However, a Pug is not just a purchase; it is a 12-to-15-year commitment. Just as you wouldn’t buy a car without a title or a house without a deed, you should never accept a puppy without the proper paperwork. These documents are your puppy’s identity, medical history, and legal safety net.
Whether you are buying from a show breeder in London or a family breeder in Ohio, the documentation standards remain high. If you are wondering what should be in that folder the breeder hands you, here is the comprehensive checklist of documents that must accompany your new Pug.
1. The Medical Dossier: Veterinary Records
The most immediate concern for any new puppy parent is health. Pugs are a brachycephalic breed, meaning their health needs are specific and immediate. You should never take a breeder’s word that “shots are up to date”; you need proof.
Vaccination Certificate
Your puppy cannot step foot in a public park until they are fully vaccinated. The breeder must provide a veterinary-signed card or printout detailing:
- Dates of administration: Puppies usually receive their first round of shots (distemper, parvovirus, etc.) at 6 to 8 weeks old.
- Batch numbers: The sticker from the vaccine vial should be attached to the record. This is crucial for tracing vaccine batches in case of a recall.
- Next due date: A clear schedule of when the second and third rounds are needed.
Deworming History
Intestinal parasites are common in puppies. The paperwork should list the specific dates the puppy was dewormed and the product used (e.g., Panacur or Drontal). This helps your vet know when to administer the next dose.
Microchip Registration
In many countries (including the UK and parts of the EU), microchipping is a legal requirement before the sale. In the US and elsewhere, it is a standard practice for reputable breeders. You should receive:
- The unique microchip ID number.
- Paperwork to transfer the registration from the breeder’s name to yours.
- Note: If the dog is lost, this chip is their ticket home.
Veterinary Health Certificate
A general receipt is not enough. You need a signed statement from a licensed veterinarian certifying that the puppy was examined within the last few days and is free of communicable diseases, heart murmurs, and obvious congenital defects. For Pugs, this exam should specifically note that the nostrils (nares) are open enough for breathing and the eyes are free of ulcers.
2. The Lineage: Pedigree and Registration
Unless you adopted your Pug from a rescue shelter, you are likely paying a premium for a purebred dog. The only proof of this status is the registration paper.
Kennel Club Registration Application
Depending on your location, this will be from the AKC (USA), KC (UK), CKC (Canada), or ANKC (Australia).
- “Papers in Hand”: Ideally, the breeder gives you the official registration certificate.
- The Application: More commonly, you receive a pre-filled application to register the puppy in your name.
- Limited vs. Full Registration: Be prepared to see “Limited Registration.” This means the dog is a purebred Pug and can participate in agility or obedience, but cannot be used for breeding. This is standard for pet-quality puppies to prevent backyard breeding.
The Pedigree (The Family Tree)
This is a chart showing 3 to 5 generations of your puppy’s ancestors.
- Why it matters: It’s not just about bragging rights. It helps you track health trends. If you see many “Ch.” (Champions) in the lineage, it implies the ancestors conformed to the breed standard, which usually correlates to better structure and temperament.
- Inbreeding Coefficient: In some regions, this document includes a percentage indicating how closely related the parents were. Lower is generally better for health.
3. Genetic Health Screenings
This is the document that separates the “great” breeders from the “average” ones. Because Pugs are prone to specific genetic disorders, responsible breeders test the parents.
You should ask for copies of the parents’ health tests, or a document certifying the puppy’s status regarding:
- PDE (Pug Dog Encephalitis): A fatal inflammatory brain disease unique to Pugs. You want to know if your puppy is at low risk (N/N or N/S).
- PK Def (Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency): A disease affecting red blood cells.
- Eyes and Hips: Certifications (like OFA in the US or BVA in the UK) showing the parents do not suffer from severe hip dysplasia or hereditary eye conditions.
4. The Legal Safety Net: The Contract
Never buy a puppy on a handshake. A written contract protects both you and the breeder—but mostly, it protects the dog.
The Bill of Sale
A basic receipt stating the price paid, the date, the description of the dog (color, sex, markings), and the signatures of both parties.
The Health Guarantee
This is vital. A standard health guarantee covers the puppy for 1 to 2 years against genetic defects that would severely impact their life (e.g., severe hip dysplasia or heart defects).
- Read the fine print: Some contracts require you to see a vet within 72 hours of purchase to validate the guarantee. If you miss this window, the warranty is void.
The “Return to Breeder” Clause
This is the hallmark of an ethical breeder. The contract should state that if, for any reason, you can no longer keep the dog (whether in 2 weeks or 10 years), the dog must be returned to the breeder rather than dropped off at a shelter. This ensures no dog from their bloodline ever ends up homeless.
Spay/Neuter Agreement
If you bought the dog on “Limited Registration,” the contract will likely stipulate that you must spay or neuter the dog by a certain age (usually between 6 to 12 months).
5. The Care Package: The “User Manual”
While not legal documents, these papers are essential for your puppy’s transition. A good breeder wants their puppy to succeed in your home.
Diet Sheet
Pugs have sensitive stomachs. The breeder should provide a document detailing exactly what brand of food the puppy is eating, how much, and at what times.
- Pro Tip: Do not change this diet for at least two weeks. If you do switch, do it gradually.
Socialization and Care Guide
This often includes tips on grooming the facial folds, cleaning ears, and crate training.
- Resource Integration: New owners often feel overwhelmed by the list of required gear—specific wrinkle wipes, harnesses that don’t press on the throat, and puzzle toys for food-motivated Pugs. Many breeders now curate lists of recommended products. Instead of blindly searching the internet, it is often helpful to cross-reference your breeder’s list with a specialized breed-specific hub like Pugazon. Using a dedicated resource ensures you are looking at gear rated specifically for the Pug physique, rather than generic dog items that might not fit a barrel-chested, flat-faced breed.
Red Flags: “I’ll Mail the Papers Later”
Be hyper-vigilant if a breeder tries to cut corners on documentation. Here are three scenarios where you should walk away:
- ” The papers are in the mail”: In the digital age, this is rarely true. If they don’t have the registration papers, they likely never registered the litter, or the parents aren’t actually purebred.
- “Papers cost extra”: This is a classic puppy mill tactic. Registration costs a breeder a nominal fee (usually under $30). If they charge you hundreds of dollars extra for “papers,” they are scamming you.
- Handwritten Vaccines on a Napkin: If the vaccine record is just handwritten dates on a piece of paper with no vet stamp and no vial stickers, assume the dog is not vaccinated. You will be paying for a full round of shots at your own vet.
Conclusion
The folder you take home with your Pug is the foundation of your life together. It proves your dog is healthy, legally yours, and bred with care.
Taking the time to verify these documents might feel like a hassle when there is a cute puppy trying to chew your shoelaces, but it saves you from heartache and financial drain down the road. A reputable breeder will be proud to hand over this stack of paper—it represents their hard work and dedication to the breed.
So, check the dates, sign the contract, and file that folder away safely. With the paperwork sorted, you can focus on the important stuff: belly rubs, face cleaning, and the endless joy of owning a Pug.
