, but it has happened before.)
2. Initial Interview: We can then follow-up with some video chats (Facetime, FB Messenger video etc.) at which point prospective owners can ask us any questions they might have and share a brief "tour" of the home, yard, fencing. It will be important to eventually meet all the family members -- 2-legged and 4-legged ;) -- and anyone who will be caring for or engaging on a regular basis with the pug.
3. Review Contract: At Pickwick pugs we require, like all reputable breeders, that new owners sign a contract. For us it is an opportunity to share our philosophy, advice, and expectations about the puppy or pug we are entrusting to someone. We sign the contract as well which reminds us of the enormous responsibility being undertaken and codifies all the important things we know have helped us ensure healthy lives for our pugs and that we know will help the new owners. If a puppy is sold with full registration as a show prospect, the contract is quite different. The pug is co-owned, required to complete an AKC championship and successfully pass all suggested health-screening prior to considerations of breeding.
The contract is signed on "gotcha day" after we review some important points in person. However, we provide a link to the contract to prospective owners after the initial interview for review. This way prospective owners will know what to expect in advance and there will be no surprises along the way.
4. Read e-Book "The Pug Bible": We wrote a guide book for Pickwick. pug owners. It is an e-book and includes videos and all sorts of helpful tips on training, grooming, nutrition, health, and even insights on how pugs think and learn. With over 200 pages, you will also find photos and videos of Pickwick pugs featured throughout along with tips from important trainers, veterinarians, behaviorists, and more.
1. Online Application/Inquiry Form: Complete online inquiry/application form thoroughly in detail. (Click the button link at the bottom of this web page to take you to the separate inquiry/application form webpage.) Please note: We receive applications regularly and we try to review them as quickly as possible and send an email response. However, during super busy times with our main jobs, or when we have newborn puppies, it can sometimes take us longer to find time to review all applications and respond. There have also been a few occasions when the form submission did not submit properly on the Weebly platform or the email notification went to spam. If you don’t hear from us after a couple of weeks, you might want to touch base again “in case” the online form submission went to spam or somehow didn’t go through. That is rare, but it has happened before.)
2. Initial Interview: We can then follow-up with some video chats (Facetime, FB Messenger video etc.) at which point prospective owners can ask us any questions they might have and share a brief "tour" of the home, yard, fencing. It will be important to eventually meet all the family members -- 2-legged and 4-legged ;) -- and anyone who will be caring for or engaging on a regular basis with the pug.
3. Review Contract: At Pickwick pugs we require, like all reputable breeders, that new owners sign a contract. For us it is an opportunity to share our philosophy, advice, and expectations about the puppy or pug we are entrusting to someone. We sign the contract as well which reminds us of the enormous responsibility being undertaken and codifies all the important things we know have helped us ensure healthy lives for our pugs and that we know will help the new owners. If a puppy is sold with full registration as a show prospect, the contract is quite different. The pug is co-owned, required to complete an AKC championship and successfully pass all suggested health-screening prior to considerations of breeding.
The contract is signed on "gotcha day" after we review some important points in person. However, we provide a link to the contract to prospective owners after the initial interview for review. This way prospective owners will know what to expect in advance and there will be no surprises along the way.
4. Read e-Book "The Pug Bible": We wrote a guide book for Pickwick. pug owners. It is an e-book and includes videos and all sorts of helpful tips on training, grooming, nutrition, health, and even insights on how pugs think and learn. With over 200 pages, you will also find photos and videos of Pickwick pugs featured throughout along with tips from important trainers, veterinarians, behaviorists, and more.
(Cover photo = Myles, "Pickwick's Even the Moon is In On Our Scheme" from the Stars Fell on Alabama Litter - Myles lives in Long Island)
5. Followup Interviews: We schedule a follow-up Face Time chat to go over any questions or feedback from Contract or e-Book. If this final interview proves further that we will be a great match for each other we will add you to our approved prospective owners list.
6. Wait List and Deposit: After successfully completing all of the above, approved applicants will then be added to our wait list after a holding fee (deposit) of $750 is paid. The non-refundable fee/deposit is applied toward the purchase price of your pug/puppy. If we do not have any planned litters for the upcoming year, we do not accept members for a wait list.
