Thanks to its friendly and charming demeanor, more and more people want a Pug as a companion. Because of this, the average Pug price has gone up in the last few decades.
However, most dog lovers know that there’s more to owning a pup than just the upfront price. Due to their flat muzzles, this dog breed is prone to health and breathing problems requiring frequent vet visits.
If you’re looking for a guide that will help you navigate through the cost of owning a Pug puppy and all the ins and outs of owning this breed, we’ve got you covered.
The Average Cost of a Pug Puppy
The price of a Pug typically ranges between $600 and $1,600, although prices can quickly skyrocket depending on their pedigree and ancestry. If you’re looking for a Pug that hails from a great lineage, be prepared to shell out anywhere between $1,600 and $6,000.
While Pugs aren’t the most expensive dogs, they aren’t exactly the cheapest either. Compared to most small dogs, Pugs cost less in comparison.
However, the expenses don’t stop as soon as you bring your puppy home.
For new dog owners planning to buy a Pug, it’s important to factor in the cost of dog food, beds, crates, chew toys, vet bills, and much more.
Pugs, in particular, are quite susceptible to respiratory issues, skin infections, and bone problems that can affect their lifespan. In other words, while they seem relatively cheap at first, these costs will add up over time.
Check out this video for more information on Pug pricing:
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Factors Affecting the Cost of a Pug Puppy
For most people, getting a Pug puppy is not only a big step; it’s also a significant financial decision. The initial cost of a puppy alone will set you back at least a few hundred dollars. But why are they so expensive?
There is no one factor that directly determines how much a Pug puppy will cost. There are multiple factors often working hand in hand. Some of these include the dog’s age, breeder’s reputation, bloodline, and many more.
Getting some background knowledge in these things will give you a better grasp on what makes Pug puppies so expensive and where your money is going. This will also help you figure out the right Pug that fits within your budget.
Here are some of the major factors affecting Pug prices:
Age: As a rule of thumb, puppies typically cost more than adult dogs. This is no different when it comes to Pugs. Pug puppies are typically more expensive as the process of breeding can cost the breeders a lot of money. From health screenings to vitamins and sometimes even c-sections, it takes a lot of money to keep the mama dog happy.
Appearance: Although there are only two registered Pug colors in the American Kennel Club, Pugs can often be seen in a wide assortment of shades. Rarer brindle coats tend to fetch a higher price than solid colored pups, and fawn or apricot Pugs with a black mask are also experiencing a rise in cost.
Breeder’s Reputation: Pug prices often vary widely depending on where you buy. A Pug from a reputable breeder, although expensive, will have perfect health, a good temperament, and no pre-existing medical conditions such as PDE or Pug dog encephalitis. A lot of reputable breeders also breed dogs from champion bloodlines, which ensures that the Pugs will inherit the best traits from their parents.
Puppy’s Pedigree: Perhaps one of the most significant determining factors in a Pug’s price is its pedigree. A pedigree Pug means that it’s had at least three generations with no cross-breeding, meaning you get the purest bloodline possible. A Pug with a superior lineage will cost significantly more than a regular Pug.
Health Screenings: A vast majority of Pug breeders usually screen their puppies for pre-existing health issues before selling them. Healthy puppies with no signs of underlying medical issues will usually have a heftier price tag than others and will save you vet expenses in the long run.
Training Received: Although Pugs are good family dogs, they can be quite stubborn and challenging to train. So if a Pug breeder trains their puppies before selling them, expect the price to be relatively higher than usual. Bringing home trained puppies is always worth it, though, as it saves you time and effort.
These are just some of the most significant things that affect the price of a Pug dog. Of course, this list is by no means complete.
There are more things that affect the price of a Pug, such as puppy shipping costs, its gender, whether it’s standard size or teacup, and more.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Pug From a Rescue?
Rescues generally have a lower price tag for their Pugs. Typical adoption fees for a Pug are between $200 and $500. If you’re lucky, adoption shelters or rescues may even drop the price to between $100 and $150.
What makes the deal even more ideal is that most shelter dogs have already been fully vaccinated. Additionally, many of them have already been dewormed, spayed or neutered, or even microchipped in some cases.
