With their adorable faces, affectionate and charming personalities, and small size, it’s no wonder why many people fall in love with this dog breed. They are small enough to hold and cuddle and are very loyal.
But they can also put a huge dent in your wallet if you’re thinking about buying one. A huge part of why Pugs are costly is due to how complicated the Pug pregnancy can be. We will discuss in detail how expensive Pugs are and the annual cost of owning one. For now, here’s the short answer.
Why are Pugs so expensive? Pugs are so expensive for a number of reasons. They are considered a pedigree breed and they’re in high demand due to their popularity amongst dog lovers. The Pugs’ litter size is relatively small and often requires an expensive C-section to give birth. Their pregnancy is also quite complicated. For these reasons, Pug breeders usually charge a higher price taken into consideration the costly vet bills they also have to pay.
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How much are Pugs?
If you’re wondering how much is a Pug dog, the price range can generally be anywhere between $500 and $2,000. There are certain factors that can affect the price of the Pugs such as the following:
- The age of the Pug dog: Whether you’re buying a Pug puppy or an adult Pug.
- Adopting or buying: Adopting one from a rescue center or shelter is usually less expensive than buying one from a breeder.
- Reputation of the Pug breeders: Is this a Pug breeder you can trust and one with good ethics?
- Color of the Pug: Does the Pug carry any rare coat color?
- Breed of the Pug: Is your Pug a pedigree, crossbreed, or mixed?
It’s important to note that a Pedigree Pug can cost up to $6,000. A Pedigree Pug is one that has two Pug parents.
So, why are Pugs so expensive? Let’s find out!
Why are Pugs so expensive?
Here are four reasons why Pugs are so expensive:
- Popular dog breed
- Very challenging to breed Pugs
- Many common health issues
- Coat color can affect the price of the Pug
1. Popular dog breed
Since first appearing in China over 2000 years ago, Pugs have been a popular dog breed. They were owned mostly by royal families in ancient China so they were also a status symbol dog. Even today, Pugs are a popular dog for the wealthy and even celebrities.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Pugs breed is listed as the 28th most popular dog breed. Why is that?
Like other small toy dog breeds such as French Bulldogs and Chihuahuas, Pugs are also popularly sought after because they are:
- Pretty easy to take care of.
- Extremely loyal, affectionate, and charming.
- Small size that allows owners to carry them around.
It’s indisputable that Pugs are small dogs with huge hearts. They are extremely devoted, loving, and affectionate towards their owner and love to be in their owner’s presence. Pugs also love being around people and receiving lots of attention.
Many dog owners looking for a life-long canine companion undoubtedly choose Pugs. They love the Pug’s cute round face with a flat nose, which gives them a funny look.
Did you know: Pugs are one of eight brachycephalic breeds. Other brachycephalic breeds include Boston Terriers, Boxers, Bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Mastiffs.
Since many Pug breeders know how popular this dog breed is, they know they can charge a high price to anyone who wants one and would like to buy one.
Pugs also have smaller litter sizes which means the demand is greater than the supply. This is another reason why breeders are able to charge a premium price to those who want one.
2. Very challenging to breed Pugs
Speaking of litter size and breeding, did you know that it can be very challenging to breed Pugs? Pugs, like French Bulldogs, also suffer from pregnancy complications. Most of the time, breeders consider Caesarean section (C-section) to deliver the litter instead of natural birth.
That’s because the puppy’s skull is way larger than the width of the pregnant Pug’s birth canal. Having a natural birth can put your pregnant Pug at risk and complications. C-Section isn’t cheap. This operation is very costly and can flatten your wallet by $640 to $1,300.
On top of that, taking care of the Pug puppies isn’t cheap either. Pug puppies require care such as vaccination and other routine health checkups so the medical bill can pile up. This is why the average price of a Pug puppy is quite expensive.
So if you’re ever wondering, “how much is a Pug puppy?” know that it can be expensive and can put a big dent in your bank account due to the fact that Pugs can suffer from pregnancy complications and after the puppies are born, they also require aftercare.
3. A number of common health issues
Back in 1885, American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized Pugs as one of the recognized dog breeds. Today, we see Pugs as a fashionable dog but this came at a price. Many years of intentional overbreeding led to a number of health problems in Pugs.
These common health issues include hip dysplasia, joint issues, and difficulty breathing.
Additionally, brachycephalic dogs have small, round, and squashed faces with flat noses. This facial feature is one of the many reasons why they are so popular, but it also contributes to why they are highly prone to health problems such as red eyes and vomiting.
With that said, we highly recommend that you buy a Pug from a breeder you can trust. This breeder should be reputable and will allow you to see information about the puppies’ parents. Although the Pugs will cost a lot more, it’s worth every penny to know that you’re getting a healthy Pug.