7. Updates: As a future Pickwick Pug family member, we invite you to join our Pickwick Owners Private Facebook Group and you can begin to get to know other owners and puppies. We ask that all Pickwick Pug owners share periodic updates with us and the Facebook page, other social media, or via text or email. The FB Private Pickwick Pug Owners is private and an easy way to see what littermates and fellow Pickwick pugs are up to. It's a really nice bunch of folks. If you are not on Facebook or social media (understandable ;) you can just send periodic texts or email updates.
8. Wait Time: The wait list is different than the interest list. Prospective owners are placed on the wait list after interviews, deposit etc. The wait list literally means you will receive a Pickwick pug date to be determined (contract explains more specifics.)
We choose the puppy for the owner: Please note: we as the breeders choose which puppy will go to which owner. We do not operate like many backyard breeders and puppy mills where folks show up and choose a puppy. Our decision is based upon so many factors -- from owners' input and desires, to individual puppy temperament, feedback from the temperament evaluations, observing the puppy interact with littermates and older pugs, and experiences socializing the puppies. Is the puppy sound sensitive? Then this is not the puppy for New York City. Is the puppy more outgoing and energetic? More reserved and thoughtful? Since we have lived with these puppies 24/7 we know what they are truly about .... not just what they appear to be like at a given minute of a given day. We have the best vantage point to determine which sort of environment each puppy would best thrive in. This is one reason we try to get to know prospective owners as well as possible. We want to find the perfect match for you!
This gives new owners plenty of time to study "The Pug Bible" as well and begin to gather recommended supplies, order food, treats etc. (Links in Chapter 3 of The Pug Bible). We send home lots of toys, leash, collar, blanket, dog chews, treats, etc. with the puppy basket on Gotcha day, but there will be other things the new owner will need to have setup and in place.
9. Puppy Training & Socialization: We actually train all Pickwick puppies to the point that they earn an AKC (American Kennel Club) official title, complete with certificate of TKN (Novice Trick Dog). They will master enough tricks to earn a title before they even go to their new home! They also work on other important skills like leave it, sit, watch me/attention, hand touch, introduction to leash walking and other things. From the 6 week puppy party, to outings to stores and restaurants, churches and fire stations, the pups are thoroughly socialized. It's no wonder Pickwick puppies are usually the star pups in their Puppy Kindergarten classes with their new owners. If there will be specific training requests these will be incorporated into the puppy's training program when possible or advisable.
If we are placing an older puppy or young adult, who we decided for whatever reason not to keep in the breeding program, this pug will be extremely socialized and possibly already a champion, or way on the way to a championship. This means the pug has traveled to dog shows, stayed in hotels, met all sorts of people and dogs, eaten out at restaurants, been trained to walk on leash, trained to potty in designated areas, and, well, beautiful as well. This pug was a pick of the litter, and the best of the best as we could determine at that time. Honestly, placing older pups or adults is the absolute hardest part for us of being a show breeder. We can't keep them all as we wouldn't be able to provide enriched and fulfilled lives for them if we had too many pugs. It is so emotionally difficult to place a retired show dog that we won't be using in our breeding program to a pet home. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is for the best of the pug and that's what we try to keep in mind. We haven't placed many adults over the years, but we are so very blessed to those owners who are now cherishing the pugs we once cherished and loved with all our hearts. Thank you for giving them a full and enriched life! All this to say, if you find our application process seems to be even stricter for the older pups, you are probably right. We don't skip any steps in the application process for any pug.
10. Planning for Gotcha Day:
FOR PUPPY OWNERS - ENROLL IN TRAINING CLASS: Plan to enroll early in a training class which will begin within 1-3 weeks after the puppy joins the new family. (Puppy Kindergarten classes with the better trainers and facilities fill up fast!) Even though we train each puppy every day, it is important that all new owners continue this training and we require that all owners enroll their puppy in training classes. We suggest continuing training periodically throughout the lifetime of the pug and especially during the adolescent months with another basic manners or obedience class, a fun tricks class, scent work, rally obedience, or other fun activity. Why to we require an in-person class with a qualified trainer? It is important that the humans receive training and master ways to develop a strong rapport and bond with the puppy. Also, it is important to have a resource available if you run into frustrations or challenges. We have worked on training the puppy, but continued classes will be important to train the human(s) ;) Also, there is no substitute for the incredible human+dog bond formed through training.
