How Much Is A Pug Worth? Pug Price Range Explained

Last Updated on April 9, 2024 by Denise Leo. Post first published on April 9, 2024.

Pugs are simply adorable and among the most popular dog breeds. They are playful, charming, and loving but sometimes mischievous. These cute and compact small-breed dogs are bred for companionship.

Being the owner of an adorable Pug isn’t a cheap pastime. All this cuteness comes with a price!

Here is what we have learned about the Pug price range and what affects a Pug’s cost.

The price of a Pug puppy can vary greatly, depending on many factors. Expect to pay between a price range of $500 to $2000 per Pug puppy. However, high-quality pedigree Pugs have been known to sell for as much as $10,000.

Expect to pay the following price for a Pug puppy from an American Kennel Club reputable breeder:

This data is collected from selling 12345 Pug puppies across the USA on the NextDayPets website.

Reputable breeders tend to be on the upper end of the price spectrum. While you may get a low-price Pug puppy from unethical backyard breeders, it’s not advised. Pug Puppies

Why Are Pugs So Expensive To Buy?

The breeding challenges:

A pug is a brachycephalic breed with a short skull, short muzzle, and flat face. They often suffer from complications during pregnancy and at birth time. Pugs have a narrow birth canal and often need a costly C-section to give birth. Pugs usually have a small litter. To breed pugs, you need to pay medical bills and care for the puppies.

Growing popularity and high demand:
The AKC ranks Pugs as the 28th most popular dog breed. Pugs were owned by many royal families in China and Europe and have been a popular status symbol dog. They are popular due to their adorable, small size, loving nature, and comical looks.

Age:
The puppy’s age will influence the cost of the Pug puppy. 8-12-week-old puppies will be the most expensive. The older a Pug gets, the more the pet insurance policy will cost.

Gender:
Normally, there is no price difference between buying a male or a female Pug. However, the maintenance cost of female pugs is usually higher than that of males due to breeding challenges.

Coat color can dictate cost:
Coat colors play a crucial role in deciding the prices. The rare colored Pug coats are expensive, while common ones are less pricey. Brindle and fawn-colored Pugs are usually considered more desirable and expensive puppies because of their rarity. The apricot shades also see a markup in prices.

Breeder reputation:
The reputation of the dog breeder is yet another critical factor and matters a lot. A reputed breeder will breed a healthy dog with a good temperament. They adopt ethical breeding practices and do not just breed for minting money. You may get a lower-priced Pug from unethical backyard breeders, but it is never recommended.

Kennel Club registration:
A breeder’s kennel club registration can also affect the price of a Pug puppy. Kennel club-registered breeders are more likely to put their puppies at higher prices. Registering with a well-known kennel club is not cheap and simple.

The lineage of the puppy:
Lineage is another factor that can affect the price of your Pug pup. Superior lineage Pugs are considered premium-quality dogs and are much more expensive.

Choosing a Pug Puppy: Key Takeaways

So, are you ready to bring a Pug puppy home? Pug pups are heartwarming, adorable, and hard to resist. Here is what you should look for in a Pug puppy:

Behavior and Social Attributes:
Pug puppies should be friendly and should freely socialize. Over-dominating pups and nervous ones are red flags.

Contract of sale:
The Pug breeder should give you a contract of sale agreement.

Pug Parents:
There is no better way to see how your Pug will grow up than by looking at its parents. Have a look at the parents and the rest of the litter. It will help you to know your Pug puppy’s temperament and size.

Living conditions:
Have a look at the living conditions of your Pug puppy. You will also learn the conditions to which Pug puppies have been exposed.

Health concerns:

Pug dogs are popular with their charming personalities and adorable features, especially in small spaces like apartments. However, being a brachycephalic breed with short snouts and flat faces, pugs face specific health issues that prospective pug owners must consider.

Common conditions in adult pugs include respiratory problems, hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation. Their short coats make them less prone to some grooming issues, but their unique facial structure requires close attention to maintain a healthy weight and prevent breathing problems.

Vet Records:
Ask the breeder for the medical history, vet records, and vaccination card for the Pug pup. The health records of the pug parents can help you determine whether the parents have any hereditary diseases.

Documentation:
Verify all paperwork for the Pug puppy. Also, ask for the Kennel Club Registration paperwork for the puppy. Always look for an American Kennel Club (AKC) registered kennel to buy a Pug puppy.