4. Coat color can affect the price of the Pug
Pugs usually come in coat colors such as fawn and black. Many people like the fawn coat color in Pugs which means there’s high demand for fawn-colored Pugs. Thus, they usually demand a higher price as well.
If you’re on a budget and want an affordable Pug, your best bet is to look for other colored Pugs that are not fawn.
How much does a Pug cost per year?
The high price of buying a Pug is just the initial cost of owning one. There are also recurring costs to having a Pug. Let’s talk about how much it costs annually to own a Pug.
When you have a Pug, it’s important to take proper care of him or her. Pugs require health care, grooming, healthy food, vaccines, and more. If you’re looking for a dog that is low maintenance, Pugs may not be a good choice. They are known to be high maintenance.
Additionally, Pugs do suffer from a number of serious health problems because they’ve been intentionally overbred. Before you buy a Pug or a Pug puppy, make sure to inquire about his or her overall health as well as his or her bloodline.
Although you may be super excited to get a Pug, it’s important to know and be aware of how much a Pug can cost you every year. Once you own a Pug, it’s your responsibility to make sure your Pug is happy, safe, and healthy.
My very good friend is a Pug owner and speaking with her recently, here is a breakdown of how much it costs to own one every year:
| Cost to buy a Pug (Initial cost) | $500 to $2,000 |
| Annual food and treats | $600 per year |
| Vet visits | $170 per year |
| Annual health check-up at the vets | $55 per year |
| Doggy insurance | $390 per year |
| Tick collars and flea treatment | $240 per year |
| Dog sitting or dog walker | $780 per year |
| Dog bed and toys | $95 per year |
As you can see, recurring costs can all add up. In total, it can cost a Pug owner about $2,280 per year. Make sure you’re fine with these expenses before getting a Pug. Keep in mind that the above costs are from my very good friend and her Pug is young and healthy.
Once the Pug is older, one can expect health issues from their Pug. So the total cost above is pretty much a conservative amount, to say the least.
This is true for any dog you own, not just Pugs. It also depends on what type of owner you will be. Some owners like to buy their dogs toys every now and then while others buy a toy for their Pugs every other week.
Dogs that like to chew on their beds would require the owners to replace the dog bed every few months. This is why we highly recommend the elevated dog bed so that your Pugs stay comfortable while the bed itself is chew proof.
Expect high veterinary bills since Pugs are prone to many different serious health problems such as skin infection, arthritis, hip dysplasia, and breathing problems.
We highly recommend that you sign up for pet insurance for your pooch. You can expect several trips to the vet, especially flea treatments, deworming, annual vaccinations, and other health illnesses.
What to look out for when buying a Pug
Before you buy a Pug, make sure to find a breeder that is trustworthy and reputable. Because Pugs are very popular and in high demand, some illegal breeders, puppy sellers, and puppy farms try to make money by selling Pug puppies that are poorly bred. They don’t really care about the health of the puppies and simply want the fast cash.
Dog owners not aware of this and want to pay as little as possible may be in for a big surprise down the road when their Pugs experience health issues and other problems.
Always buy from a fully licensed breeder that is recommended by a friend or family member. Be sure to ask them a list of questions first before buying a Pug.
Another option is to adopt a Pug from a rescue center or animal shelter. This way, the Pug is less expensive. However, do expect very few Pugs or Pug puppies as they are very popular and will be snapped up rather quickly.
A long-time friend of ours who adopted her dog always reminds us that adopting a dog, whether an adult dog or puppy provides him or her a happy and safe home for many years and they will forever be grateful to you.
Adopting an adult Pug dog also decreases the price and you won’t have to deal with the puppy or adolescent stages. Lastly, the adult dog will know you did something great for him or her and they will pay you back tenfold.
Final thoughts
While Pugs are extremely adorable dogs due to their facial features and small body size, it’s important to keep in mind that years of overbreeding have resulted in this dog breed being prone to numerous health problems.
Not only is the price of Pugs costly, but raising and owning one can also be expensive too. These are sensitive dogs, both emotionally and physically so proper care and handling are crucial.
Lastly, remember to always buy from a reputable and fully licensed breeder. Don’t take any short cut and buy one that’s cheap because it may cost you more later one. And if you can, adoption is always a great option as well.
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The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pug
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4903005/
With over five years of specialized experience as an animal writer, my expertise lies in dog nutrition, health, behavior, grooming, and training. I am dedicated to delivering helpful and informative content that caters to the well-being of our furry friends. My primary goal is to empower pet owners with knowledge and ensure our canine companions thrive in health and happiness. In my free time, I love volunteering at local dog rescue centers.
