Purchasing a pug that you plan to show requires an initial investment of time. Go to as many dog shows as you can so you can see pugs in the ring and meet breeders. By seeing which dogs are winning, you'll have a better idea of what to look for when you're choosing a puppy. And when breeders see that you're serious, they'll be more inclined to sell you a pup with show potential.

As you learned in Chapter 2, the pug has a breed standard that describes the perfect dog. If you are interested in showing your pug, you'll want to choose a puppy whose conformation meets the standard as closely as possible. Take a copy of the standard with you when you look at puppies, and ask the breeder to explain why certain puppies are better show prospects than others. Certain things are givens. For instance, check to see that a male puppy has both testicles descended. Don't rely on vague assurances that a missing testicle is sure to drop down later.

Keep in mind, however, that a lot can change as a puppy matures. No reputable breeder will guarantee that a puppy will grow up to be a show-quality dog. He can only promise that a pup has show potential, based on its qualities at the time of purchase. That's one reason to consider purchasing an older puppy if you want a show dog. You'll have a better idea of what you're getting.

A pug puppy with show potential isn't going to come from the backyard litter bred by Joe Blow down the street. For best results, you'll need to find a well-known breeder with a reputation for producing nice show dogs. Finally, expect to pay a premium for a puppy with show potential.