FOR OLDER PUPPY/YOUNG ADULT OWNERS - We still advise enrolling in a training class with your pug, as it is one of the best ways to bond. We each run our own households differently, so it is expected that you will have different criteria and expectations for your pug than we do. Even though the pug has lived with us in our home, we have different training requirements, perhaps. Having a trainer to help with questions is invaluable. A trainer you've built a rapport with. They have insight that vets don't have. They also have insight, even if you are a dog trainer yourself, on YOUR pug -- things you may not notice. "Child blindness" as it were ;) It could be just a basic training class, or a scentwork class (the dogs LOVE these), or a tricks class, or a CGC (Canine Good Citizenship) class, or even agility. But it's fun for your pug to get out and about, and for you to meet others as well. Dog lovers rule. The urgency of signing up for a class immediately is not as important with an older pug, though. With the puppy, the window of opportunity to socialize closes around 16 weeks of age, which is why it's so important to start the Puppy K class right away.
New PUPPY owners will need to provide us with the information for the class/trainer, phone number, contact information, and start dates prior to gotcha day.
Note: You will want to enroll early, long before you get your puppy. Even if you have owned pugs all of your life, each puppy/pug is unique in temperament and learning styles. There are also SO many new discoveries in how dogs thing and learn and training techniques are vastly different (and better!) in just the last few years. In-person classes are highly valuable and preferred so that your pug puppy can learn how to interact with other dogs and humans ... socialization. The point of these classes is to train the humans and build a bond with your pug and socialize.
SCHEDULE VET VISIT for wellness checkup (within 5 days of gotcha day).
PUPPY PROOF THE HOME & ORDER FOOD, VITAMINS, SUPPLIES (We provide a list of tips and items to gather in The Pug Bible and Puppy Primer e-books which will help your puppy succeed and more seamlessly transition to his/ her new home.)
While not required reading like The Pug Bible, we highly recommend the e-book Puppy Primer. Click the photo below for more.
6. Wait List and Deposit: After successfully completing all of the above, approved applicants will then be added to our wait list after a holding fee (deposit) of $750 is paid. The non-refundable fee/deposit is applied toward the purchase price of your pug/puppy. If we do not have any planned litters for the upcoming year, we do not accept members for a wait list.
7. Updates: As a future Pickwick Pug family member, we invite you to join our Pickwick Owners Private Facebook Group and you can begin to get to know other owners and puppies. We ask that all Pickwick Pug owners share periodic updates with us and the Facebook page, other social media, or via text or email. The FB Private Pickwick Pug Owners is private and an easy way to see what littermates and fellow Pickwick pugs are up to. It's a really nice bunch of folks. If you are not on Facebook or social media (understandable ;) you can just send periodic texts or email updates.
8. Wait Time: The wait list is different than the interest list. Prospective owners are placed on the wait list after interviews, deposit etc. The wait list literally means you will receive a Pickwick pug date to be determined (contract explains more specifics.)
We choose the puppy for the owner: Please note: we as the breeders choose which puppy will go to which owner. We do not operate like many backyard breeders and puppy mills where folks show up and choose a puppy. Our decision is based upon so many factors -- from owners' input and desires, to individual puppy temperament, feedback from the temperament evaluations, observing the puppy interact with littermates and older pugs, and experiences socializing the puppies. Is the puppy sound sensitive? Then this is not the puppy for New York City. Is the puppy more outgoing and energetic? More reserved and thoughtful? Since we have lived with these puppies 24/7 we know what they are truly about .... not just what they appear to be like at a given minute of a given day. We have the best vantage point to determine which sort of environment each puppy would best thrive in. This is one reason we try to get to know prospective owners as well as possible. We want to find the perfect match for you!
This gives new owners plenty of time to study "The Pug Bible" as well and begin to gather recommended supplies, order food, treats etc. (Links in Chapter 3 of The Pug Bible). We send home lots of toys, leash, collar, blanket, dog chews, treats, etc. with the puppy basket on Gotcha day, but there will be other things the new owner will need to have setup and in place.
9. Puppy Training & Socialization: We actually train all Pickwick puppies to the point that they earn an AKC (American Kennel Club) official title, complete with certificate of TKN (Novice Trick Dog). They will master enough tricks to earn a title before they even go to their new home! They also work on other important skills like leave it, sit, watch me/attention, hand touch, introduction to leash walking and other things. From the 6 week puppy party, to outings to stores and restaurants, churches and fire stations, the pups are thoroughly socialized. It's no wonder Pickwick puppies are usually the star pups in their Puppy Kindergarten classes with their new owners. If there will be specific training requests these will be incorporated into the puppy's training program when possible or advisable.