While reputable breeders may ensure that you’re getting a perfectly healthy Pug dog with a good temperament, adopting an adult Pug and giving them a second chance at a good life is something to consider, too.
However, one possible downside to adopting a Pug from an animal shelter is the possibility that they’re a Pug mix. It can be quite challenging to track down a rescue dog’s lineage, so definitely keep this in mind before you adopt.
Initial Cost of Pug Ownership
Now that we’ve covered the costs of buying or adopting a Pug, it’s time to factor in the costs that come after your new puppy comes home.
Aside from the initial Pug price, you’ll need doggy essentials such as food, feeding bowls, potty training pads, grooming tools, treats, and toys, as well as vet visits, vaccinations, and much more.
Here are some of the initial expenses for your Pug puppy:
Food and Treats: Deciding between wet or dry food is crucial in the first few days that your Pug dog comes home. If your Pug is a picky eater, you may need to try out different brands and flavors to see which one your pup likes best. This also applies to doggy treats. For starters, a small bag of treats and a 2-pound bag of dry food or a can of wet food can set you back around $50 to $80.
Food and Water Bowls: While it may seem arbitrary and unimportant, feeding bowls are some of the essentials you shouldn’t take lightly. Most dog owners recommend buying stainless steel bowls rather than plastic ones, but it is important to note that some dogs don’t like seeing their reflection in the bottom of the bowl. Ultimately though, stainless steel bowls will withstand more wear and tear. A good quality feeding bowl can cost $10 to $25.
Bed: Pugs are notorious for mimicking their owners, which means if you take lots of naps, they’ll most definitely follow suit. A good quality bed can make your Pug dog’s sleep more comfortable, as this dog breed is quite prone to hip dysplasia and back problems. A high-quality bed for a small dog usually costs between $30 and $150.
Crate: For first-time dog owners, a crate is one of the most important things to invest in. Crate training your pup is important, as it introduces them to a safe space when they feel overstimulated or unsafe. It also helps transport your Pug dog to places like the vet or during car rides. Small to medium dog crates will range from $30 to $200.
Leashes and Collars: As soon as you bring your new dog home, it is important that you get them acquainted with a leash and collar. Some dogs take a while to get adjusted to wearing harnesses, so starting pups with a collar while getting them used to daily walks is optimal. A standard leash and collar set typically range from $15 to $50.
Toys: Pugs often have a reputation for being lazy, sleepy dogs, but this is not the case at all. A well-stimulated, happy Pug will be playful and alert rather than spend most of its time sleeping. Enrichment objects such as chew toys and puzzle toys are sure to keep your puppy busy and your slippers and charging cables safe from bites. Depending on the kind of toy, you’ll most likely need to shell out $20 to $30.
Grooming Essentials: Although they have short fur, Pugs are double-coated. This means that they shed more than other short-haired dogs. Their adorable, wrinkly faces also tend to hide saliva and dirt, so it’s important to keep their folds clean to reduce the risk of skin infections. A pack of grooming essentials for your Pug will set you back about $30 to $150.
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: A lot of Pug breeders typically cover deworming, flea, and tick prevention before selling their puppy. However, if the breeder or the shelter doesn’t cover these, a round of deworming and parasite prevention will cost between $50 and $200.
Initial Vet Visits: While it isn’t necessary, bringing your new puppy to the vet for an initial check-up to make sure everything is good is definitely a plus. Depending on the vet rates in your area, you may shell out between $100 and $300.
Initial Vaccine Shots: Before a Pug puppy turns one year old, they need to complete their first set of vaccine shots. The usual shots most dogs need are for distemper, parainfluenza, rabies, parvovirus (DHPP), and hepatitis. If the pup you bring home is unvaccinated, you need to spend around $75 to $200 for vaccine shots.
Neutering or Spaying: If you have no plans of breeding your Pug, it may be good to consider neutering or spaying them. If done at the right age, getting your dog fixed will help prevent the risk of some cancers and uterine infections. Neutering or spaying will usually range between $50 and $500.
Dog License: While it may seem unnecessary at first, licensing your dog is a great way to have a permanent formal record of your ownership. This is especially helpful if your dog gets lost. Licensing also lets people know if your dog is up to date on its rabies vaccinations. A dog license runs for $10 to $20.
