What to Look for in a Pug Breeder: UK Guide 2025

When you’re in the market to buy pug puppies, choosing a responsible breeder is paramount. Pugs are a complex breed with unique health and conformation challenges, so your choice impacts your future pet’s wellbeing and lifespan.

In this updated 2025 UK guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting a pug breeder. This information helps you avoid common pitfalls and secure a healthy, happy pug puppy.

1. Critically Analysing Puppy Adverts

Start by reviewing adverts carefully. Look for clear, well-lit photos of the puppies, their mother, and ideally the sire. These images give clues about conformation and help you spot exaggerated features that may cause health issues.

Read advert details thoroughly—responsible breeders share health testing information openly, demonstrate pride in their lines, and provide honest, comprehensive descriptions. Avoid ads lacking transparency or with scarce information.

2. Research the Breeder Before Visiting

Before booking visits, research breeders online. Check their reputation, number of litters advertised recently, and whether they operate responsibly or resemble a high-volume commercial breeder. Large-scale breeders masking activity require caution.

Use The Kennel Club’s health test results finder to verify that breeding dogs have undergone necessary health screening relevant to pugs.

3. Kennel Club Registration and Assured Breeders

Breeders registered with The Kennel Club follow limits on litter numbers and some surgical restrictions (like caesarean sections). Puppies that are not registered may come from less scrupulous sources.

Breeders in the Kennel Club’s Assured Breeder Scheme are subjected to regular inspections and strict health and welfare criteria. This scheme offers extra reassurance but doesn’t replace personal due diligence.

4. Health Testing and Improvement

Pugs face breed-specific health risks, especially respiratory issues due to their flat faces. Responsible breeders perform all recommended health tests on parent dogs and share results before you buy.

In 2025, Respiratory Function Grading (RFG) certificates are becoming integral, helping reduce brachycephalic airway problems. Additionally, DNA health testing tools are increasingly recommended for detecting hereditary conditions.

5. Assessing Conformation and Temperament

Beware of pugs with overly flat faces and extreme features. These exaggerations often lead to breathing difficulties and heat intolerance, severely affecting quality of life.

Meet the parents to evaluate their temperament and physical condition. Avoid puppies whose parents have undergone corrective surgeries or display severe conformational faults.

6. Inspecting Breeder Facilities and Environment

A responsible breeder will invite you to see where puppies are born and raised, typically a home environment—not just a kennel or a neutral meeting place. The mother should be present with the litter, reflecting good welfare practices.

Facilities should be clean, spacious, and safe. Puppies should show signs of socialisation and good care.

7. Transparent Communication and Support

Good breeders are knowledgeable, patient, and willing to provide ongoing support. They will ask about your lifestyle to ensure a good match and discuss puppy care, training, and health after the sale.

If a breeder is reluctant to answer questions or provide information, rethink your choice.

8. Reviewing Sales Contract and Aftersales Policy

Before committing, ask to see the sales contract and policies. Look for clauses detailing what happens if a puppy develops health issues after sale and what support or recourse the breeder offers.

Responsible breeders are transparent about their terms and stand behind their puppies’ health and welfare.

9. Legal Compliance and Licensing

Ensure the breeder holds a valid local council dog breeding licence, required by UK law for those breeding and selling puppies commercially. Licences confirm compliance with welfare standards and regular inspections.

Illegal or unlicensed breeding can result in poor puppy health and welfare and should be avoided at all costs.

10. Watch for Red Flags

• The mother is not present or unavailable for viewing.
• No proper health documentation (no vaccination, worming, microchip, or health tests).
• Pressure to buy quickly or unwillingness to answer questions.
• Puppies offered below eight weeks old (illegal in the UK).
• Sales conducted through third parties or impersonal settings.

By recognising these warning signs, you protect both yourself and the puppy’s welfare.

Conclusion

Selecting a pug breeder in the UK in 2025 demands careful research and informed judgement. Always prioritise health testing, legal licensing, transparency, and personal visits. Meeting the parents, reviewing paperwork, and engaging with breeders who offer ongoing support will help ensure your new pug puppy grows into a happy, healthy companion for years to come.