You are here because you are thinking about getting an adorable purebred pug. Welcome to the pug family!
Pugs are a popular dog breed for a lot of reasons. They are really funny, good looking, and charming family dogs!
They are also quite adaptable – great for kids, seniors, apartments or houses, cities or countrysides, depending on your lifestyle. This is why some dog owners claim that they are the best dog breed.
Another selling quality is that they have moderate amounts of energy and are ready to play whenever you are.
They aren’t so high maintenance that you need to go for a run all the time, or too low energy to be a couch potato. You still need to be able to take them out for their regular daily exercise, though!
“How much do pugs cost?” is a great question that many people do not ask themselves when they are thinking about how much it will cost to maintain a dog by ensuring its happiness and health.
We all know that a pug’s cost isn’t only limited to a dog’s one-time purchasing fee, but the maintenance needed to have it stay one healthy pug!
A lot of people forget that pug costs aren’t only limited to buying a pug puppy, but the financial responsibility that comes with maintaining a pup throughout its lifetime.
Congratulations for being responsible about what is needed not only to buy, but maintain a pug puppy, an adult pug, or even an older pug.
The most important thing to learn when having a dog is how to be a responsible dog owner.
There are many costs associated with maintaining a dog, including thinking about what the dog breed entails, as well as many other things including dog weight, health issues, lifespan, vaccinations, the size of the dog, neutering, and more!
No worries, though! We’ve got you covered!
So, How Much Do Pugs Cost?
Compared to other dogs, pug puppies can be relatively expensive because of their easy-going nature and loving disposition. Their high demand makes them an expensive dog to purchase.
However, purebred pugs also cost less than some other dogs of bigger sizes.
There are different factors that play into how much a puppy costs. The most important factors when it comes to the price of a pug depend on:
• location – this will depend on the state and where you get your pug
• dog pedigree – pug puppies from show-quality lines will cost much more, and higher prices are in order especially if the high-quality blood line of your pup’s famous ancestors is closer to it
• time of year – busy puppy buying seasons are around late spring and around the winter holidays
Pug Rescue At Animal Shelters (Price Range: $50-$500)
Well, this is one way to go about getting your pug the cheapest (and the most morally commendable one).
The adoption fees are comparatively low compared to other ways of obtaining your pug puppy or older pug.
However, because pugs are such a popular dog breed, it isn’t often that you will find a pug in an animal shelter.
Sometimes, shelters will eliminate or reduce the fees, giving the opportunity to obtain a dog for free.
If you are tighter on money, you can always call your shelter and ask if they have a pug up for adoption. You might also need to call several shelters because this dog breed gets adopted quite quickly!
It also would be great if you could donate to the shelter if you have the dime to do so! Shelters need all the help they can get.
By adopting your pug at a local shelter, you help free up space for other dogs in need that often do not get the resources needed because of limitations on space and care.
Reputable Breeders (Price Range: $600-$2000)
“Okay, so I’ve checked my options with my adoption shelter, and I can’t find a pug. How much do pugs cost if I purchase from a breeder?”
We all know that purchasing your pup from a reputable breeder is the most expensive option available. The average cost of a pug puppy from a high-quality breeder will be around $1200.
If you do decide to buy your puppy from a breeder, there are some things that you should know and be concerned about.
You must research all the pug breeders thoroughly before purchasing your pug puppy. You will find sketchy backyard breeders/puppy mills who will sell pups for a lower price, but who will not care about the dogs’ wellbeing at all.
Because of this, it is imperative that you work with responsible, high-quality, reputable breeders who are ethical and know what they are doing in order to ensure your new puppy is well-cared-for, healthy, and safe long before you decide to adopt it.
Don’t be shy about asking the breeders any questions you have, and make sure to check out proof of licensing as well as the environment the pug dogs were bred in. Quality dogs are happy, healthy, warm, and loving.
If the dogs you encounter exhibit signs of fear, look unhealthy, or are unkempt, it might be a sign that you are encountering a puppy mill situation where breeders are only out for the money and don’t care about the dogs.
It also means that you will have problems socializing your pug puppy after it has been conditioned to being abused by others, and that isn’t fun at all.
Additional red flags include:
• no documentation regarding the dogs they breed
• selling other breeds of dogs in addition to pugs
• denying you the right to see the pup before you purchase
• advertising on websites for a cheaper price
• no health records of the parentsBuying a dog from an irresponsible breeder only supports this cycle of abuse and unhappiness for pug puppies and dog owners alike in the long run.