Microchip: Microchipping works by implanting a small electronic device into the dog’s skin, usually between the dog’s shoulder blades. A microchip will come in handy if ever you lose your pooch. It does not, however, work as a GPS tracker. If your lost puppy gets taken to a shelter or a clinic, they can easily scan the chip and contact you immediately. Microchipping usually costs $40 to $60.
Miscellaneous Supplies: Aside from all the other expenses we’ve listed, you’ll need a few extra things for your pup. These include vitamins, pet-safe wipes, poop bags, and a poop scooper. These extras will run you about $15 to $30.
Here’s a recap of all the initial costs of being a Pug parent:
As you can see from the table above, you’ll need to prepare about $525 to $1,995 for your dog’s essentials, aside from the initial Pug puppy’s price.
For a first-time Pug owner, this may seem like a lot of money to shell out on the first day, and it is.
But keep in mind that you won’t be spending this much every year, as procedures like microchipping and neutering will only be done once.
If you already have other pets such as other puppies from a different breed or older dogs, some of these other costs such as food and treats may already be covered before you even buy a Pug.
One way to save money on this expense is to scout for the best deals from various breeders and animal shelters and compare prices.
Some breeders will include various freebies with every dog they sell, such as a collar, a bag of treats, or even vitamins and medication.
Annual Cost of Owning a Pug
Now that we’ve covered the initial cost of owning a pug, here’s the next important question: how much does a Pug cost in the long run? This is one of the most critical things to ask before you consider getting a pet.
We’ve broken down the list of long-term expenses for your Pug below:
On average, the cost of owning a Pug is relatively on par with other small breeds.
Depending on the pet quality, your Pug may be a little more sickly than others, or it may be more prone to conditions such as patellar luxation and elbow dysplasia.
If this is the case, you might need to shell out a bit more money on vet visits.
From the table above, you can see that most of the annual expenses go to pet insurance.
While it is expensive, getting insurance coverage for your Pug is highly recommended. Pet insurance, much like medical insurance, helps lessen the cost of veterinary bills.
Another significant expense goes to routine veterinary care. Vet visits aren’t just for sick pets; it is essential to realize the impact of wellness checks.
While your Pug may not show symptoms of underlying diseases, regular vet visits help the doctor get acquainted with your pup. It will also help them see if something is different or out of order.
On average, you’ll need to take your dog to the vet at least once every two to three months. Regular vet check-ups will set you back $200 to $400 annually.
Pet grooming also takes a big chunk out of the annual fees. Since Pugs don’t need to be shaved, you can reduce the money spent on professional grooming by bathing and grooming your dog at home.
Pugs require regular bathing and brushing due to their double coat, so a trip to the groomers can be scheduled less frequently as long as they get cleaned every two to three weeks.
Either way, grooming will usually cost around $100 to $250 every year.
Other Potential Expenses
If you’re a new pet owner, you may find that other expenses will happen, and they will vary depending on your lifestyle and the state of your pet.
These additional costs may include pet daycare services, pet sitter fees, kennel club registration, grooming services, and a few other extra stuff.
Here’s a list of other potential expenses for a Pug:
Pet Daycare: If you live a busy lifestyle and you’re constantly out on the road, it is possible to leave your Pug at a daycare facility. The usual daily rate of pet daycare is $20 to $30, and it ensures that your pup won’t feel lonely while you’re out.
Pet Sitting: If pet daycare isn’t your cup of tea, a great alternative would be to get a pet sitter. There are usually apps or social media platforms that host pet sitters, and they typically cost less than pet daycare at around $10 to $20.
Grooming Services: Sometimes, it can be quite challenging to bathe and groom your pet yourself. This is especially true if your Pug has some sort of skin condition or has trouble standing up. A trip to the groomers can take care of that for you, setting you back about $30 to $60.
Kennel Club Registration: You may register your Pug with the American Kennel Club (AKC) for $80 to $200. This may be unnecessary, but it is recommended if you want your pet to participate in AKC-hosted shows and competitions. However, you should note that the AKC only recognizes two types of coat colors: fawn and black. This is also a great way to keep track of your pup’s bloodline if you want to raise show-quality dogs.
