How Much Do Pugs Cost? Pug Prices Explained

Many people love Pugs for their cute face, small size, and funny personality. They are the perfect dog for families who live in smaller homes. They easily bond with kids through their gentle, playful, and mischievous personality.

Are you thinking of getting a Pug for your family but don’t know how much they cost?

Pugs are not the most expensive dog breed, but the costs of caring for one can really add up. Pugs are a brachycephalic breed which means they often have trouble breathing because of their flat muzzle.

While their breathing difficulties will not stop them from having a happy life, they can lead to some serious medical bills.

Want to find out how much do Pugs cost? In this article we will breakdown all the costs of buying and owning one.

How Much Do Pugs Cost?

The average cost of a Pug is between $800 to $1,500. Some puppies are sold for as much as $3,000, but you likely won’t be paying this much. Puppies sold for more than $1,500 are normally show dogs from championship bloodlines and not family pets.

Puppies that are born from championship bloodlines tend to be more than family pets. You should not be paying more than $1,500 if you are buying a Pug as a family pet.

What you pay for a Pug will depend on a variety of factors including:

• Breeder
• Bloodline
• Pedigree
• Location
• Age
• Color

If you are interested in getting this breed, it is important you only buy from a reputable breeder. Buying a puppy from a reputable breeder will cost more money, but it is worth it because you will get a healthy puppy.

This is especially important for Pugs because they are a brachycephalic breed.

Brachycephalic dogs often have trouble breathing because of the shape of their muzzle flattened against their skull. Air cannot pass through their nose as efficiently as other breeds which is why they wheeze, snort and reverse sneeze frequently.

Inbreeding Pugs can really exacerbate breathing problems.

Professional breeders will always test the parents to make sure that they are free of any obvious signs of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. They will have health certifications for the mother, father and puppy stating they have not had corrective surgery and do not show signs of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome.

Reputable breeders will not breed or sell puppies with airways so closed that their dogs cannot breathe properly.

Places like puppy mills and backyard breeders breed Pugs without concern for their health. They often mass farm puppies and do not test their breeding stock for issues like brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome.

Usually you will see these puppies from $600 to $1,000 in the hopes of enticing you to buy them.

Anyone buying a pug should make sure that the puppy and parents do not have brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome.

Pug Puppy Price

Pug puppies from reputable breeders cost between $800 and $3,000.

The price of a puppy tends to be more than a senior dog because they are in higher demand. Nobody can resist a cute puppy face, especially a Pug’s! Many people love their adorable round heads, wrinkly muzzles, and big brown eyes.

Puppies that reach the high end of $3,000 tend to be those of championship bloodlines. This is true for other breeds too. French bulldogs from a championship bloodline can cost over $6,000.

If you are looking for a family pet you do not need to pay more than $1,500, unless you want a Pug in a rare color.

The older a Pug gets the cheaper they become. This is because people typically choose puppies over older dogs. An adult or senior Pug is most commonly found within shelters. You can expect to pay between $200 and $400 for a Pug from a shelter.

Pugs are only recognized by the American Kennel Club if they are black or fawn.

Black Pugs have a fully black coat, while fawn puppies have a fawn coat with a black face mask and black markings on their ears and back.

A black Pug costs on average $500 to $800. Black is the cheapest of the two recognized coat colors because it is the least popular.

Fawns are the ones you will most commonly see from breeders since they are so popular. Their popularity puts them on the higher end of the average Pug price range. Expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,800 for a fawn puppy.

There are also other coat colors that are not considered standard by the American Kennel Club.

These colors tend to be more than the classical colors.

Pugs can also be seen in blue, chocolate, brindle, merle, silver, apricot, and white. The harder it is to breed a certain coat color, the rarer and more expensive it is.

Blue and merle tend to be one of the most expensive coat colors because they get their color from recessive genes. This is true for blue german shepherds too which are infamously difficult to breed. Merle Pugs are $3,800 per puppy.

