Behind Every Pickwick Puppy
"A glimpse into the planning, care, and commitment behind every Pickwick litter."

Why Families Choose Pickwick
When families complete an application for a Pickwick puppy, they almost always tell us they're searching for more than simply a puppy. They are looking for a breeder who shares their values and is deeply committed to the long-term health and future of the Pug breed.
They often tell us they chose Pickwick because of our commitment to:

• Extensive health testing of our breeding dogs
• AKC Champion breeding stock
• Preservation breeding with carefully planned, limited litters
• Premium nutrition before and after birth
• Puppy Culture and purposeful early socialization
• Thoughtful temperament evaluation and puppy matching
• Raising puppies in our home with daily interaction and enrichment
• Early clicker training, confidence-building, and life skills
• Lifetime support for every Pickwick family

Everything we do begins with a deep love for the Pug breed and a commitment to preserving its future. Each carefully planned litter is an opportunity to protect the qualities that have made Pugs cherished companions for centuries while striving to improve health, temperament, and soundness for generations to come.

These things don't happen by accident. They require years of planning, significant financial investment, and countless hours of hands-on care.
Because quality always comes before quantity, we intentionally produce only a limited number of litters each year. This allows us to devote the individual attention, training, enrichment, and care every puppy deserves during the most important weeks of its life.

We invite you behind the scenes to see what goes into responsibly planning, raising, and preparing every Pickwick puppy before it ever joins its forever family.

It Begins Long Before Puppies Are Born
A beautiful litter begins years before a breeding ever takes place. Before a puppy is ever conceived, we invest in developing breeding dogs that exemplify the Pug breed in health, temperament, structure, and soundness. Every breeding decision is made with the next generation in mind. Our breeding dogs undergo:

• Extensive evaluations by board-certified veterinary specialists, including board-certified veterinary radiologists, ophthalmologists, cardiologists, behaviorists, and other specialists.
• Assessment proven in both AKC show ring and as beloved family companions
• DNA testing
• Genetic Testing (UC Davis - PDE, PKDef, DM)
• DNA testing
• Careful research through generations of pedigrees and consultation with longtime breeders of those lines

Thoughtful Decisions Shape Healthy Futures
Every breeding decision is guided by health testing, veterinary expertise, and a commitment to preserving the future of the Pug breed.

An AKC Championship demonstrates that a dog conforms to the breed standard. Health testing helps us determine whether that dog should contribute to the next generation. We believe both are essential.

Health Testing Is Only the Beginning
Extensive health testing is one of the hallmarks of responsible preservation breeding—but testing alone doesn't improve a breed. The results must be thoughtfully interpreted and used to make informed breeding decisions.

At Pickwick Pugs, every health evaluation has a purpose. Health testing is never performed simply to earn a certification or check a box—it helps guide every breeding decision we make. We carefully evaluate the results of DNA screening, orthopedic, cardiac, and ophthalmic examinations, along with pedigree research and overall breed quality, when determining whether a dog should contribute to the next generation.

While no breeder can eliminate every inherited condition or overcome the role of chance, we believe responsible preservation breeding means using every available piece of information to make thoughtful, informed decisions. Dogs that do not meet the standards we have established for our breeding program are not bred, regardless of titles or accomplishments in the show ring.

An AKC Championship demonstrates that a dog conforms to the breed standard. Health testing helps us determine whether that dog should contribute to the next generation. We believe both are essential.

For that reason, every dog selected for our breeding program must demonstrate exceptional health, sound structure, stable temperament, and adherence to the breed standard. We believe no single quality is sufficient on its own. Rather, it is the combination of health, temperament, structure, and breed type that best positions a dog to contribute positively to future generations of Pugs.

Healthy Mothers Give Puppies the Best Possible Start
Once a breeding has been thoughtfully planned, our focus shifts to supporting the health and well-being of the expectant mother. Every pregnancy receives careful veterinary supervision, premium nutrition, and reproductive support designed to give both the mother and her puppies the strongest possible beginning.

