The black Pug is truly an astonishing companion pet. Aside from its amiable personality, its unique and charming appearance can surely put a smile on anyone.
However, despite its adorable features and lovable temperament, some are still hesitant to take home a black Pug because of the myths surrounding its health.
Stick around if you want to know more about the black Pug! Its health, origin, color genetics, and the expenses associated with owning one will be comprehensively discussed. Let’s start!
What Is a Black Pug?
The black Pug is a purebred dog with black pigmentation. It is not a subtype of the Pug breed but rather one of the color variations. In fact, black is one of the standard coat colors for the Pug dog breed recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
There are only two officially recognized coat colors for the Pug breed, and they are black and fawn. Black Pugs, although not considered rare, are less common than fawn Pugs.
Black Pugs look identical to other Pugs except that they have overall black coloration. Their whole body is covered with black fur, although some may exhibit white markings.
In terms of personality, black Pugs remain to be the adorable and playful Pug that we all know. They are friendly, and they get along well with children and other pets.
Surprisingly, black Pugs have only gained popularity recently. Back then, they were disliked because many thought that their coloration was caused by a genetic anomaly.
Are Black Pugs Rare?
Black Pugs, although not rare compared to other dog breeds, are less common than other Pug varieties. There are fewer black Pug pups that are born compared to fawn Pug puppies.
This does not mean, though, that black Pugs are unobtainable. You can still find black Pug pups for sale from reputable breeders through thorough research and an ample amount of patience.
Black Pugs are rarer than fawn Pugs because of lower demand. Pugs with black coloration are often overlooked because of their supposed unhealthy conditions. This, in turn, affects the demand for black Pugs.
Since black Pugs are less in demand than fawn Pugs, breeders tend to focus more on breeding fawn Pug pups.
Nevertheless, the rarest coloration for the Pug breed is brindle. This coat color, though, is not officially recognized by any major kennel club.
Black Pug Appearance: What Does a Black Pug Look Like?
In terms of appearance, the black Pug looks identical to other Pug varieties except for the fact that it has a black coat color.
A black Pug has a black, short, shiny, dense, double coat. The intensity of its dark coloration can either be jet black or obsidian black. Some have overall black pigmentation, while others may exhibit a few white markings.
The black Pug also exhibits one of the defining features of the Pug breed — a round head with a flat face. This feature is common for brachycephalic dogs.
It also has a wrinkly face and bulging globular eyes. Its ears are small and folded, while its muzzle is short, blunt, and square.
Its legs are strong and straight. It should also have a short and cobby body with a wide chest. As for the tail, a curly appendage is desired. Black Pugs with double curled tails are adorned by Pug enthusiasts.
As per the breed standard, the black Pug is a small-sized dog with a height ranging between 10 and 13 inches and a weight ranging between 14 and 18 pounds. It has a lean square body structure.
You can expect it to become a fully grown dog after nine months. However, it can still gain a few pounds and centimeters depending on its diet and lifestyle.
Watch this video if you are not yet convinced that black Pugs are one of the cutest dogs:
Black pug puppy<a href="https://youtu.be/BGzxoKdGnBE" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FBGzxoKdGnBE%2F0.jpg" alt="Black pug puppy" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Black Pug Color Genetics: What Makes a Pug Black?
Canine coat color genetics can be quite puzzling for beginners. Fortunately, there is an easy way to understand the color genetics of black Pugs!
Black Pugs and other dogs have two basic pigments in their bodies: black (eumelanin) and red (pheomelanin). These pigments are produced by cells called melanocytes.
Through the help of various genes, other colors such as fawn, blue, gray, brown, and coat markings exist. There are specific genes in a dog’s body that alter the black and red pigmentation.
In the case of black Pugs, the K locus or the dominant black gene is responsible for the black pigmentation.
Since the black gene is dominant, you only need to breed two black Pugs to produce black Pug puppies. Breeding a fawn Pug with a black Pug will also result in black Pug puppies since the gene for fawn color is recessive.
Do Black Pug Puppies Change Color as They Grow?
It is normal for black Pug puppies to show changes in their color while they mature. However, these changes are not as significant to the point that you’ll see a fawn Pug turning into a black pup.
The coat colors of black Pugs can either lighten up or darken as they grow old. This nuanced change in the intensity of their coloration is normal, and this usually occurs when their topcoats start to grow.
Most black Pug puppies change color between 6 and 12 months old. However, others may change coat color later up until 18 months old.
While coat color change is pretty normal, some color changes may be brought about by extreme sunlight, poor diet, skin disease, or medications. If your black Pug changes color abruptly and out of the blue, consult a vet immediately.