While Pugs are not the most costly dogs, they are not the cheapest. Pug prices also change due to state.

In each state there are different laws that govern the practice of dog breeding which can impact how much a breeder needs to spend in order to breed a puppy. Professional breeders need to pay for breeding licenses which vary by state.

Small dogs like Pugs also tend to cost more in cities and metropolitan areas where they are in high demand. They are excellent pets for people who live in small apartments or do not have many dog parks near them.

Maybe a Pug is cheaper in another state than yours and you are tempted, but keep in mind that travel also costs money.

Before deciding which state to buy from ask yourself if you are really saving some money by buying from another state. If you fell in love with a Pug that is in another state, then go for it. But if you are trying to save money, you need to consider all the factors in bringing a pup home.

Some specific state price ranges are listed in the table below:

Pug prices are also different between countries.

For example, in the United Kingdom the average price of a Pug is £500 to £1,200. In Canada it is CAD 500 to 800. So, when purchasing from a different state, you also must consider travel fees when buying a Pug from a different country.

Why Are Pugs So Expensive?

Pugs are a popular dog breed currently taking 28th spot on the list of the most popular dogs in America. Lots of people want a Pug so this demand tends to increase their price. This is one of the reasons why a golden retriever can be over $5,000.

Popularity alone does not control the price of a Pug.

There are many other factors that make Pugs expensive. A major one is breeding fees.

It is not easy to breed a healthy Pug. Professional breeders do not just want to sell you any kind of dog. They want to show you a puppy that is cute, adheres to the breed standard and is in good health.

To breed a puppy like this takes lots of money that will be reflected in the final sale price.

Breeding a single healthy litter of Pugs can cost the breeder anywhere between $1,600 and $8,000:

• The stud fee can be anywhere from $100 to $1,500.
• Ultrasounds to watch for the proper growth of the puppies can be $100.
• Birthing complications are common in Pugs so breeders often do C-sections which can be $1,500.
• Whelping boxes are around $500.
• Breeders will take their puppies to the vet for routine care, vaccinations and microchipping which can be $150 a pup.

Most of the fees that are involved within the pregnancy and birthing of Pugs are because they are brachycephalic. As a brachycephalic breed it is difficult for mothers to give birth to their pups. Going into labor is body intensive and difficulty breathing only makes the process more strenuous.

Not only that but Pugs tend to have narrow hips. The heads of puppies tend to be large in proportion to their body and sometimes they cannot easily pass through the birth canal. For these two reasons Pug breeders often elect to do C-sections. This can be $1,500 per litter.

Finally, before the mother can give birth, breeders must ensure that she and the father are in good health.

In Pugs it is common to see brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye conditions. The Pug Dog Club of America recommends that all Pugs are screened for hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and necrotizing meningoencephalitis.

Depending on which tests the breeder elects to have done the costs can range from $300 to $700.

What To Know Before Buying

When buying a Pug puppy you want to make sure it comes from a reputable breeder. Buying from a reputable breeder can cost anywhere between $800 and $1,500.

Pugs from these breeders are usually more expensive because breeders go to great lengths to breed healthy and high quality dogs. Not only that, but they also tend to give you a dog with all of its vaccines and registration papers.

The price of a Pug can really go up when you consider genetic health testing, vet visits, membership documentations and registration fees.

When selecting a breeder, you must be able to distinguish a good breeder from a backyard breeder or ‘puppy mill.’

Some red flags that you can watch out for include:

• A refusal to let you see the pup before purchasing.
• No documentation with the sale.
• No available health care records or genetic testing results of the parents.
• Breeders that advertise their dogs on websites like Craigslist at a cheaper price.
• They often breed dogs other than just Pugs.

A good place to start your search for a Pug breeder is the American Kennel Club Marketplace or the Pug Dog Club of America. To be a part of these clubs breeders must be certified and approved to have met breeding requirements.

