What if you can't find a reputable breeder in your area? It is possible to buy a dog long-distance, especially with the help of the Internet. Ask the breeder to e-mail or mail you photos or videos of the puppies and their relatives. If you know someone in the breeder's town, designate her or him to inspect the breeder's home and dogs. Ask for a written testimonial from the breeder's veterinarian (and be prepared to provide one from your veterinarian). Conduct an extensive phone interview so you're comfortable with the breeder's intentions and trust him to pick the perfect puppy for you. Since the breeder will be selecting the puppy for you, be sure you're clear on what you want as far as personality, color, and gender.

Ideally, you'll be able to go to the breeder's home and pick up the puppy in person. This gives you a chance to meet the breeder and puppy and see the environment the puppy was raised in before you make a final commitment. If that's not possible, try to find someone who's coming your way to bring the puppy in the cabin of the plane. Do your best to avoid shipping your puppy cargo. This flat-faced breed can overheat or suffer respiratory problems.

These mesh crates are perfect for keeping your pug comfortable when traveling.

If someone is delivering your pug pup to you or you're picking him up from cargo, don't forget to bring a collar and leash so you can take him out for a potty break as soon as you pick him up. If the flight was longer than two or three hours, he's sure to be crossing his legs and may even have had an accident in the crate. That's okay. With good housetraining, it's likely to be a one-time incident.

Let the breeder know he's arrived safely and then, if possible, make the veterinarian's office your first stop on the way home from the airport, to be sure the puppy is in good health. You don't want to get attached to him and then find out he has a serious health problem. Never buy from a breeder who sells only on a “no returns” basis. Once you and the veterinarian are satisfied with Pugsley's condition, take him home and start enjoying life together.