This includes:

• Progesterone testing
• Pregnancy ultrasounds
• Prenatal radiographs
• Veterinary examinations
• Premium reproductive supplements
• Premium nutrition throughout pregnancy and lactation

By combining thoughtful breeding decisions with exceptional prenatal care, our goal is to give every puppy the healthiest possible beginning and every mother the support she deserves throughout pregnancy and nursing.

The First Twelve Weeks Matter
The first twelve weeks of a puppy's life are among the most important.

Research has shown that these early experiences influence confidence, resilience, learning, and adaptability throughout life. Because of that, every day is planned with purpose.

Our puppies experience:

• Puppy Culture protocols
• Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)
• Early Scent Introduction (ESI)
• Clicker training
• Litter box training
• Crate introduction
• Outdoor potty training
• Novel textures and surfaces
• Sound desensitization
• Confidence-building exercises
• Temperament evaluations
• Daily enrichment
• Gentle handling
• Supervised exploration
• Individual cuddle sessions

Our puppies aren't simply waiting to go home. They're learning how to thrive in the human world.

Nutrition Matters
We believe lifelong health begins with excellent nutrition. Both our adult dogs and puppies receive premium nutrition throughout every stage of development.

Our program includes:

• PawTree nutrition
• Freeze-Dried Raw
• Fresh meats, Eggs, Fruits, Veggies, Oats, Rice, Quinoa, Yogurt, Pumpkin etc.
• Goat milk
• Fish oil
• Probiotics
• NuVet supplementation
• Premium training treats
  

Preparing for Their New Adventure
By the time a Pickwick puppy goes home, they have already accomplished quite a lot.

Each puppy leaves with:

• Welcome folder with AKC Educational Pamphlets
• AKC Registration Certificate (we pay for the puppy's registration)
• AKC Reunite Microchip (we pay for the puppy's microchip and implant by vet, plus cost of activation of microchip)
• Veterinary records
• Vaccination schedule and records
• AKC Novice Trick Dog title (certificate to be mailed by AKC to owner once pre-paid application is processed)
• 2 + months food and 4-6 months supplements (PawTree Puppy Ultimate Starter Kit plus Freeze-Dried Raw, additional treats, chews, NuVet Daily Vitamin, chews)
  • pawTree Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe, 10.3 lb. bag - real chicken as the first ingredient, this grain-free recipe is highly-digestible and nutritionally-dense, perfect for puppies with normal or underweight conditions. Enriched with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients, this balanced formula helps support healthy brain development, heart health, and a shiny coat
  • pawTree Salmon Beef Freeze-Dried Raw Food (full bag) - 75% Salmon and Beef and Organs, 25% wholesome Fruits & Vegetables and other Nutrients, a complete and balanced meal or a mix-in topper with your current food, packed with protein and gently freeze-dried to preserve the nutrients of every ingredient. GMO Free, antioxidant-rich, single-source animal protein recipe contains a delicious combination of salmon and beef, beef liver, beef hearts, garbanzo beans, sweet potatoes, beef bone broth, kale, apples, blueberries, carrots, and eggs. Developed by Veterinarians and PhDs in animal science and pet nutrition, it’s carefully crafted for dogs and cats in all life stages.)
  • Wild Alaskan Salmon & Pollock Oil, 8 oz: A nutrient-rich supplement full of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Sourced from wild-caught salmon and pollock, this oil supports healthy growth and development, promotes a shiny coat, and boosts immune function.
  • Gastro Pro Plus®, 30 ct - complete blend of probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and soothing herbs supports proper digestion and bowel health in dogs and cats of all breeds and sizes. Developed by veterinarians, it aids in maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle by promoting a balanced gastrointestinal tract.
  • pawPairings Superfood Seasoning Beef Medley: Elevate mealtime with this delicious freeze-dried superfood seasoning. Packed with a blend of nutritious fruits, vegetables, and vitamins, this seasoning adds variety and healthy antioxidants to your pet's diet, reducing mealtime boredom and enhancing overall nutrition.
  • pawTreats Freeze-Dried Turkey, Apples & Cinnamon: Treat your puppy to these all-natural, grain-free freeze-dried treats made with real meat and complementary fruits. With no fillers or artificial additives, these wholesome treats are perfect for training or as a tasty reward for your furry friend.
  • pawTreats Soft & Chewy Chicken, Bananas & Coconut Meaty Bites - premium meat-protein as the first ingredient - these natural treats are easy to tear and perfect for training or rewarding.
  • Plaque Control™ - A delicious, easy way to help control plaque and tartar on your pet's teeth, promoting normal periodontal health. Plaque Control's key ingredient is organic kelp which is sustainably harvested in the pristine waters off the Scandinavian coastline.
  • Urine Eliminator -  enzymatic technology-based stain and odor remover, effectively cleans urine stains and neutralize odors; safe for use on carpets, upholstery, and hard surfaces, this USA-made formula ensures a hygienic environment for your puppy.
  • Poop Bag Dispenser with Refill Bags: Convenient and durable poop bags for easy cleanup during potty training sessions or outdoor walks, ensuring a hygienic environment and hassle-free waste disposal.
• NuVet vitamins (4-6 month supply)
• Four-generation AKC pedigree
• Collar & leash
• Blanket carrying familiar scents
• Toys
• Lamb ear or other high quality chews
• Collapsible Bowl
• Clicker
• Target Stick
• Original painting, painted by the puppy itself!
• TBA - other fun things which vary with each puppy and litter
• Pug Puppy Prodigy Training e-book
• Lifetime breeder support

