Selecting a puppy can be a difficult decision. It’s important to find a breeder that you’re comfortable with, and that has an outstanding reputation.

We recommend that you NEVER purchase a puppy from a pet store, or from a breeder which you can’t visit in person.

Always take the time to get references from the breeder. A good breeder won’t be offended by your request to visit or obtain references. They will welcome it.

Take the time to find out what type of testing they do with their dogs, and why type of heath guarantee is offered. It may also help to find out how long they’ve been breeding Puggles, and what other breeds they have experience with.

If possible, try to determine their motivation for breeding a “new breed” of dog. You want a breeder that’s dedicated to help in the development of the breed, and not one that’s looking to profit on a “hot breed”.

Once you’re ready to begin your breeder search, please check with some of the breeders listed here: http://www.puggle-dogs.net/breeders/directory

As with any currently popular dog, many people worry about finding a reputable Puggle breeder. One main concern is if the breeder is just trying to cash in on a trend or if the breeder really cares about the dogs. When selecting a breeder for your Puggle, or any hybrid dog, always check to make sure the breeder is registered with the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), in Arkansas. The ACHC currently has about 50 registered Puggle breeders. The ACHC registers individual Puggles with purebred parents only.

Look for a breeder who takes care of the dogs, one who keeps them healthy, allows them to run around and not stay stuck in a cage all the time. Ask many questions and make sure they are answered. Questions such as:

• Does the breeder sell to pet shops? A quality breeder will probably have too much business, and only the number of dogs she can handle, to need to sell dogs to a pet store.
• How many and what breeds does the breeder deal with? If Puggles are the seller's first attempt at breeding, then pass. An experienced breeder specializing in pugs or beagles is the best choice.
• Ask to see the parents, or at least pictures of them, and a detailed pedigree as well. Even though Puggles are hybrids, possession of a pedigree will mean the breeder is responsible and the parents are purebreds.
• If the Puggle puppies are over eight weeks old, they should have had the first round of vaccination. Ask to see charts.
• On a related note, does the breeder sell puppies younger than 7 weeks? It is generally agreed that puppies should be no younger than 7 weeks to ensure weaning at the proper time and a healthy social life.
• There should be a contract. Look it over carefully. A reputable breeder will take back the dog for any reason, rather than see it not properly cared for.

Also, make sure the breeder asks you questions. A good seller carefully chooses his buyer. Many try to match personalities of individual puppies to individual families. The breeder also wants to make sure the Puggle is going to a good home and will not end up abandoned. Be sure you are completely honest in your answers to get the best match for your situation.

If possible, visit the breeder in person, or at least inquire about his or her reputation. There is a Yahoo! Group devoted to Puggles at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/puggles/. Join the group and ask about reputable breeders in your area.

There is some controversy over shipping methods. Some breeders will not ship a dog alone, claiming traveling alone is too stressful for a puppy, especially flying. Other breeders say it isn't stressful at all. Their position is that dogs aren't afraid of flying the way humans are and that the pups are the last ones boarded and the first ones unboarded. You will need to work with your Puggle breeder on this issue.

Picking the right breeder will make your purchase of a Puggle puppy pleasurable. The probability of acquiring a happy healthy dog is greatly increased when you have selected on of good breeding stock and from a caring, reputable breeder.

Note: Listing on puggle-dogs.net does not constitute an endorsement. Buyers must perform the due diligence necessary before purchasing a puppy.