If we are placing an older puppy or young adult, who we decided for whatever reason not to keep in the breeding program, this pug will be extremely socialized and possibly already a champion, or way on the way to a championship. This means the pug has traveled to dog shows, stayed in hotels, met all sorts of people and dogs, eaten out at restaurants, been trained to walk on leash, trained to potty in designated areas, and, well, beautiful as well. This pug was a pick of the litter, and the best of the best as we could determine at that time. Honestly, placing older pups or adults is the absolute hardest part for us of being a show breeder. We can't keep them all as we wouldn't be able to provide enriched and fulfilled lives for them if we had too many pugs. It is so emotionally difficult to place a retired show dog that we won't be using in our breeding program to a pet home. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is for the best of the pug and that's what we try to keep in mind. We haven't placed many adults over the years, but we are so very blessed to those owners who are now cherishing the pugs we once cherished and loved with all our hearts. Thank you for giving them a full and enriched life! All this to say, if you find our application process seems to be even stricter for the older pups, you are probably right. We don't skip any steps in the application process for any pug.
10. Planning for Gotcha Day:
FOR PUPPY OWNERS - ENROLL IN TRAINING CLASS: Plan to enroll early in a training class which will begin within 1-3 weeks after the puppy joins the new family. (Puppy Kindergarten classes with the better trainers and facilities fill up fast!) Even though we train each puppy every day, it is important that all new owners continue this training and we require that all owners enroll their puppy in training classes. We suggest continuing training periodically throughout the lifetime of the pug and especially during the adolescent months with another basic manners or obedience class, a fun tricks class, scent work, rally obedience, or other fun activity. Why to we require an in-person class with a qualified trainer? It is important that the humans receive training and master ways to develop a strong rapport and bond with the puppy. Also, it is important to have a resource available if you run into frustrations or challenges. We have worked on training the puppy, but continued classes will be important to train the human(s) ;) Also, there is no substitute for the incredible human+dog bond formed through training.
FOR OLDER PUPPY/YOUNG ADULT OWNERS - We still advise enrolling in a training class with your pug, as it is one of the best ways to bond. We each run our own households differently, so it is expected that you will have different criteria and expectations for your pug than we do. Even though the pug has lived with us in our home, we have different training requirements, perhaps. Having a trainer to help with questions is invaluable. A trainer you've built a rapport with. They have insight that vets don't have. They also have insight, even if you are a dog trainer yourself, on YOUR pug -- things you may not notice. "Child blindness" as it were ;) It could be just a basic training class, or a scentwork class (the dogs LOVE these), or a tricks class, or a CGC (Canine Good Citizenship) class, or even agility. But it's fun for your pug to get out and about, and for you to meet others as well. Dog lovers rule. The urgency of signing up for a class immediately is not as important with an older pug, though. With the puppy, the window of opportunity to socialize closes around 16 weeks of age, which is why it's so important to start the Puppy K class right away.
New PUPPY owners will need to provide us with the information for the class/trainer, phone number, contact information, and start dates prior to gotcha day.
Note: You will want to enroll early, long before you get your puppy. Even if you have owned pugs all of your life, each puppy/pug is unique in temperament and learning styles. There are also SO many new discoveries in how dogs thing and learn and training techniques are vastly different (and better!) in just the last few years. In-person classes are highly valuable and preferred so that your pug puppy can learn how to interact with other dogs and humans ... socialization. The point of these classes is to train the humans and build a bond with your pug and socialize.
- The trainer(s) MUST use positive reinforcement techniques.
- The class must be completed within the first two months of obtaining the puppy (not adult pugs).
- Beyond this initial training, it is up to the owner to design a lifelong plan to continue to reinforce the skills, bond, and enjoy time together. You might want to pursue another tricks title or enroll in an online class for freestyle ("dog dancing") or take an agility class once your puppy is old enough (closer to 2 years of age is when the growth plates are completely closed). You might want to add a training package to daycare. You might want to do fun things like rally obedience, learn to swim, therapy dog, get a Canine Good Citizenship (we recommend this for all pugs, but it is easier to do once they are out of puppy hood).
