When selecting a Pug pup a good rule of thumb to follow is to choose the puppy best suited for you. Whatever you do, do not be carried away by the expressive eyes of the Pug and have the canine choose you. Well-meaning friends may advise you to pick the one who runs right up to you and eagerly wags its tail at the sight of you. However, this only results in the boldest and pushiest puppies to be chosen above all. Gentler puppies that politely wait their turn for attention may be pushed to the background and completely ignored in the process of picking. Make it your resolve to get to know each puppy and give them all a fair shake before making a decision.
Pugs may present themselves as something likeable, this may be amusing and cute at the beginning but may pose to be problematic later when you need to integrate the Pug dog into your home. You may discover that the readily sociable ones are the one who are more likely to be difficult to train later. On the other hand, a shy pup could equally be difficult to deal with especially if the trait of shyness is hardwired into its genes. A shy pup will grow up to be a shy adult who can be act defensively if frightened or startled.
Normal puppies are trusting, curious, and friendly. They would gather at your feet, pull on your shoelaces, nibble on your digits, crawl onto your lap, and usually would be on a quest to check out each and every little thing.
You will be able to learn something about the individual personality of a pup by seeing how they relate toward their littermates. Determining which ones are strong, bossy, outgoing, quiet, submissive, gentle, and which ones grab at toys will give you an idea of their temperament and individual traits. You will be able to determine all these by observation and will eventually help you conclude which ones in the litter are delicate and which ones are more stubborn than the rest.
Once you finish evaluating the whole lot you will want to observe each canine in its natural surroundings when away from the rest of the litter. This is after all what the situation will be when you bring home your Pug. Observe for major shifts in its actions and disposition when away from the rest. This will give you an idea of how the Pug will be once separated from its parents and siblings when taken home. Make it a point to get to know the unique personality of your soon-to-be Pug and it will save you from unexpected surprises. You will be able to determine if the Pug will get along well with the rest of the family.
Author and long-time animal lover. Sharing knowledge on pet care through experience and the written word. 