Lazuli Pugs

🚨 LONG READ!!! 🚨 I’ve had several people ask how we go about choosing a show prospect from a litter, so here’s a breakdown of the process. Every breed has a breed standard set forth by their parent club, for pugs, the standard is set by Pug Dog Club of America. What we’re evaluating is structure, type, movement, and temperament. Here’s how ethical, preservation breeders typically narrow it down: 1. Understanding the Pug Breed Standard: The goal is to match the ideal pug described by the PDCA Pug standard: • Compact, square, cobby body • Large, round head with deep wrinkles • Short, blunt muzzle • Round, dark, prominent eyes • Small, thin ears (rose or button) • Tightly curled tail (preferably double curl) • Smooth, effortless movement Everything we evaluate ties back to how closely a puppy may mature into the ideal show pug. 2. Evaluating Structure (Conformation): This is the most important part for show potential. As this is how the pug “conforms” to the breed standard. We will look at: • Topline: Level back (not roached or dipping) • Front assembly: Proper shoulder layback and straight legs • Rear assembly: Good angulation for drive • Proportion: Balanced height-to-length ratio (square look, not rectangular) At around 8 weeks, puppies are often stacked (posed) on a show table and compared side-by-side. This is done often as puppies change day to day! 3. Movement (Gait): Even at a young age, movement gives you clues: • Should be smooth, free, and slightly rolling • No paddling, crossing, or stiffness • Good reach in front and drive behind We often watch puppies trot naturally to assess this. 4. Head Type & Expression: Pugs are a head breed! Pug expression is critical: • Big, round, dark eyes • Defined stop (indent between eyes) • Correct wrinkle pattern • Muzzle length balanced—not too flat or too long Since head type develops over time, this is partly experience and prediction. 5. Coat & Color: Per the PDCA breed standard acceptable colors are fawn or black. Any other color is a product of breeding to another breed. • Clear coat color (no muddiness) • Strong black mask (in fawn pugs) • Thumbprint marking on forehead preferred 6. Temperament: A show pug must have the right personality! • Outgoing, confident, and stable • Not shy or overly reactive • Willing to be handled by judges We often look for the puppy that naturally stands out and engages with people. We want to see confident, “go get’em” puppies! 7. Watching Development Over Time: Sometimes we don’t always decide immediately, it can take time! • We may hold multiple puppies until 10–12 weeks (or longer) • Puppies can change a lot as they grow (growth spurts, proportions shift) 8. Health & Soundness: It’s not always about a pretty face and it’s more than a beauty pageant. Even the prettiest puppy won’t be kept for show if: • There are bite issues (undershot is correct, but must be proper) • Structural faults affect movement • Genetic health concerns are present 9. Experience & “Breeder’s Eye”. This is the intangible part. Experienced breeders learn to predict adult structure from puppy traits and they often compare the litter to past dogs in their lines. Sometimes the “best” puppy isn’t obvious to a beginner. Even with all this, not every “promising” puppy turns out to be show-quality. Some “pet” puppies mature beautifully, and vice versa. We know everyone is excited about welcoming their newest family members, but we ask for patience as it’s not black & white when selecting our up & coming show prospects. If you stuck around long enough to reach this point- thank you! @everyone