As you search for a Pug keep in mind the type of puppy you want.

Do you want a specific color? Most often breeders sell fawn or black Pugs. If you want a rare color you are going to have to do some extra searching.

What kind of temperament do you want? Pugs are very social. In general they tend to be friendly, affectionate, playful and mischievous. However some may be more timid than others.

Will it be healthy? Puppies should have a brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome score of zero. Sometimes you might fall in love with a Pug in a picture but later find out it is missing its health papers. In most cases you should avoid this type of puppy.

Reputable breeders should be able to provide you with health papers and registration papers.

They will always be clear about the kind of Pug you are buying and their pedigree. They will give you straightforward answers on anything you ask and will show you any paperwork that you ask for. They will also allow you to see the puppy and the mother.

Buying from a breeder might not be the cheapest option, but it does ensure you that you are getting a healthy Pug.

Cost Of Keeping A Pug

Pugs live for between 12 and 15 years so adopting one is a long-term commitment. Out of all the years, the first one will generally be the most expensive. You will need to budget around $3,000 for the first year. After that people spend on average $1,200 per year or $100 per month.

Where does this money go?

We will breakdown their typical ownership costs below…

Healthcare and Insurance

There is no way around it. If you do get a Pug, it is highly recommended that you get insurance. The average yearly cost of insurance can range from $600 to $1,200 per year.

Pugs often have unforeseen medical expenses because they are a brachycephalic breed.

You have to be careful when exercising your Pug, especially if you live in hot areas and during the summer months. Overexertion and heat can cause make it harder for them to breathe, and if you do not recognize the signs of heat stress, your dog could end up at the vet ER.

You could also find yourself paying for treatment for some of the common health issues within Pugs. Some of these include: Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, Fold Dermatitis, obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, and patellar luxation.

All of this can result in spending between $250 and $650 a year on vet bills depending on your area.

Dog Food

Pugs need a well-balanced diet. It is not a good idea to just give your dog whatever is left over from your last meal. They need high quality kibble that is specifically made for their breed. Pugs are small dogs so they should be eating food that is specifically made for small dogs.

Puppies will eat at most 80 pounds of dry food every year, while adults eat about 100 pounds. Depending on the brand you buy, you could spend between $100 and $750 each year on kibble.

Some brands will cost you more.

The following are some examples of kibble that you can buy for your Pug.

Supplies

If you are adopting a Pug puppy, then be prepared to buy a lot of gear!

Your new dog needs a place to sleep, toys to play with, a collar, leash, harness, name tag, and bowls for food and water. This can add up to spending about $150 to $650 in first-year supplies.

Once your Pug grows, the monthly cost will go down as there are fewer items that need to be replaced. Typically, owners spend $150 a year on an adult.

One of the most important things that you need to buy for your Pug is a harness.

Pugs like pulling on their leash to say ‘hi’ to everyone they see; but this can put pressure on their trachea. Not only will this hurt them, but because they are a brachycephalic breed, their trachea can collapse, and it can complicate their breathing problems.

A harness is essential for a Pug since this helps to prevent putting tension on their delicate breathing airways. A typical harness can be between $20 to $40.

Summary

Buying a Pug for your family will typically cost between $800 and $1,500. How much pugs cost will depend on a number of factors, including the location, color, age and bloodline.

While some Pugs can cost over $3,000, you likely will not be paying more than $1,500 for a family pet. The most expensive Pugs tend to be from a show bloodline or are a rare color like blue or merle.

If you do not care about bloodlines or age, then rescuing a Pug will give you happiness for years to come. You may find a sweet Pug who needs a home for less than $400.

Keep in mind that owning a Pug is more expensive than most breeds. Medical expenses for this breed are high because of its status as a brachycephalic breed. You can expect to pay around $100 a month to keep a healthy adult Pug.

In the end finding the dog of your dreams will be worth it!

Let us know how much your Pug cost in the comments below.