- Just know that “training” is a lifelong process, not just Puppy K. Don't let your pug become a hermit and a character from the gothic horror story "The Yellow Wallpaper".
SCHEDULE VET VISIT for wellness checkup (within 5 days of gotcha day).
PUPPY PROOF THE HOME & ORDER FOOD, VITAMINS, SUPPLIES (We provide a list of tips and items to gather in The Pug Bible and Puppy Primer e-books which will help your puppy succeed and more seamlessly transition to his/ her new home.)
While not required reading like The Pug Bible, we highly recommend the e-book Puppy Primer. Click the photo below for more.
PLAN YOUR DAILY SCHEDULES (if possible, take several days or even a week off from work after Gotcha day).
MAKE TRAVEL PLANS.
Pugs are social creatures. They need to continue practicing their social skills for life ... even if just an outing or 2 each week. Even if it's just riding with you to the bank or helping you pickup some potting soil at Home Depot or Christmas stocking fillers at Home Goods.
Even though Pickwick Pug owners are spread across the country, with pugs in Mexico, California, Colorado, Michigan, Iowa, New York, Indiana, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Oregon, and even England, it's still truly a "family" of folks. Many Pickwick pug families are truly close and even keep in touch with each other. Family is there for the good times and the bad so don't be afraid to reach out. While we only require periodic updates for the life of the pug, (no more than what rescue groups would require if you were to adopt a pug from them), most owners share even more often. We appreciate these updates and photos more than you'll ever know. We honestly think about every puppy we have bred regularly. We give owners space to live their life with their pug, but we also are always here for everyone if they ever need us. For the life of the pug.
ADD OUR CONTACT INFO
If at any time in the pug's life the owner is no longer able to care for the puppy or adult pug, we require in our contract that the pug be returned to us and we will either care for it ourselves or find an appropriate, and "Pickwick approved" amazing home. Or, if you have someone you want to place the pug with, (such as a family member), we need to interview this person (or family) and basically go through the entire application process with them before approving. This is what reputable breeders do and that is what we expect of all of our puppy buyers. When you work with a reputable breeder, you are helping to preserve the breed, and you are preventing the need for pugs to ever be surrendered to a shelter or rescue.
MAKE TRAVEL PLANS.
Pugs are social creatures. They need to continue practicing their social skills for life ... even if just an outing or 2 each week. Even if it's just riding with you to the bank or helping you pickup some potting soil at Home Depot or Christmas stocking fillers at Home Goods.
Even though Pickwick Pug owners are spread across the country, with pugs in Mexico, California, Colorado, Michigan, Iowa, New York, Indiana, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Oregon, and even England, it's still truly a "family" of folks. Many Pickwick pug families are truly close and even keep in touch with each other. Family is there for the good times and the bad so don't be afraid to reach out. While we only require periodic updates for the life of the pug, (no more than what rescue groups would require if you were to adopt a pug from them), most owners share even more often. We appreciate these updates and photos more than you'll ever know. We honestly think about every puppy we have bred regularly. We give owners space to live their life with their pug, but we also are always here for everyone if they ever need us. For the life of the pug.
ADD OUR CONTACT INFO
If at any time in the pug's life the owner is no longer able to care for the puppy or adult pug, we require in our contract that the pug be returned to us and we will either care for it ourselves or find an appropriate, and "Pickwick approved" amazing home. Or, if you have someone you want to place the pug with, (such as a family member), we need to interview this person (or family) and basically go through the entire application process with them before approving. This is what reputable breeders do and that is what we expect of all of our puppy buyers. When you work with a reputable breeder, you are helping to preserve the breed, and you are preventing the need for pugs to ever be surrendered to a shelter or rescue.
Gotcha Day: We do not ship puppies with a pet nanny or service. We do deliver personally, (for an extra fee), or ask that new owners travel to Alabama to pickup their pug or puppy. There is an international airport in Birmingham, and the Atlanta airport is about a 3 hour drive away. The in-person meeting is very important so that we can meet each puppy's owners, beyond Facetime or Zoom, and have a chance to review protocols, diet, and answer any questions. We review and sign 2 copies of the contract (the same contract provided for review after the initial virtual meeting). We keep one copy on file and the other is added to the puppy's folder which includes information on vaccinations, AKC registration, pedigree, microchip information, and more. We go over diet and exercise and other things like how to tape the ears, diet, grooming, and any other questions.