If you want to find a good breeder, you might want to search on the American Kennel Club Marketplace or the Pug Dog Club of America. The breeders there have to have certification and approval that they meet high-quality breeding standards.
Is there any way I can get a pug for less from a reputable breeder?
Believe it or not, yes.
In rarer situations, breeders might have adult pugs that they want to give to good homes after the dogs aren’t available for breeding (or if the dogs are retired if they were show dogs!).
In these cases, the retired pugs are already spayed/neutered and cared for as cherished pets. If you are lucky, you might get them for a small price or even for free!
To see if your breeder has one of these dogs, keep checking their website or perhaps give them a call to see if they are thinking about giving up one of their retired pugs for adoption.
Why Are They So Expensive (Other Than Being Super Cute)?
Apart from being in high demand for their insane cuteness levels, pugs are smaller dogs that have small litters, and unfortunately, usually need a C-section in order to give birth because of their narrow hips and breathing difficulties.
What’s the size of an average litter, you might ask? That will be just around four to six puppies per litter.
They are also prone to a variety of health issues, which can cause complications during and after pregnancy – unfortunately for momma pugs. In case this occurs, the expensive bills and care mean that the puppies will cost more.
Remember, breeders don’t only want to show you that their pug puppies are cute, but also that they are healthy and follow a high-quality breeding standard!
Does Coat Color Matter When It Comes to Price?
You might be thinking about getting a pug in a specific coat color , and yes, sometimes color does matter when it comes to how much money you will have to spend purchasing your pug.
The American Kennel Club (or the AKC) claims that pugs usually come in colors of apricot-fawn, and black. Black pugs have an entirely black coat, whereas fawn pups have a fawn coat with a black face mask.
This means that the rarer colors like brindle, silver, merle, or white might also be more expensive. Here is an approximation of prices you will find depending on coat color:
• Black: $500 to $800
• Fawn: $1,200 to $1,800
• White: $1,750
• Brindle: $1,000 to $2,000
• Merle: $3,800
• Blue: $2,000 to $3,500
Pug Cost Depending On Location
Since pugs are small and have moderate energy levels, they tend to be quite fit for life in urban areas, where you will find them to be in high demand.
Because of that, they just happen to be the perfect pet for people living in small apartments and those who don’t have a back yard for their dog to run around in.
This also unfortunately means that pugs will be more costly in cities, so you might find it a better option to purchase your pug from another state or a smaller city.
Just make sure to keep in mind that travel can also cost a lot of money! Ask yourself if you are really saving money by buying a pug from a breeder from another state after you take into account the traveling expenses.
However, you might just want to purchase a pug from another state just because you have seen it previously and decided that it is the perfect furry friend for you. If this is the case, by all means, go for it! We believe in love at first sight.
Here are some approximate prices of pugs depending on state:
• Georgia: $1,500 to $3,000
• Texas: $1,500 to $1,800
• Virginia: $1,500 to $3,250
• Pennsylvania: $950 to $4,000
• North Carolina: $1,600 to $3,000
• Virginia: $200 to $3,000
However, you might also be considering purchasing a pug from a different country entirely. You might want to consider the travel expenses in this case as well.
Initial Supplies and Setup (Average Price: $200-$700)
Before you have purchased or adopted your pug, it is a good idea to prepare your living space for this newest member.
We know that bringing home a new pug puppy can be quite a costly commitment. It can also take up quite a bit of time to prepare everything you and your dog need in order to get along, so we recommend taking your time before immediately buying a pup.
Since pug dogs are small compared to their other dog brothers (and sisters), their supplies won’t cost you as much, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t know how much you are going to need to spend on supplies and setup.
Your first year with this small dog will include many visits to a vet to make sure your dog doesn’t have any health problems, and also to ensure that it is up to date with all the vaccines needed.
Even if you end up getting an adult dog, you will need to make sure it is up to date with everything in the health department. Like, hey, if your dog isn’t already microchipped, this is another cost you might need to think about.
Never mind the kind of care your dog needs — the bulk of your first-year expenses will go to making sure your dog is getting the healthcare (and safety) it needs to thrive!
Along with medical expenses, you will also need to purchase all the accessories your puppy needs to ensure it will have the happy and healthy life it deserves!
Here is a helpful list of accessories your dog will need, and their average prices, so you can start calculating costs for what you need for your dog. Remember, these prices are approximates and can vary depending on where you live:
• Food and Water Bowls: $15
• Spay/Neuter: $175
• ID Tag and Collar: $30
• Bed: $35
• Crate: $40
• Leash: $10
• Microchip: $50
• Toys: $30
• Pee training pads: $25
• Teeth Cleaning: $300
• Nail Clipper (optional): $10
• Brush (optional): $15
How Much Do Pugs Cost On A Monthly Basis? ($80-$100 Per Month)
When the first year of owning your pug comes to an end, you quickly realize that the costs decrease, adding up to $90 per month on average.