Black Pug Kennel Club Recognition: Do Kennel Clubs Recognize Black Pugs?
Black Pugs are officially recognized by the major kennel clubs in America, including the American Kennel Club (AKC), United Kennel Club (UKC), and Canadian Kennel Club (CKC).
There are only two recognized colors for the Pug dog breed: fawn and black. This means that you can register your black Pug in any of the mentioned kennel registries.
Since they are officially recognized as standard purebred dogs, black Pugs can also join conformation shows and other canine events sponsored by the AKC, UKC, and CKC.
Black Pug Temperament: Do Black Pugs Make Good Family Dogs?
Black Pugs are not one of the most popular household pets in the United States for no reason. They are adorned and sought after as companion dogs because of their befitting personalities.
These dogs are highly affectionate to their owners. Although they are not as jolly as other toy breeds, they do love bonding with their family.
Aside from these, black Pugs are also known to be calm and relaxed. They prefer sitting on their owners’ laps rather than hunting, retrieving, or guarding. They really love to soak up all of their owners’ attention!
In addition, these adorable small dogs are friendly. They get along well with children and other pets. They are also calm and gentle towards strangers, making them unfit to be guard dogs.
They are also not loud dogs. You may only hear black Pugs bark on an occasional basis, like when there is a stranger in front of your door.
However, black Pugs can also become anxious and stubborn sometimes, especially when they are left alone and bored. This is why early socialization is also important in raising a black Pug.
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Pug: Which Is Better?
Black Pug Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Black Pugs Healthy Dogs?
Black Pugs are quite long-lived. They have lifespans that range between 12 and 15 years.
Some can even live for more than 25 years with proper maintenance and care. Just take it from Snookie, the world’s oldest Pug who lived for 27 years!
Although they are generally healthy dogs, black Pugs can be predisposed to certain health issues, just like other dog breeds.
Here are some of the common health issues for black Pugs:
Respiratory Problems: Black Pugs are predisposed to a condition called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), which is common for dog breeds with short noses or flat faces. Black Pugs with BOAS can develop multiple respiratory abnormalities, which could negatively impact the quality and length of their lives.
Eye Problems: The skull structure of black Pugs can also lead to several eye problems. The eye sockets of most brachycephalic dogs are shallow. Hence, their eyeballs bulge out. Some of the common eye problems that black Pugs may develop include proptosis, distichiasis, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Hip Dysplasia: This crippling joint-related condition is caused by the abnormal growth of the joints in the hip. Hip dysplasia is highly debilitating. Black Pugs with hip dysplasia may experience excruciating pain and show symptoms such as limping and weakness.
Legg-Perthes Disease: This is another common joint-related disease common for toy breeds such as the black Pug. This condition usually affects one of the hind legs. A black Pug with this condition may show limping when it walks. The dog may also put no weight on the affected legs when it moves.
Some of these health issues are preventable and treatable, while some can seriously affect the length and quality of a dog’s life.
If you also haven’t noticed, most of the black Pug’s health issues have nothing to do with their color but rather with their skull structure.
Black Pug Grooming: How to Groom Your Black Pug
Black Pugs are pretty easy to groom and maintain. However, you should have known by now that black Pugs are moderate to heavy shedders. Hence, brushing and bathing are important parts of their grooming sessions.
They shed throughout the year, although they heavily blow their loose hair during the shifts of seasons.
Their short, smooth coats only need weekly brushing to remove the loose hair and danders and keep them healthy and clean. Bathing can be done once a month or when needed.
In bathing your black Pug, make sure only to use pet-friendly soap and shampoo to avoid irritation. You should also be careful not to let the suds and residue drip on the bulging eyes of your Pug.
The wrinkly folds of skin should also be cleaned thoroughly, including the ears, paw pads, and pits where dirt might accumulate. These spots are also the favorite hiding places for ticks and fleas.
Your black Pug’s nails should be trimmed once every three weeks to prevent injuries. The VCA Animal Hospital also suggests brushing your dog’s teeth at least three times a week to remove plaque.
How Much Does a Black Pug Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
Typically, black Pug puppies from reputable breeders cost around $500 to $1,000, although this could go higher depending on the Pug’s bloodlines and the breeder’s reputation.
This is hundreds of bucks cheaper compared to the more popular fawn Pug, which costs between $1,000 and $1,800.
Meanwhile, the adoption fee for rescued black Pugs in local animal shelters costs around $100 to $300.
If you plan to take home a black Pug for a pet, you should also be mindful of the expenses associated with owning one.