If you are looking to find a pug puppy today or tomorrow, then you need to look at the puppyspot-dot-com type puppy mill sites. You might even get a puppy overnight! (There are a LOT of backyard breeders and puppy mills out there.) It probably won't look like a true pug. You will know nothing about its background, its pedigree, its training, the genetic health screening completed on the parents, and grandparents. But, you'll have it. For life! And you’ll never have to hear from the breeder again. Even reputable rescue groups have a wait time and lengthy application process. We have also been active in rescue work for many decades and we adore our rescue pugs who are members of our grumble. We encourage you to consider rescue as well, and here is a great link to find rescue groups in your area. https://www.pugdogclubofamerica.com/pug-rescue-directory.html.
We hope you will enjoy the application and interview process and have fun learning things which will help you with any dog or any breed in the future. We hope you will choose to be a part of the Pickwick family, even if it means waiting a little while.
We believe strongly in the preservation of the pug breed. We purposefully breed pugs as closely to the breed standard as possible. We breed for health, appropriate temperament, train-ability, intelligence, conformation and beauty … inside and out. We include all recommended health testing and even additional testing which is not required by American Kennel Club breed parent club, The Pug Club of America. We only breed pugs who are healthy, exemplary, gorgeous pugs. As a Pickwick Pug owner, you will also be a part of the preservation of this magnificent, ancient breed.
Would you like to visit a Pickwick Pug? Pickwick Pugs live all over, so it might be possible that there is a Pickwick pug near you if you would like to see if it would be possible to meetup with in person. Click here to read owner testimonials. We love getting updates and photos of our puppies and pugs and cherish each and every one! We also rely on updates and photos/videos to provide invaluable feedback for future breeding plans.
Companions & Showpanions
Pug Puppy (12-24 weeks)
COMPANIONS: AKC registered pug puppies b/w 12-24 weeks of age who will solely be companions and pets. (Spay/neuter at appropriate age, typically closer to 1 year of age is healthiest for the pug.)
Companion Pickwick Pug Puppy (12-24 weeks of age)
A companion puppy will solely be a companion pet (with no breeding rights). Spay/neuter is required at the appropriate age (typically closer to 1 year of age is recommended). Things included with a Pickwick Companion Puppy (paid for by Pickwick Pugs):
A Pickwick pug puppy will be between the ages of 12-24 weeks of age on "gotcha day" (no younger than 12 weeks).
The puppies we breed are like our children. Their well-being is paramount to us and we want to find each pup the perfect match and perfect home resulting in our scrupulous selection process with an initial, in depth inquiry form, subsequent dialogue, and sometimes even home visits so we can find the perfect match for each pup and pug lover. Offspring of all Hill Country lines (those puppies out of Robert etc.) are available with limited AKC registration only. For other lines,
We strive to produce pugs who are beautiful inside and out. We believe that overall health, sound temperament, and sociability are equally important when meeting Pug Breed Standard, balanced in temperament and sociability as well as structure. One reason we include training for CGC (Canine Good Citizenship), and other work outside of conformation is that we want to make sure any pug we include in our breeding program is balanced in temperament, not just physical conformation, structure, and outward appearance. If one of our pugs would not be able to easily obtain a therapy dog or CGC title, we would not include this pug in our breeding program.
A companion puppy will solely be a companion pet (with no breeding rights). Spay/neuter is required at the appropriate age (typically closer to 1 year of age is recommended). Things included with a Pickwick Companion Puppy (paid for by Pickwick Pugs):
- AKC limited registration (paid for by Pickwick Pugs) (We register each puppy with AKC affording the opportunity to participate and earn titles in fun events such as agility, rally, scent work, barnhunt, tricks, therapy dog, Canine Good Citizenship, and more. We do not require participation in these events but strongly encourage them because they are SO much fun!
- AKC Reunite Microchip (paid for by Pickwick Pugs)
- Puppy folder with vet records, vaccinations, and all health records
- Pedigree from American Kennel Club (paid for by Pickwick Pugs)
- Vaccinations for age (If the puppy is 12 weeks of age, they will have received the first 2 rounds of puppy vaccinations and at least 2-3 physical examinations by board certified veterinarians, and all appropriate de-worming. If the puppy is 16 weeks or older, they will have also received the 3rd and final round of puppy vaccinations, all de-worming, physical examinations, plus rabies vaccination.
