Twenty plus years ago a small group of individuals – all lovers of pugs – came together to form the Old Dominion Pug Dog Club. The goal? To promote pugs through participation in conformation (dog shows) and performance (sporting) events. Founded by Jean Dickerson and Rhettalou Isaksen, the club’s original membership only represented Virginia residents. It has since expanded to include members from across North America who have connections to our members in the Virginia and Maryland area.
The Old Dominion Pug Dog Club is one of many chapter clubs from around the country who are also part of the Pug Dog Club of America, which serves as the American Kennel Club’s “parent” club for the pug breed.
We are licensed by the AKC to conduct a host of activities in which pugs can compete, from conformation dog shows to agility, obedience and rally shows.
Many of our members have gained national recognition as pug breeders who have produced some of the finest pugs in the country. Additionally, our members show pugs, many of who have been ranked among the best dogs in AKC competition.
Our members are always willing to educate the public about this wonderful breed. Please enjoy exploring our website to learn more about our pugs.
For more information about the Old Dominion Pug Dog Club, please complete our form on the Contact Us page.
The Old Dominion Pug Dog Club works to further the advancement and preservation of the pug dog breed. We encourage and promote breeding per the breed standard of the Pug Dog Club of America and do everything possible to bring the pug’s natural qualities to perfection.
Members will strive to improve their breeding programs to meet the American Kennel Club standard of the Pug breed.
Members will not condone or participate in mixed breeding or breeding pugs that are not AKC registered.
With each Pug sold the breeder will make available the following: diet and care information, immunization and health record, three-generation pedigree and where applicable, a registration application or transfer. Breeder will provide a copy of the Code of Ethics and will offer to help with problem-solving throughout the dog’s life.
Members will become familiar with and abide by all AKC rules and regulations.
Members understand that suspension by the AKC is grounds for action by the Old Dominion Pug Dog Club.
Members will not knowingly sell a Pug to a pet shop or a dealer or other commercial outfit for resale, or to any persons known to sell dogs to such dealers. Members shall not permit any dogs to be sold at auction or used as any type of prize either directly or indirectly.
Should anyone, at any time, become unable or unwilling to keep a Pug bred by a member, the member will take the dog back.
Members will not knowingly make or circulate untrue statements concerning the conduct, dogs or breeding programs and practices to any other member. ODPDC members’ primary concerns shall be the care, health, and welfare of the Pug.
ODPDC members believe that the purpose of the Pug is to provide love and companionship – realizing that this cannot be fulfilled if they spend most of their time in kennels or crates.
ODPDC members do not breed for the pet market and believe that the only justifiable reason to breed is to improve the Pug breed.
ODPDC members breed only healthy, well-tested, mature, high-quality representatives of the breed. “Sub-Standard” Pugs are sold as “Pet Quality” on spay/neuter contracts and without papers or on AKC limited registrations.
ODPDC members do not produce more puppies than they can personally expect to find excellent, carefully screened homes for.
ODPDC members selectively place and follow-up on all puppies sold, realizing responsibility for the entire life of all puppies they have brought into the world.
ODPDC members take the same care screening bitch owners applying for stud service, only mating bitches whose owners they feel confident will abide by the high standards of the Code of Ethics.
ODPDC members use truth in advertising, sales and other dog related activities.
ODPDC members act as good ambassadors for the Pug breed. In doing so, members attempt to educate the public, interested parties, and new owners whenever possible.