List of Pug Breeders in Illinois (IL) You Can Trust

Want to look for a Pug puppy for sale in Illinois? You’ve come to the right place.

Choosing the right Pug breeders in Illinois can be a daunting prospect – especially for first-time Pug owners.

If you’re not sure where to start, check out our guide all about the best Pug breeders in Illinois.


List of Pug Breeders in Illinois (IL) You Can Trust

1. Sharp Pugs

Each pup at Sharp Pugs is treated as a member of the family and receives tons of love and attention.

When you purchase a pup from Sharp Pugs you’ll receive an AKC registered pup complete with a health guarantee, unique colorations, and distinctive genetics.

These pups are bred for exceptional personalities and raised with love and affection from day one. Everyone who purchases a Pug from Sharp Pugs is treated as an extension of the family.

The family’s top priority is placing their gorgeous pups with families that are going to love Pugs just as much as they do.

For beautiful and emotionally rounded Pugs, think no further than Sharp Pugs.

2. AJ Pug Ranch

  • Carmi, Southern Illinois
  • Phone: 618-265-3539
  • Email: ajpugs1@yahoo.com
  • Website: http://www.ajpugranch.com/
  • AJ Pug Ranch is a Pug breeder in Southern Illinois. Here you’ll find fully AKC registered, state-licensed, and DNA tested black and fawn Pugs.

Jannie Powell runs the Pug Rach and has been raising pedigree Pugs for over 20 years now.

Each puppy is guaranteed for three months, covering hereditary issues. The Pug Ranch is a state-of-the-art facility that is fully temperature-controlled and offers plenty of space for fun and play.

All puppies come with their 6-week shots, 8-week shorts, and (if needed) 12-week shots and deworming. Pugs stay at the ranch until at least 8-weeks when you’ll be able to take them home!

3. DreamCatcher Hill Puppies

Dreamcatcher Hill isn’t just a Pug breeder, it’s an entire farm run by Laurel Grench and family in Brighton Illinois.

As well as keeping many farm animals including horses, goats, pigs, and ducks, Laurel has been raising purebred puppies for over 30 years.

Today Dreamcatcher Hill is home to Westies, Frenchies, Cavaliers, Poodles, Bulldogs, and – of course- Pugs.

The family also runs a small rescue operation for dogs in much need of loving homes.

4. Patoka Pugs ‘N Kisses

Patoka Pugs ‘N Kisses breed for health, temperament, and conformation. But, most importantly, they breed for their love of the Pug breed. Their show-quality Pugs are bred from champion lines.

If you’re after a Grand Champion sired puppy, you can get in touch with Patoka Pugs as sometimes champion sired Pugs do become available.

All Patoka Pugs come with a health guarantee and contract for extra security.

These breeders take their breeding programs very seriously. Each pup is cared for and raised with the utmost care.

Patoka Pugs takes all the necessary measures to plan their breeding program in accordance with Pug and Bully breeding best practices. They will consider everything from health to temperament when breeding and raising their pups.

Patoka Pugs conduct in-depth pedigree research, health test each pup for genetic disease, and even offer a two year health warranty.

Homing pups is a two-way street. As well as ensuring that the pups themselves are all healthy, happy, and thriving, Patoka Pugs do their utmost to ensure that all their puppies are homed in responsible, loving homes.

As such, they will screen all applicants thoroughly. Prospective parents deemed suitable will then enjoy a lifetime of friendship and support from Patoka Pugs.

5. Lily Lou Pugs  

Lily Lous Pugs operates in and around the Illinois area. All dogs and pups are raised in the home where they are handled daily alongside other pets.

Abunaks are never caged or kenneled. Lily Lou Pugs even has their own TikTok account. So why not check out some of Lily Lou’s Pugs in action?


What Makes Reputable Pug Breeders in Illinois (IL)

Reputable Pug breeders aren’t in it just for the money. They love their dogs and show commitment to the betterment of the breed in everything they do.

But how can you spot reputable breeders when you start searching for a Pug puppy? Here are some tips to help you out.

A good breeder will…

1. Issue a health guarantee

Make sure that your breeder of choice offers a health guarantee. A reputable Pug breeder will write up a binding health guarantee for all of their puppies.

The guarantee protects you against any genetic defects or diseases. It shows that the breeder is confident that their puppies are bred according to best practices. In other words, they’ve got nothing to hide!

Responsible breeders also issue something known as a ‘return of puppy guarantee’. This means if you can no longer look after your pup for some reason, you will be expected to return the puppy to the breeder rather than taking them to a shelter.

2. Provide standard health clearances

Your breeder should have full health clearances for both parent Pugs.

Good breeders often provide some early health-check clearances for their pups too, although some health clearances simply cannot be carried on such young pups.

3. Issue a written bill of sale

Reputable breeders offer written bills of sale to all of their new Pug parents.

This bill of sale should be signed and will outline all the roles and responsibilities to be taken on by the buyer and seller as part of the transaction.

