At Dixie Pugs of Tennessee, placing our puppies is a thoughtful and intentional process. Our goal is to ensure every puppy is placed in a loving, well-prepared home where they will thrive for a lifetime. Transparency, communication, and shared values are essential to creating successful placements.

Below you’ll find an overview of our process, pricing, and what to expect when adopting a puppy from us.

STEP 1: APPLICATION

All prospective families begin by completing our Puppy Application. This allows us to learn more about you, your lifestyle, and what you’re looking for in a Pug.

Once your application is received:
• We review it carefully
• We schedule a brief phone or Zoom conversation to answer questions on both sides
• If approved, you will be invited to join our waitlist

We welcome questions at every stage and are always happy to help.

STEP 2: WAITLIST & DEPOSIT

To join our waitlist, a $200 non-refundable deposit is required. This amount is applied toward the total purchase price of your puppy.

Our waitlist is carefully managed to ensure we never overcommit:
• We open and close it based on availability
• We plan breedings, litters, and schedules around our dogs and waitlisted families
• This allows us to give each litter and family our full attention

STEP 3: BREEDING, BIRTH & PUPPY MATCHING

We do not breed on a set schedule. Each breeding is planned intentionally, and availability is confirmed only after puppies are born.

Once puppies arrive and we know we have a puppy available for you:
• A puppy deposit equal to 50% of the total purchase price is due
• Deposits may be paid via Apple Pay, Venmo, or Zelle
• The remaining balance is due in cash at pickup

Puppy selection is guided by temperament, structure, and compatibility, using Puppy Aptitude Testing to help ensure the best possible match for each family.

PRICING

Our puppies are priced between $3,000–$3,300.

Pricing is influenced by factors such as:
• Breeding circumstances
• Stud service fees
• Whelping considerations (including C-sections, if needed)

We are always happy to discuss pricing openly and answer any questions you may have.

HEALTH & REGISTRATION

All parent dogs are AKC registered, and our goal is to produce puppies that meet or exceed the AKC/PDCA Pug standard.

Each puppy goes home with:
• Prepaid AKC registration
• Microchip with AKC Reunite, including prepaid lifetime enrollment
• Veterinary health check and health certificate
• Age-appropriate puppy vaccinations
• Routine deworming at 3, 6, and 9 weeks
• Dewclaws removed

CONTRACTS & GUARANTEES

We believe in clear expectations and transparency.

Each puppy is placed with:
• A written purchase contract
• A 1-year health guarantee
• A no-shelter clause, ensuring our dogs are never surrendered to a shelter

Sample copies of our contracts and protocols are available publicly in our Resources & Policies section.

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM OUR FAMILIES

Welcoming a puppy into your home is a meaningful, long-term commitment, and we believe the best placements happen when values and expectations are shared from the very beginning.

When adopting a puppy from Dixie Pugs of Tennessee, we ask that our families:
• Commit to their puppy for a lifetime
• Provide consistent veterinary care
• Follow recommended care guidelines
• Continue socialization and training
• Maintain open communication
• Respect our return policy

These shared expectations help ensure every Dixie Pug has a secure, loving life.

PUPPY PREPARATION & GO-HOME PACKAGE

Our puppies are raised in our home and prepared with early developmental practices designed to support confidence and adaptability.

Each puppy goes home with a thoughtfully prepared go-home kit, which includes:
• Food to ease dietary transition
• Toys
• A blanket with their name hand-embroidered, carrying familiar scents from home

NUTRITION & SUPPLEMENTS

Our adult dogs receive daily supplements, and puppies begin age-appropriate supplementation at five weeks.

We openly share our current food and supplement recommendations in our Resources & Policies section as part of our commitment to transparency and education.

LIFELONG SUPPORT

Our responsibility doesn’t end at pickup. We proudly offer lifelong breeder support and remain available to our puppy families throughout the life of their dog.

When you adopt from Dixie Pugs of Tennessee, you’re not just bringing home a puppy—you’re joining an extended family.

READY TO APPLY

If you feel our program may be the right fit for you, we invite you to complete our Puppy Application.

If you have questions at any point, please don’t hesitate to reach out:
(615) 887-4299

Other Information & Forms

Payment options include Venmo, Zelle and ApplePay. See the individual contracts for more details.

Puppy Adoption Process | Dixie Pugs of Tennessee