Pugs are the kind of dog that don’t require much food because of their weight, and they are generally healthy, small dogs, which makes the costs significantly lower than if you owned a larger pup.
However, you must know that pugs can suffer from certain genetic conditions that are specific to the dog breed. As such, treating these conditions might require a one-time fee and certain monthly costs afterward.
Health Care ($75-$130 Per Month)
You can’t really predict when your pug will develop an illness or a certain condition that might require your additional attention (or that extra buck).
For instance, pugs might suffer from eye or breathing issues because they are a brachycephalic breed, and as they grow older, they might require surgical intervention to make sure everything is in order.
It is known that overheating or overexerting your pug is not a good idea.
Because they are a brachycephalic breed, you have to be careful when it comes to exercising your pug. You also have to be wary about how the heat in the summertime might be affecting your pug’s breathing.
Both the summer and overexertion make it even more difficult for them to breathe, and if you aren’t careful, you can easily end up paying extra fees at the ER.
Pugs also might suffer from elbow or hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, obesity, and various skin problems, such as fold dermatitis.
Checkups are in order every now and then, so you want to make sure you have enough in your budget to regularly follow your dog’s health.
Because of this, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to create an emergency fund like you would for yourself just in case this happens. You might even want to consider getting your pug pet insurance just in case.
Believe us, you’ll thank yourself later, and so will your adorable pug!
Medication and Vet Visits ($25-$30 Per Month)
Let’s finally talk about vet costs and checkups. Even the healthiest of pugs need to go to the vet once a year.
A typical vet visit costs around $150-$250. You also want to add up the costs of potential heartworm medication, and tick or flea medication, depending on your dog’s outdoor endeavors. The expected cost for these medications is about $15 per month.
However, we all know that if your pug has extra health issues, the costs can add up.
Like we stated, pugs are prone to eye and brachycephalic issues, so many require different medicines to manage these problems, adding up to between $50 and $100 per month for more extreme cases.
Pet Insurance ($40-$50 Per Month)
Remember that pet insurance we mentioned previously? Let’s talk more about how much it is and why it is important.
Getting your pup pet insurance is a fantastic way to avoid potential unmanageable expenses that might seriously hit your wallet. You don’t want to come into a situation where you have to choose between your own needs and your dog’s.
For people, unexpected diagnostic tests for pugs, such as X-rays or MRIs, can cost thousands of dollars. Surgeries can even cost much more.
Without pet insurance, you might find it impossible to meet your dog’s needs. Taking this extra step can help you relax and give you peace of mind knowing that you’ll be able to give your dog the treatment it needs.
Food Costs ($6-$12 Per Month)
As you probably have already guessed, talking about food when it comes to feeding your dog requires talking about weight.
An adult pug will weigh anywhere between 14 and 18 pounds, which means that it will eat approximately 100 pounds of dry food per year.
Look, we get it — every dog’s need is different depending on age, condition, and whatnot. Oftentimes, it’s up to the owner to decide just how much he or she wants to spend on food.
It is easy to get lost in the myriad of food brands and options out there, and because you are such a good potential dog owner, you want to make sure that your pug’s nutritional needs are met.
Some dog owners opt for making their own meals for dogs, whereas more traditional owners will stick to the trusty dog food brands out there that everyone knows and loves. You might be asking what option is the best for you.
Because there are a variety of things to keep in mind when getting any kind of dog food, the best thing you can probably do is consult a vet or a specialized nutritionist when it comes to your dog’s diet in order to make sure your dog stays safe and healthy. Also, you can find some useful information in our Pug feeding chart.
Grooming ($0-$20 Per Month)
The great thing about pugs is that they are extremely low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their short coat is very easy to clean and maintain, unlike those of longer-haired breeds, which require more time and pampering.
Because of this, professional grooming becomes unnecessary — unless you’re the kind of dog owner who relishes in going the extra mile to pamper your pup!
In that case, you can expect around six visits a year for about $40 overall. But, of course, prices are different based on location, so it’s always good to check.
Otherwise, grooming your pup yourself will require getting a grooming kit that can cost about $75 on average.
