Pugs are simply adorable and among the most popular breeds of dogs. They are playful, charming, loving but sometimes mischievous. These cute and compact 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.

How Much Does a Pug 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:
Pug Cost | Amount |
Median price | $1,175 |
Average price | $800 |
Top-quality pug price | $2,400 - $10,000 |
Annual upkeep cost for the first year | $500 - $2,000 |
Annual upkeep cost for subsequent years | $500 - $1,000 |
This data is collected from the sale of 12345 Pug puppies across the USA on the NextDayPets website.
The reputable breeders tend to be on the upper end of the price spectrum. You may get a low price Pug puppy from unethical backyard breeders but it’s not advised.

Why Are Pugs So Expensive To Buy?
Pugs are not the most affordable breed of dog. Though you may find one for less, their price tag can still set your bank account back a little bit more than expected.
The Pug price can vary based on many factors. For instance, location and breeder reputation will determine how much it costs you and the purity of color desired by its prospective owners or future generations if they inherit their parents’ traits for this breed type.
Owning a Pug is a costly affair! The price of Pug puppies can fluctuate widely. Let’s have a look at the various aspects that affect adult Pug and puppy prices.
The breeding challenges:
A pug is a brachycephalic breed with a very 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. For breeding Pugs, you need to pay medical bills and care for the puppies.
Growing popularity:
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 looks, small size, loving nature, and comical looks.
Age:
The cost of the Pug puppy will be influenced by the puppy’s age. 8-12 weeks 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 upkeep maintenance cost of female Pugs is usually higher than 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 puppies and are more expensive. because of the 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 and a good temperament. They adopt ethical breeding practices and do not just breed for minting money. You may get a lower price 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. Getting registered with a well-known kennel club is not a cheap and simple process.
The lineage of the puppy:
Lineage is another factor that can affect the price of your Pug pup. High lineage Pugs are considered premium-quality dogs and are much more expensive.
What is included in the Pug dog price also depends on country regulations and the Pug breeder himself. The Pug dog price differs in different geographical locations.

Choosing a Pug Puppy: Key Takeaways
So, 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:
Look for a reputable breeder: Always buy your Pug puppy from a reputable breeder who follows good breeding practices. Good Pug breeders take particular care to breed their adult dogs for good health and temperament. This will increase your chances of ending up with a healthy Pug that lives for a long time.
Make sure to buy from a good, reputable breeder. By this, I mean that you should be looking for responsible breeders. The best place to find Pug Breeders is the American Kennel Club Marketplace.
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 get to know the kind of conditions Pug puppies have been exposed to.
Health:
Avoid Pug puppies that show signs of poor health like unusual gait, pug dog encephalitis, laziness, infections, etc.
Vet Records:
Ask the breeder to provide you with the medical history, vet records, and vaccination card for the Pug pup. Health records of Pug parents help you to see if there are any hereditary diseases in the parents.
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.
For a Pug to be registered with Kennel Clubs, particular requirements need to be followed. The main rule is that both parents need to be registered with a reputable kennel club as purebred.
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. Take out adequate time to research and pick the best Pug puppy according to your desires.

The Annual Cost of Owning a Pug Puppy
Before buying a Pug puppy it is important to understand the associated costs of upkeep costs of owning a dog. This annual cost is often overlooked when determining a true ownership cost of Pug. Pugs usually have a very high-end lifestyle and need regular maintenance.
When calculating your overall cost of owning a Pug, you should account for the price of the following things as well.
- 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 Pug requires vaccinations, getting spayed or neutered, 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- 6week 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 most 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, you should estimate around $500 – $2000 or more for the first year of Pug ownership.
Afterward, expect to spend about $500 – $1000 or more every year to meet the annual financial obligations of your raising and growing your beloved Pug.

Are Pugs Good Family Dogs?
Pugs are the perfect family dogs. They’re loyal, kind, and enthusiastic.
This dog is an excellent choice for those who want to be surrounded by love and comfort, and this adorable pup can make anyone smile with his big eyes or cute face.
Pug Dogs are the perfect dog to have around the house! They’re loving, cuddly, and good with kids. Pug dogs make great family pets.
Let’s have a look at some vital stats of the Pug:
Stats | Description |
Dog Breed Group | Toy group |
Purpose | Companionship |
AKC Breed Popularity | Ranks 28 of 197 |
Average Height | 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder |
Weight Range | 14 to 18 pounds |
Temperament | Charming, Mischievous, Lively, Loving |
Energy Level | Moderate |
Features | Brachycephalic face, floppy ears |
Life Expectancy | 12 to 15 years |

Interesting Facts About Pugs
The Pug is one of the world’s oldest dogs, having been around since 400 B.C. Most people think he comes from Asia as he resembles the Pekingese. His earliest known history is in China where he was a pet for the Buddhist monks. He later appeared in Europe and Japan and became popular when Prince William II ascended to the throne in England and owned Pugs.
His sole reason to live is to be with his people and to please them. He’s playful, even-tempered, and outgoing. He’s also a great show dog. His coat can be black, apricot fawn, silver fawn, or fawn and he has an obvious face mask. He can live comfortably in an apartment as he doesn’t need much exercise. His coat sheds but it doesn’t need much grooming.

Final Thoughts on Pug Price Range
When you bring home a baby Pug, you are committing to a long-term relationship! It is always important to do your research before getting a Pug baby. Pug ownership brings great pleasure despite its high cost.
Pugs have a life expectancy of around 10 – 16 years. Before you own a Pug puppy, ask yourself the following question: “Can you afford to own a Pug in terms of food, grooming, vet fees, and pet insurance?” Remember that you need to budget for the upkeep cost apart from the initial price.
Pugs are adorable, clownish, and fun to be around. They make great pets for families due to their playful, cheerful, and affectionate nature. If you can afford the initial Pug price along with the ongoing expenses, you must go for it! After all, these adorable and charming bundles of joy are worth each penny and more!
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References and Further Reading:
[1] American Kennel Club, Pug Information.;