Emergency Medical Costs: When it comes to emergencies, it is important to be ready. According to a news report from CNBC, the average price of emergency treatment for pets is between $1,000 and $5,000.
It is recommended to save up an emergency fund for your Pug to help you prepare for unexpected medical treatments. Except for the emergency medical costs, these are all optional, so you can skip them and save money.
Places to Find Pug Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Now that we’ve covered the Pug price and what to expect before you buy a Pug, it’s time to look for places to find one.
While sourcing a puppy from a backyard breeder or a puppy mill may cut down a significant amount on the Pugs cost, it is usually frowned upon as most of these breeders have ethically questionable practices.
Here’s a list of some reputable breeders where you can find Pug puppies for sale instead:
Pickwick Pugs – Based in Alabama, Pickwick Pugs is AKC-registered, and they have been breeding dogs from a champion lineage, hailing from both America and Europe. Their puppies are well-trained and socialized early in the breeder’s own home.
Casa Blanca Pugs – This Michigan-based Pug breeder has over 30 years of experience and is also a proud member of the AKC Breeders of Merit and Pug Dog Club of America. To date, they are one of the most credible breeders in the market.
Green Valley Pugs – This Arkansas-based breeder ensures that all their Pug puppies come with a two-year genetic health guarantee and the first shots of needed vaccinations. The pups are also dewormed and thoroughly examined by a veterinarian, and the breeder personally delivers the Pug to their new homes.
Check out our list of the 10 best Pug breeders for more options. You’ll surely find a ton of other reputable breeders there without worrying about puppy mills.
If breeders aren’t your thing, here are a few Pug rescue groups to check out:
Pacific Pug Rescue (PPR) – A non-profit organization based in Portland run entirely by volunteers, this adoption center provides the necessary medical care such as spaying/neutering, dental checkups, and vaccinations for all their Pugs.
Pugs N Roses (PNR) – This California-based shelter takes in dogs from high-kill shelters in Southern California that are scheduled to be put down either because they are sick or due to overpopulation. What’s great about this shelter is they don’t discriminate based on pedigree, as they take in both purebreds and mixes, all while prioritizing urgent dogs.
Pug Rescue of New England (PRoNE) – PRoNE is a foster home-based organization dedicated to finding homes for abandoned or surrendered Pugs within the six New England states. They also raise money through special charity events such as their Annual Pug Social and the PRoNE 5k.
Still on the hunt for more? You can check out our list of the 10 best Pug rescues. If you still haven’t found the right rescue for you, you can also check social media platforms for any adoption centers near your area.
Money-Saving Tips for Pug Owners
Having a lifetime companion is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but if you’ve already reached this part of the article, you’ll know that it sure isn’t cheap. Luckily, there are many ways to save and cut down on spending money.
Here are some money-saving tips for Pug owners:
Invest in high-quality accessories. Although it seems counter-intuitive at first, buying your Pug some high-quality essentials will surely save you more money in the long run.
Groom your Pug at home. Fortunately, Pugs don’t need to be shaved, and they rarely need to be trimmed. If you want to cut down on grooming costs, learning how to clean your Pug at home is the best way to save money.
Prepare homemade dog food. We all want the best for our dogs, and while expensive cans of wet dog food may seem like the move, a cheaper, healthier alternative would be to prepare their food at home. You can feed them boiled chicken breasts and potatoes, and it will be significantly more nutritious than processed dry kibble.
Visit the vet regularly. Prevention is always better than cure, so regularly taking your Pug to the vet can help you avoid expensive medical bills.
Although these tips may not seem much, the amount you save will be significant in the long run and will make you a more involved pet parent.
Keep in mind that saving money does not mean you should cheap out on your dog, as the quality of care you give them should not be compromised.
Final Thoughts
As is with most dogs, owning a Pug will set you back thousands of dollars throughout their lifetime. The price of a Pug may seem high at first, but it is actually on par with most small dog breeds.
If the initial Pug price from a reputable breeder looks a little high to you, it’s best to source one from a local shelter. Avoid puppy mills and backyard breeders, as their puppies may have underlying medical issues.
Dogs are serious financial responsibilities, but if you feel like you’re ready to shoulder the Pug price, then you’re now one step closer to getting your very own Pug puppy!
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