Environment Costs ($5-$10 Per Month)
You might wonder whether your pug will be destructive when it comes to living space. Lucky for you, pugs are traditionally known as well-behaved dogs, which means that destructive behavior, such as chewing and digging do not come naturally to them.
As such, you probably won’t have to sacrifice that extra dime for repair costs, but it’s always a good idea to have cleaning supplies around as well as a fresh stock of paper towels on the go.
Your pug is still a dog, after all, and there will be accidents here and there from time to time, especially if your dog is still a puppy! And, don’t think your adult dog won’t get into mischief every now and then!
However, even the high-end price of $5-$10 per month for maintaining a sanitary environment isn’t something to sweat over.
Entertainment ($10-$20 Per Month)
I know you were waiting for this one — toys are fun! Like we’ve stated before, pugs are moderate-energy dogs that need exercise every now and then, and as such, they need to be stimulated.
You should buy a few toys for them as well as the occasional puzzle toy to make sure you are stimulating their mind.
You might be wondering just how often you should get your dog working. Most pugs require regular attention and two walks per day, with the occasional hour or so in the park in order to socialize with other pups.
You can also think about training your dog (apart from the necessary socialization) as it is a great way to get their brain working as well as being a fantastic way to bond with him or her.
Pugs are generally attentive towards their owners, and they will do anything to please them. Training them or teaching them tricks can be a great way to both get their daily exercise and strengthen your relationship.
The Total: How Much Do Pugs Cost?
Like we’ve established, having a pug is more affordable than owning other dog breeds because of their weight and simple entertainment needs.
Because of this, they don’t need much food, they are easy to stimulate, and they are relatively healthy pups. That being said, you still need to set aside extra cash for emergency medical situations just in case.
You can expect to dish out between $80 and $120 per month for your adorable pup on average. The most expensive costs will be food and medical expenses (as well as pet insurance if you choose to purchase it).
How Much Do Pugs Cost: Training And Dog Sitting?
Yes, we understand that these are additional costs you might be considering. The fact of the matter is that a lot of dog owners succeed in training their own dogs themselves, so you might not have to worry about paying for dog training at all.
However, if you still want to have your dog professionally trained, the good news is that these aren’t costs that are going to keep on being billed for the rest of your dog’s life. Good trainers will cost just between $500 and $1000 dollars for about 5 to 10 sessions.
As for dog sitting, it is an extra cost that doesn’t apply to everyone. Some people just don’t travel very much. In the case that you travel occasionally, these costs are almost negligible.
But, if you are the kind of person who travels very often, and bringing your pug with you proves to be impossible, you’ll have to pay someone to look after your dog or have it boarded, and this cost can vary depending on location and duration.
How Much Do Pugs Cost On A Budget?
Are there any tips for how to own a pug on a budget? Well… glad you asked. The truth of the matter is that every dog you own is going to cost money, and you want to make sure you are financially stable enough to own a dog in the first place.
However, pugs are a fantastic breed to consider because of their relatively low costs compared to other dogs, thanks to their limited health concerns and small size.
They also don’t need much stimulation to get them going, so those couple of walks per day as well as a few toys will meet their needs and not cost more than a few bucks. Before you buy your pug, make sure that you have enough money to cover the expenses above for food and medical care, as well as emergency care.
Believe us, a few X-rays here and there can cause serious injury to your wallet if you don’t have enough to cover these expenses. Another shout out to pet insurance – seriously consider getting it!
So, overall, you can’t really save on your dog when it comes to its essential needs (and please don’t try to do so as it could seriously harm your dog’s health).
However, you can save when it comes to entertainment and toys – here, you can get quite creative. Remember, it doesn’t take much money to entertain your puppy since many of them enjoy spending a lot of time with their owner.
Sit down and brainstorm! Think big! Maybe you can make a really cool agility course in your back yard with a few boxes here and there, which is relatively inexpensive. Spend time thinking about training games that will get your dog stimulated.
Final Thoughts: How Much Do Pugs Cost?
Now that you’ve learned everything you need to know, it’s time to sit down and start planning that budget.
We’ve learned that you will need around $2000 to purchase your furry friend if we take into account the price of the breeder, neutering or spaying costs, and that potential pet insurance you might want to get for your dog.
These costs, of course, will be much less if you end up adopting a pug from a shelter.
So, how much do pugs cost on a monthly basis? As we have established, the overall monthly cost sums up around $40 to $100 per month for catering to your pug’s needs.
The things you will spend most on are medications, food, and – you’ve guessed it – that potential pet insurance we highly recommend getting.
If you can spare that kind of money from your income, then you can afford getting a pug! Congratulations!
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