Frequently Asked Questions

In this section we provide information and answers that many of our previous families asked. Let us know if you need further clarification before and after you pickup your puppy.

1 - What food shall I buy in preparation for my new puppy and for when it becomes an adult?
A: All our dogs eat exclusively Royal Canin as we've tested many brands and home-prepared foods over the years and are sure that Royal Canin is absolutely the best. The exact food we recommend you buy for your new puppy is "Royal Canin Small Puppy". We also give all our families a new puppy care kit that includes a sample of this food, a measuring cup and a table with exact amounts to feed until 10 months old. After 10 months we recommend what we use for our own adult dogs: “Royal Canin Small Adult dry dog food“

2 - What else shall I buy to receive my new puppy?
A: These are items that many families ask about and its a good idea to get: leash, collar (10' or medium with as much adjustment as possible), crate for inside the home and urine remover spray.

3 - After coming home my puppy seems sad and is not finishing its food, shall I worry?
A: As you settle your new puppy into your home, there will be a period of adaptation (usually one week) where it can behave in “unusual” ways like lacking appetite, appearing sad, and showing restlessness especially in its crate. These behaviors on their own are normal during the adaptation period and should not alarm you.
However, below is a list of other events and behaviors, that coupled with the above, could indicate that a call to your vet might be necessary.
- If your puppy has completely ignored their daily meal(s) and isn’t showing interest in their meal(s) the next day.
- If your puppy is vomiting and/or having diarrhea.
- If your puppy has sudden decreased energy. (Keep in mind that multiple naps during the day, especially after exercise are normal.)
- If multiple dogs in your home, or among your circle of friends, are also experiencing sudden decreased appetite.
- If you know your puppy has recently gotten into the trash or other potential source of harmful substance.
- If any toys are recently missing or destroyed.
- If your puppy’s breeder tells you that other dogs in the litter are ill (We will contact you).

4 - What do I need to do to pick up my puppy by plane?
A: The majority of our families pickup puppies by flying into Greenville SC, this is very easy and convenient and here is what you need:
a) Buy an in-cabin, soft carrier (max dimensions are L=18', W=10', H=11'). You can purchase it before or buy one from us here. We had carriers custom made to fit in all flights we've tried around the world.
b) Call your airline and tell them to add a pet-in-cabin to your reservation. Our 16 week-old-puppies are under 10 lbs each, so two can fit two in one carrier. Pay the airline fee.
c) We will give you your puppy's medical documents including their vaccination records. Airlines might request to verify their age and rabies vaccine.
d) We will give you puppy pads and show you how we wrap them in their carrier to absorb accidents and so they are easy to change if needed.
e) Make sure your puppy gets water if your trip/flight is longer than two hours. Give them more water and feed them as soon as you get home.
f) Sanitizing cleaning wipes are a great idea.

5 - What do I need to do to pick up my puppy by car?
A: Bring a soft or hard carrier with these approx dimension (L=18', W=10', H=11') that can be wrapped with puppy pads or towels for cleaning. We do not recommend larger carriers because it will encourage them to go potty on one side and "live" on the other side. Bring water and food bowls for long trips as well as a leash and collar. Finally, some sanitizing cleaning wipes are a great idea.

6 - What's the best way to potty-train my puppy?
A: We have use the technique (explained in three variants) in the videos in the link below:
LINK TO POTTY TRAINING VIDEOS
These all work and the common elements are patience and consistency. If things are not going well, you can always send us a message and we'll try to help you.

7- Do all pugs have breathing, skin and eye problems?
A: Absolutely not. High quality pugs from champion lines do not have chronic breathing, skin or eye problems. Champion pugs are that because they exemplify the standards of the breed and these standards are not in opposition with health.
Most pugs do snort but their breathing does not interfere with their normal activities. You do have to be careful not letting them overheat, pugs are indoor dogs and shall not be left outside unattended or exercised excessively. Pugs, as other short-snout breeds do not have a long snout to serve as a barrier between the world and their eyes, so you have to exercise extra care with objects that can hurt heir eyes like low-lying branches and cat or dog scratches.
Finally, we teach all our families how to clean their facial fold, this takes a minute every couple weeks depending on their activity level and will assure healthy skin.

8 - How much shall I walk my pug?
A: In our experience, pugs do great with about half a mile everyday. In cold months this could be longer, in hotter times this will be shorter or even not possible. Most pugs love walks but do not need them everyday if its not your lifestyle.

9- Can I give human food and snacks to my pug?
A: Physiologically, all your pug needs is their measured amount of dry dog food and plenty of water, nothing else is required. Now, we understand that our pugs become nothing short of family-members for you and will get spoiled with treats, although not recommended, if you give them human food, do it sporadically and in very small amounts (thumb-nail size bites). Avoid bread and starch as much as possible, meat and vegetables are better.

10 - Will my pug shed a lot?
A: Pugs shed twice a year a moderate amount. We recommend you brush them during these shedding periods to reduce the amount of hair in the house. Fawns will shed more because they have a "double coat", plus fawn hair is more visible in general than black hair. There are periods of time when there is no shedding at all.

11 - Do I need to clean my pugs teeth or take it for professional cleanings?
A: If you feed them primarily the dry dog food we recommend, their teeth, mouth and gums will be very healthy and will not need regular cleanings. This is another reason why you shall minimize human food and treats.

12 - What is the lifespan of a pug?
A: Most of our pugs live around 15 years.

13 - Can I train my Pug?
A: Pugs are not at the top of "smart" breeds in the dog world, however, their loving and calm temperaments make them quite trainable for simple tasks and tricks. Some of our families have had great experiences with obedience training, check out Josie's testimonial for a link to her training videos.

14 - Do you recommend trimming my pugs hair?

A: We don't cut our pugs hair regularly, but my brother in law that competes with his pugs in competitions does, and they look incredible. What we recommend is that if, and only if you can find a groomer that knows how to trim pugs for competition, get its hair trimmed before a special occasion (vacation, family reunion, etc.) and they will look amazing. It is not necessary to trim their hair on an ongoing basis.