Why Are Pugs So Expensive?
Are you thinking about adopting a Pug? If so, then you’ll want to consider the cost of adopting and owning and Pug! To help you out, we’ve put together some information to help you better understand what it costs to have a Pug. Let’s get started!
What is the Cost of Buying a Pug?
If you choose to buy your Pug from a breeder, then expect to pay top dollar for your fur baby. Healthy, pedigree Pug puppies can cost between $1500 to $3000 from a reputable breeder. Some of you may have sticker shock at this point, and that’s understandable.
What makes Pugs so expensive? The price of buying a Pug puppy from a breeder depends on several factors, including:
Geographic location: prices vary from region to region, as well as city to city. It may be possible to buy a healthy pug puppy from a reputable breeder in one location for $300 to $400. However, in a major city, the price may go up to $1500 to $3000 for the same puppy.
Source: buying from a reputable breeder is essential. It’s best to look for a registered breeder; however, the cost will also be higher for these dogs. If you’d like to rescue a Pug, then adoption fees will vary. It may cost anywhere from $200 or more to adopt an adorable Pug.
Supply & demand: purebred Pugs are in high demand in some areas. If there aren’t enough puppies to meet demand, then the price of puppies will go up.
Pedigree: if you’d like to buy a pedigree Pug, then expect to pay quite a bit more.
Age: puppies are always in higher demand than older dogs. Puppies are seen as a better option because they’re young and healthy, and it can be challenging to bring home an older dog that may have a past from previous pet parents. Because puppies are in higher demand, breeders can charge higher prices for them.
Color: certain colors in Pugs go for higher prices. For example, a brindle or albino Pug will cost more than dogs of other colors.
C-section births: some Pug mothers must have a C-section in order to give birth to their puppies. This cost can also factor into how much the puppy costs.
Buy a Pug from a Reputable Breeder
If you choose to buy your Pub from a breeder, make sure the breeder is reputable. This is because the breeder must use safe and reputable breeding methods and ensure their puppies are free of genetic health issues. What’s more, breeders usually have a vet check their dogs and puppies on a regular basis.
On the other hand, puppy mill breeders don’t care for their dogs and use breeding methods that are not legal or recommended. The resulting puppies can be very sick and unhealthy; they may even carry serious genetic problems that cause health issues later in life.
For these reasons, it’s best to buy your Pug from a reputable breeder.
Rescuing a Pug
Adopting your Pug from a rescue is also a viable option. However, please know that you have no guarantee the dog will be free of genetic issues that could crop up later. Still, you’re adopting a puppy or dog who deserves a safe, loving home.
This way, you’ll be helping a living being, as well as caring and loving them. What’s more, many shelters and rescues include the dog’s vaccinations and spaying/neutering costs in their adoption fees.
Ongoing Costs After Buying a Pug
Once you’ve bought your Pug from a breeder or adopted him from a rescue, then you’ll have to deal with the ongoing costs of having a dog. We’ve put together a table with the day-to-day costs of being a pet parent of a Pug. These costs involve things like food, water, and more. The table does not include vet costs.
| Item | Cost |
| Water & food bowls | $10 |
| Collar | $18 |
| Leash | $20 |
| Name tag | $10 |
| Crate | $50 |
| Bed | $30 |
| Poop Bags | $10 |
| Poop Scooper (optional) | $20 |
| House training pads (for puppies—optional) | $30 |
| Toys (all dogs need toys!) | $70 |
| Shampoo | $20 |
| Toothbrush kit | $30 |
| Dog clothing (winter/rain coat) | $30 |
| Nail clippers | $15 |
| Total | $363 |
These are costs for the things your Pug will need each day. These are the basic essentials that will run almost $400, just for getting set up for your dog. Next, we’ll cover the costs of food for a month!
| Dry food | $20 |
| Wet food (may be needed for some dogs) | $30 |
| Supplements (optional) | $100 |
As you can see, dog food prices will vary depending on the type of dog food you choose. In addition, you may want to buy supplements for your Pug to help him stay healthy and active. Dog food will run between $20-$30, and supplements can run as high as $100/month.
And remember that a healthy Pug has a life expectancy of 12-15 years. You’ll be responsible for your fur baby throughout his life. So, be sure to consider this when getting a dog.
Healthcare Costs for Pugs
Next, you’ll need to consider veterinarian bills. Your Pug will need annual checkups, vaccinations, and treatment for injuries and illnesses. And don’t forget to have your fur baby spayed or neutered.
When it comes to vet bills, expect your Pug will need to visit the vet about 3-4 times a year for preventative care. This includes vaccinations, blood work, and checkups. This can run between $200-$1000 a year.
Then there are treatments for some health issues that a Pug may develop over his life. Pugs can suffer from various health issues, including:
- Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE)
- Hip dysplasia
- Elongated palate
- Patellar luxation
- Stenotic nares
- Legg-Perthes disease
- Entropion
- Keratoconjunctivitis (KCS)
- Hemivertebra
- Obesity
- Skin infections
- Nerve degeneration
- Demodicosis
- Seizures
- Distichiasis
- Allergies
- Skinfold dermatitis
- Heat sensitivity
- Sensitivity to anesthesia
That’s a long list of possible health issues in Pugs; however, we have to stress that a dog bought from a healthy breeder has a lower chance of developing any of these medical conditions. Even so, you still need to count on the possibility your fur baby could develop serious medical conditions over the course of his life.
Treatments, emergency vet visits, and tests can run from $2000 to $4000. For these reasons, you may want to consider buying pet insurance for your Pug. You’ll find a wide range of prices and plans, so be sure to find pet insurance that covers accidents, illness, and hereditary health problems. Most pet insurance also covers routine exams and tests. Health insurance for your Pug could cost up to $600 a year.
As you can see, Pugs are special dogs who need lots of care and love. There are many reasons Pugs are so expensive; however, if you know what you’re getting in a Pug puppy or adult dog, then you’ll be ready to bear the costs that come with being a pet parent to a Pug. What’s more, you’ll have a loving companion who will be in your life for years to come!