A Matter of Transparency
People are often surprised to learn that responsible preservation breeding is rarely a profitable endeavor.

Our purpose in sharing the information below is not to justify the price of a puppy. Rather, it is to offer a behind-the-scenes look at the investment required to responsibly plan, raise, and prepare a Pickwick litter.

The charts below provide a general idea of the direct expenses associated with raising a Pickwick litter. These figures do not include many of the year-round costs of maintaining a preservation breeding program, such as routine adult veterinary care, adult food and supplements, equipment, utilities, laundry, cleaning supplies, website expenses, insurance, PDCA club memberships, continuing education, health clinics, and the countless hours of hands-on labor involved.

A second chart shows how quickly costs can increase if a C-section, emergency room visit, or additional veterinary care is required—situations that are not uncommon in brachycephalic breeds.

What These Figures Do Not Include
Of course these figures do not include perhaps the greatest investment of all ... the hundreds of hours spent researching pedigrees, planning breedings, whelping puppies. 

Breeding pugs is nothing like breeding, say, a labrador. Because Pug puppies are small, fragile, and brachycephalic, the first weeks require close supervision. We do not leave the dam and puppies together unsupervised during the earliest stage. Instead, we oversee feedings every 90-minutes to 2 hours around the clock to ensure every puppy is nursing well, not aspirating milk, staying warm, gaining weight, and remaining safe. This level of care is demanding, but it is one of the ways we choose to protect our puppies during their most vulnerable days.

During the first three weeks alone, this means approximately 189–252 hours of direct, hands-on puppy supervision—about 9–12 hours every day—before laundry, cleaning, weight charts, meals, veterinary appointments, applications, updates, registrations, and all the other daily work of raising a litter.

And this is before accounting for things like:

• washing bedding
• laundry
• weighing puppies
• charting weights
• answering puppy inquiries
• veterinary appointments
• cleaning the whelping area
• preparing food and supplements for the dam
• ordering supplies
• website and social media updates
• preparing meals/formula 
• registering litter and pups with AKC
• ordering microchips etc.
• scheduling veterinary appointments, finding evaluators, scheduling puppy parties etc.

Why We Continue
By the time a litter has been thoughtfully planned, health tested, raised, and prepared for its new homes, the investment often exceeds the financial return. So why would anyone choose to do this? Because everything we do begins with a deep love for the Pug breed and a commitment to preserving its future.

Every carefully planned litter is an opportunity to preserve the qualities that have made Pugs cherished companions for centuries while striving to improve the health, temperament, and soundness of future generations. Watching a healthy, confident Pickwick puppy become a beloved member of a family is a reward that simply cannot be measured in dollars.

For us, preservation breeding has never been about producing puppies. 

It has always been about preserving a breed we love.