Particular requirements must be followed for a Pug to be registered with Kennel Clubs. The main rule is that both parents must be registered as purebred with a reputable kennel club.

Microchipping:
The Pug breeder should provide the microchip transfer paperwork. These papers should have the microchip number on them.

Choose a Pug puppy that is friendly with people. Research and pick the best Pug puppy according to your desires. Pug Puppy

The Annual Cost of Owning a Pug Puppy

Before buying a Pug puppy, it is important to understand the associated upkeep costs of owning a dog. This annual cost is often overlooked when determining Pug’s true ownership cost. Pugs usually have a very high-end lifestyle and need regular maintenance.

When calculating your overall cost of owning a Pug, you should also account for the price of the following things and the initial cost or adoption fee.

• Pug food and treats: You must be aware of the recurring expense of the Pug food. This toy breed requires less but high-quality food. If your Pug is on commercial kibble, it must be safe and made with high-quality ingredients. Besides regular meals, you also need to buy some dog treats for your Pug each month.
• Vaccines, deworming, and flea control: During the puppy stage, your puppy requires vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and other initial care.
• Regular visits to the vet: Pugs are prone to certain health problems due to their brachycephalic nature. Pugs also require annual health examinations at the vets. For a healthy Pug, vet expenses should only average a few hundred dollars in a typical year. Vet bills for a sick dog are costly and can often break the bank.
• Grooming and dental care: You can groom your Pug by yourself or take it to a professional groomer. Each visit costs $35-$55, depending on the groomer.
• Training the Pug Puppy: Training is a crucial part of Pug ownership. Training classes nearly cost between $75 and $200 for a 5- 6-week class. Hiring a personal trainer will be even more expensive.
• Pug supplies: You need to invest in dog supplies. New pugs need a collar or harness, leash, bowls for food and water, dog bed, pee pads, and a few dog toys. The owner will probably spend $150 to $650 on initial pet supplies.
• Dog walker and dog sitting: If you are a working Pug parent, you might need to invest in a dog walker or doggie daycare.

All of these items can add up quickly. So, estimating around $500 – $2000 or more for the first year of Pug ownership would be best.

Are Pugs Good Family Dogs?

Let’s have a look at some vital stats of the Pug:

Pug Dog

Interesting Facts About Pugs

You commit to a long-term relationship when you bring a baby Pug home! It is always important to do your research before getting a Pug baby. Pug ownership brings great pleasure despite its high cost.

Pugs live 10 – 16 years. Before you buy a Pug puppy, ask yourself: “Can you afford to own a Pug in terms of food, grooming, vet fees, and pet insurance?” Remember to budget for the upkeep cost in addition to the initial price.

Pugs are adorable, clownish, and fun to be around. Due to their playful, cheerful, and affectionate nature, they make great family pets. You must go for it if you can afford the initial Pug price and ongoing expenses! After all, these adorable and charming bundles of joy are worth every penny and more!

Final Thoughts on Pug Dog Price

In conclusion, the cost of a pug encompasses much more than the initial purchase price. Prospective pet parents should consider the long-term financial commitment, including monthly expenses for quality dog food, regular vet visits, and additional costs for emergency care. The price of a pug puppy varies based on various factors, such as whether you opt for a purebred pug from a reputable breeder or decide to adopt from a rescue organization. Remember, while the upfront cost of a pug from a puppy farm might seem lower, the long-term healthcare costs due to potential health conditions can be significantly higher.

Choosing the right dog for your living situation, whether a small space or a full-size home, requires an informed decision. Costs such as those for food, pet insurance, and regular veterinary check-ups are critical for maintaining the health of brachycephalic breeds like pugs and ensuring they lead a happy, healthy life. Black pugs, older pugs, and pugs all carry unique charm and potential costs.

In the United States, the average cost of owning a popular pet like a pug should be weighed against the joy and companionship they bring. Owning a pug is a significant factor in a family’s budget, including one-time costs for necessities like water bowls and long-term expenses for health care.

Therefore, understanding the full spectrum of costs associated with pug ownership, from the average pug prices to the potential for expensive vet bills, helps ensure that dog owners can provide a loving home for these adorable dogs, giving both the pet and the parent peace of mind.

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References and Further Reading:

[1] American Kennel Club, Pug Information.;