Help please? How can I tell a good UK breeder/healthy puppy?

[Peppapug]

Hello,
I am in the UK and am thinking about getting a second female pug, but have had a very bad experience with my 1 year old little darling, Peppa who was diagnosed with Perthes disease and has been very unwell and in and out of surgery for several months. Fingers crossed, Peppa finally appears to be doing much better now, but I worry about the amount of time she has been on cage confinement. I thought that once she is fully recovered it might help her resocialise by getting her a companion as she always previously loved other dogs.
I am an absolute pug lover, but did think I should get a different breed after this bad experience, but I cant consider anything else except pugs now and I do think it would be better for Peppa to be paired with a similar sized and temperment breed.
Does anybody have any advice about how to find a really good breeder in the UK and also if there are any tests/ checks etc that can or should be done on the parents or puppy? I have seen some people advertising dogs and saying they have been x-rayed and other talking about STI checks.The breeder we got Peppa from appeared very genuine and I do appreciate fully that these things happen, but am extra cautious this time around (esp as the vets bills have now amounted to over £13,000 in about 6 months).
Any advice would be very much appreciated,

[Snifter]

I think that Legge Calves Perthes (or however it is spelled) is an unfortunate accident but I can understand if you want to look elsewhere now.

You want a breeder who researches their lines, who is worried about issues such as cleft palate, HV (which can be screened for) , PDE (which can only be screened for in a limited way) but mainly someone who will absolutely guarantee that if pup has a problem in the early stages they will take it back. I know that helps little when you have got attached to said pup but it is really about all they can do.

I personally know a breeder or two I consider to be really good and if you want to PM me I am happy to chat further.

[Smart Pugs]

The best breeders we have come across really develop a relationship with you before they let you have a puppy, they don't let their puppies go too early (preferably fully vaccinated at ten or twelve weeks) and ask you to sign a contract to say you will let them have the puppy back if you have a problem. Please feel free to PM us if you would like us to put you in touch with a couple of breeders we know (neither have puppies at present but probably will next year).

[rockypug]

even if they are great breeders and checked for illnesses in the background cant they still get stuff that the parents grandparents havent had????
i think you just have to be preparred for stuff with pugs...i would still buy from a properbreeder etcbut beware theres plenty of scammers out there isnt there?
a few of my friends have asked for help i have given it them and they gone behind my back and brought pugs for £900 etc seen both pug parents and ended up with cross breeds scammers will do anything to sell pug crosses lol
hope you find a little friend soon ...