Here is a breakdown of the initial expenses of owning a black Pug puppy:
As you have noticed, you need to cash out around $525 to $1,995 for your black Pug initially.
These expenses include the starter items such as food, beddings, toys, and feeding bowls which you need to acquire before even taking your black Pug pup home.
Places to Find Black Pug Puppies for Sale and Adoption
The black Pug is a rare type of Pug, but it doesn’t mean that it is unobtainable. If you are patient, you might be able to quickly find a black Pug puppy for sale from a reputable breeder.
Here are some of the reputable breeders where you can find black Pug puppies for sale in the United States:
Casa Blanca Pugs – The owners of this breeding facility have been producing and showing top-quality Pugs for more than 30 years. They were awarded the breeder of the Year by Pug Dog Club of America in 2017. Usually, they have black Pugs as well as fawn Pug puppies in their listings.
Green Pugs Valley – Located in Northwest Arkansas, Green Pugs Valley is a dedicated Pug breeder that puts importance on breeding healthy Pug puppies that adhere strictly to the breed standards. Their puppy prices start at $2,000.
Harmony Pugs – This breeder has been actively involved in the Pug dog breed since 1990. Their mission is to improve the Pug breed and breed according to the standard. Their black Pugs participate in various conformation shows and other canine events.
You can also check out the other reputable black Pug breeders in our guide on the best Pug breeders.
Meanwhile, if you are not after the bloodline, you can also opt to adopt rescued black Pugs from local animal shelters.
Here are some of the rescues where you can find a black Pug available for adoption:
Pacific Pug Rescue (PPR) – Founded in 2006, this non-profit organization is now composed of more than 100 volunteers dedicated to rescuing and saving abandoned and surrendered Pugs. Occasionally, they have black Pugs available for adoption in their care.
Pugs N Roses (PNR) – Pugs N Roses saves Pugs and Pug mixes across Southern California. They rehabilitate, treat, and train their rescued dogs before clearing them for adoption.
Pug Rescue of New England (PRoNE) – The efforts of PRoNE extends to the six states of New England: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Their adoption fees for black Pugs and other Pug varieties range between $200 and $1,000.
Do not fret if you couldn’t find a black Pug available for adoption from the listed rescues above. You can just check out our Pug rescue guide, where you can find the best rescues in the United States.
I also highly suggest that you read our ultimate dog adoption guide if this is your first time applying for adoption. The guide contains useful information and tips that can help you ace your adoption.
Dog Name Ideas for Black Pug Puppies
One of the most exciting and memorable moments of being a fur parent is naming one’s pet. Some black Pug owners relate the names of their dogs to the color black, while others are more creative.
To give you an idea, here are some of the common names for black Pugs:
Cookie
Carbon
Otis
Coal
Ghost
Stormy
Tuxedo
Tattoo
Dusk
Silhouette
Oreo
Mocha
Gizmo
Aside from relating the name of your dog to its color, you can also name it based on its favorite food, habit, or favorite toy! Nevertheless, regardless of whatever name you pick, your dog will surely love it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Black Pugs Better?
Black Pugs look and act pretty much the same as other Pug varieties except for the fact that they have black coats. Their coloration, though, does not affect their personality or health in any way.
However, if you are on a tight budget and want to take home a Pug, the black Pug is your best choice since they are less expensive than the other Pug varieties.
Do Black Pugs Shed a Lot?
Just like with other Pug varieties, Black Pugs are moderate shedders. They shed their coats regularly at a moderate rate. Having said this, black Pugs are not recommended for people with allergies.
Weekly brushing and regular bathing can help manage the shedding of your black Pug. Better yet, you should invest in a quality vacuum that could last for a long time.
Are Black Pugs Hypoallergenic?
Black Pugs are not at all hypoallergenic. They are considered to be moderate to heavy shedders. This means that if you have an allergy to animal fur and dander, the black Pug might not be the right dog for you.
Are Black Pugs More Aggressive?
Coat color does not affect the temperament of a dog — training and environment do. While black Pugs look more intimidating than fawn Pugs because of their coat colors, they are actually friendly and cheerful dogs.
Final Thoughts: Is a Black Pug the Right Dog for You?
The black Pug is one of the best picks if you are looking for a new family member. They are sweet, affectionate, and cheerful dogs. They are also gentle and calm around children, and they get along well with other pets.
They are low-maintenance dogs and are less expensive than other toy breeds. However, you should ensure that your bank can shoulder the lifetime expenses of owning a black Pug.
If you have prior experience with black Pugs or an exciting story to share about your lovely dog, let us know in the comment section! We would love to hear about your fur-parent stories.
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