4. Vaccinate their puppies

All puppies should be up to date on their vaccinations before being homed with new families. Your breeder of choice should be able to provide evidence of these vaccinations.

5. Let you see the pups

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. Reputable breeders welcome prospective parents into their homes to see the puppies. They’ve got nothing to hide.

Plus, they also want to check you out, and see if you’re going to be a responsible owner.

6. Follow age guidelines

Puppies should never leave the litter before 8 weeks of age. Any breeder offering pups for adoption before this time is not following best practices.

In fact, this could be quite damaging for the puppy developmentally. A reputable breeder will keep their pups at home until eight to twelve weeks so that they can be properly socialized and spend that crucial time with their mother and litter-mates.

7. Answer your questions

Last, but not least, a reputable breeder will be knowledgeable. They will welcome your questions (as long as they’re puppy-related) and have confident answers.

In most cases, they will also want to ask you plenty of questions to ensure that their precious pups are going to good homes.

How And Where To Find Pug Puppies For Sale

If you are wondering how and where to find the best Pug Puppies for sale, we’ve prepared a very detailed guide in another post, you will learn:

  • how to find the best Pug breeders
  • tips to identify a good Pug breeder
  • and more

Check here to learn more about it.


How Do We Select The Pug Breeders in Illinois

Wondering how we go about selecting the best Pug Breeders?

We have a strict selection process that takes a variety of factors into account. That way we can ensure that only the best breeders end up on our lists.

1. Health testing/ clearances

We select breeders to carry out health testing and relevant health clearances on their dogs. This way we know that our chosen breeders offer genetically sound and healthy puppies.

Health testing shows a commitment to the health and wellbeing of each Pug. And that’s one of the most important traits to look out for in any breeding program.

2. Contact information

Any breeder that does not offer up their contact information is a big red flag.

A reputable breeder will make it easy for you to get in contact with them by providing telephone numbers, email addresses, and they will usually have a well-established website as well.

3. AKC listing

Registering with the American Kennel Club is a good sign in a breeder. It shows a commitment to breeding best practices.

However, it’s important to note that this alone does not guarantee the quality of a breeding program.

4. Event participation

Breeders who also compete in doggie events are often some of the best.

Why? Because these people tend to be dog lovers par excellence.

They live and breathe for their Pugs and are proud to show them off in public. They are also more likely to have a high level of breed knowledge – an excellent sign for a breeder.

5. Breed club membership

There are lots of breed clubs out there that breeders can register with. These clubs have rules, regulations, and membership fees.

If your breeder is registered with the Pug Dog Club of America, this is a great sign showing commitment to the Pug breed.

6. Recognition awards

Lastly, we look out for awards!

If a Pug breeder has won any accolades for their work with Pugs then that’s an A+ in our books.

Institutions like the AKC recognize the efforts and achievements of top breeders. The very best will be awarded the AKC recognition of merit award.


Bringing Home your Pug Puppy: Preparations and Tips

Once you’ve chosen your Pug puppy, you’ll have a short waiting period before you can bring them home.

During this time we recommend getting everything ready before your new arrival rattles through the front door. So, what should you do prior to your Pug’s homecoming?

1. Get all the essentials

You’ll need to go pre-puppy shopping before arrival day. Your puppy will need:

  • a crate for sleeping and training during the early days
  • quality puppy-grade food
  • a leash and harness
  • plenty of toys

You may also wish to purchase a puppy gate if there are areas of your home that you want to keep your Pug away from.

2. Puppy-proof your house

Speaking of puppy gates, you’ll also want to fully puppy-proof your home. This is all about making your home as safe as possible for your new arrival.

Make sure anything that could potentially cause harm to your pup is removed. You won’t want any medicines lying around, exposed electrical cords, detergents, chemicals, sharp or precarious objects.

3. Clear your schedule

Having a Pug puppy is a bit like having a human baby. It’s time-consuming. You’ll have so much to do once your puppy arrives.

So make sure to clear your schedule and get all of those errands done ahead of time!

Once they arrive…

4. Avoid crowds

Hold your excitement. You might want to show off your gorgeous puppy to the world, but to start off with you’ll want to provide a calm environment. That means no crowds.

Try to keep the home environment as stress-free as possible so that your puppy can settle in and start to feel part of the family.

5. Start training early

Almost as soon as the puppy arrives you’ll need to start some basic training.

Crate training is the first step. This will help them learn how to settle down in their ‘safe space’.

It’s worth starting house training too. Lay down a regular routine from the get to and your Pug will be good as gold in no time.


Pug Breeders in Other States

Pug Breeders Complete Guide
Pug Breeders in Pennsylvania Check here
Pug Breeders in Maryland Check here
Pug Breeders in New England Check here
Pug Breeders in Ohio Check here
Pug Breeders in Arizona Check here
Pug Breeders in Missouri Check here
Pug Breeders in Virginia Check here
Pug Breeders in Wisconsin Check here
Pug Breeders in Michigan Check here