- De-worming at 6, 8 weeks (Strongid)
- Heartworm preventative (Heartguard) at 10 weeks and monthly thereafter.
- Puppy Basket with paw-painted canvas painting by the puppy, toys, blanket, food, treats etc.
- Extensive socialization and training using Puppy Culture protocols. Each puppy is even litterbox trained and EVERY PICKWICK PUG PUPPY earns an AKC Novice Tricks Title by 12 weeks of age, complete with a fancy certificate from AKC and official title of TKN after its name. Additionally, each puppy has worked regularly on basic manners such as drop it, leave it, wait, sit, down, stand, watch me, each puppy has also worked on house-training, loose leash walking, crate-training, and ofcourse those even fun tricks like bow, spin, fetch, shake, play the piano, and paint. We have studied with important dog training legends like Ian Dunbar and Victoria Stillwell, and we apply all we have learned when training and socializing the puppies. Perhaps this is why Pickwick puppies do so well on their flights and travels, transitioning to their new homes, and why they are almost always the "star students" of their puppy classes. Read more about Puppies Raised Using Puppy Culture.
A Pickwick pug puppy will be between the ages of 12-24 weeks of age on "gotcha day" (no younger than 12 weeks).
The puppies we breed are like our children. Their well-being is paramount to us and we want to find each pup the perfect match and perfect home resulting in our scrupulous selection process with an initial, in depth inquiry form, subsequent dialogue, and sometimes even home visits so we can find the perfect match for each pup and pug lover. Offspring of all Hill Country lines (those puppies out of Robert etc.) are available with limited AKC registration only. For other lines,
We strive to produce pugs who are beautiful inside and out. We believe that overall health, sound temperament, and sociability are equally important when meeting Pug Breed Standard, balanced in temperament and sociability as well as structure. One reason we include training for CGC (Canine Good Citizenship), and other work outside of conformation is that we want to make sure any pug we include in our breeding program is balanced in temperament, not just physical conformation, structure, and outward appearance. If one of our pugs would not be able to easily obtain a therapy dog or CGC title, we would not include this pug in our breeding program.
Young Adults, Retired Show Pugs and Pick-of-the Litters
Young adults or retired show pugs
If you are looking for a beautiful and healthy pug, bred by conscientious breeders, with an amazing pedigree, healthy and health tested AKC Champion parents, who is purposefully bred to be a superb representative of the pug breed standard ... yet you just don't have the time or energy to deal with house-training and raising a young puppy ... this is the perfect option for you.
There may be a time when a member of our grumble might grumble at being a member ..... a pug who would honestly be happier in a one or perhaps 2 dog home. Sometimes a puppy we chose as our pick of the litter doesn’t grow out as we had hoped (perhaps too small, too big). We need to be wise in keeping our own grumble to a manageable size so that we can remain responsible pug owners so sometimes it is important for us to make tough decisions in placing a pug who will not continue to be a part of our breeding program. Trust us, it is so hard to let go of these older pups but it is the right thing to do.
Since our own grumble of pugs who live with us are trained and socialized, (having enjoyed regular outings to dog shows/restaurants/ stores, go to work and church with us etc.) the few older pups and adults we have placed have adjusted quite well to a new home even when they are a few years old. While it’s such a huge loss for us and one of the toughest parts of what we’ve had to do, it’s worth it to see the pug getting so much attention and having a chance to do the job it was bred to do …. be a full-time companion, giving and receiving love in abundance.
The pug will have:
Many of the health screening tests we complete on all pugs who are to be included in the breeding program cannot be completed until the pug is 2 years of age or older but, usually, an older puppy will have completed PDE, PK, DM and other genetic testing done via a cheek swab with UC Davis. Always this pug is gorgeous (chosen as a pick of the litter to be a competitive show pug), often times already an AKC champion or well on its way to being one, usually having won many awards such as Best of Breed, Best Puppy in Show, Winners Bitch or Winners Dog, Best of Winners, Best of Opposite Sex etc. Sometimes they have even also already earned titles after their names such as AKC Novice Trick, Canine Good Citizenship, or Rally Obedience. Always these pups are house-trained as they live in our house, also litter-box trained (nice for rainy days and storms and hotel travel, and long car rides), and extremely socialized. Of course they are always fully vaccinated, and microchipped, and use to walking on a leash (and a show lead), used to being examined by a judge (holding a "stand stay") and know some fun tricks.
If you are looking for a beautiful and healthy pug, bred by conscientious breeders, with an amazing pedigree, healthy and health tested AKC Champion parents, who is purposefully bred to be a superb representative of the pug breed standard ... yet you just don't have the time or energy to deal with house-training and raising a young puppy ... this is the perfect option for you.
There may be a time when a member of our grumble might grumble at being a member ..... a pug who would honestly be happier in a one or perhaps 2 dog home. Sometimes a puppy we chose as our pick of the litter doesn’t grow out as we had hoped (perhaps too small, too big). We need to be wise in keeping our own grumble to a manageable size so that we can remain responsible pug owners so sometimes it is important for us to make tough decisions in placing a pug who will not continue to be a part of our breeding program. Trust us, it is so hard to let go of these older pups but it is the right thing to do.
Since our own grumble of pugs who live with us are trained and socialized, (having enjoyed regular outings to dog shows/restaurants/ stores, go to work and church with us etc.) the few older pups and adults we have placed have adjusted quite well to a new home even when they are a few years old. While it’s such a huge loss for us and one of the toughest parts of what we’ve had to do, it’s worth it to see the pug getting so much attention and having a chance to do the job it was bred to do …. be a full-time companion, giving and receiving love in abundance.
The pug will have:
- AKC registration (paid for by Pickwick Pugs)
- AKC Reunite Microchip (paid for by Pickwick Pugs)
- All age/breed appropriate vaccinations and up-to-date on Up-to-date on heart worm prevention
- Socialized and trained (more socialization than a typical pet as the pug has most likely participated in dog shows and other events, traveling extensively, staying in hotels, used to long car rides and such, trained to be examined by a judge and holding a stand-stay, walking on a leash and/or a show lead.)
- House-trained as the pug lives in our home with us, but also litter-box trained as we did this when they were a puppy plus we use litter boxes sometimes in hotel rooms when traveling.
- The pug may have also attained awards (like Best of Breed or Best Puppy in Show etc.) or titles like Novice Tricks, CGC, or rally and even AKC championships and genetic health testing if being considered for breeding program.
Many of the health screening tests we complete on all pugs who are to be included in the breeding program cannot be completed until the pug is 2 years of age or older but, usually, an older puppy will have completed PDE, PK, DM and other genetic testing done via a cheek swab with UC Davis. Always this pug is gorgeous (chosen as a pick of the litter to be a competitive show pug), often times already an AKC champion or well on its way to being one, usually having won many awards such as Best of Breed, Best Puppy in Show, Winners Bitch or Winners Dog, Best of Winners, Best of Opposite Sex etc. Sometimes they have even also already earned titles after their names such as AKC Novice Trick, Canine Good Citizenship, or Rally Obedience. Always these pups are house-trained as they live in our house, also litter-box trained (nice for rainy days and storms and hotel travel, and long car rides), and extremely socialized. Of course they are always fully vaccinated, and microchipped, and use to walking on a leash (and a show lead), used to being examined by a judge (holding a "stand stay") and know some fun tricks.
SHOW PROSPECTS
Puppies are sold as companion pugs (pets) with limited registration. Pugs sold as show prospects have separate contracts and placements are considered on an individual basis. We do require that all prospective owners complete the inquiry/application form online, even prospective show homes since all Pickwick puppies, show or companion, are bred to be companions first and foremost and should live in a home as part of a family and not in a kennel.
Rescue & Foster Pugs & Pug Wannabees
Needing Forever Homes
(not bred by Pickwick Pugs)
|
|
Because of our work with rescue, we occasionally run across a pug (and other all-American dogs who wish they were pugs ;) who are looking for a forever home. Through our work with Furever Home Rescue. we help other rescue groups with training, fostering, socializing, and general care until the perfect match is found for the dog's forever home and adoption. If you are looking for a rescue, a wonderful resource is Pug Rescue Directory - PUG DOG CLUB OF AMERICA.
Beatrix, from the Beatrix Potter Litter, lives in New Jersey.
|
Poldark Litter Puppies now live in Florida, Wesconsin, Tennessee (certified therapy dog), Oregon, Alabama, and New York City.
|
|
|
|
