Pugs are some of the cutest dogs on the planet, but that cuteness can come at a price. But how much do pugs cost exactly? Like most pure breeds of dogs, pugs—especially pug puppies—can be expensive. In fact, pugs can cost anywhere over $1,000.
Let’s look at factors that impact the costs of a pug so that you can assess whether you can afford one and whether it’s the right breed for you.
How Much Are Pugs?
The average price of a pug puppy can vary a great deal. Different sources quote different prices, but the average pug puppy price is somewhere around $1,200-$1,500. Several factors can impact the price of pugs.
One of them is where you live in the United States (or throughout the world!). Because the cost of living is higher in certain places, the cost of keeping pugs and breeding them is higher. Veterinarian bills, housing, and more all drive the price up. The pug dog price in some places can top $2,000 or more.
Another factor—and perhaps the most important—is the pedigree of the puppy. If the puppy has a championship winner in their line, expect the prices to be much higher. Even if not, the purer and longer their bloodline, the more money the puppies can command.
Similarly, the health of the parents and previous litters can raise the pug cost. If the parents are both in excellent health with no problems in their history, and if their last puppies have also enjoyed good health, that means the puppies might be more expensive.
Finally, the reputation of the breeder also matters. For the reasons discussed below, buying a pug from a disreputable breeder can mean disaster and heartbreak for everyone in your family. Your puppy could actually be very sick, and you might not even realize it.
Puppies aren’t the only pugs that need homes. You can also buy an adult pug from a breeder or elsewhere. Let’s look at those costs next.
What Is the Average Price of an Adult Pug?
An adult pug will usually cost less than a puppy. This is true because most people prefer puppies so that they can enjoy their dogs throughout their entire lifetimes. Still, some people want a full-grown dog.
Adult pugs usually cost around $500. However, once again, several other factors can drive up the price. In addition to some of those discussed above, a breed-able dog will cost more money. If you plan to purchase a dog that you can breed, you’ll be poised to make a potentially great deal of money.
Can You Adopt a Pug Instead of Buying?
Yes! You absolutely can adopt a pug, even a pug puppy. One thing to consider is whether you’re willing to adopt a mixed-breed dog who is a part pug. Because those dogs are not pure-bred, they simply aren’t worth as much money.
That being said, mixed-breed dogs can still make wonderful pets. They’re often very healthy animals with a lot of love to give.
Alternatively, you can also adopt pure-bred pugs. You just have to be diligent about checking adoption websites and shelters to see when they have a pug available.
Finally, there are many pug rescue associations throughout the country. These include the Pug Dog Welfare and Rescue Association, Mid-Atlantic Pug Rescue, and Tiny Paws Pug Rescue of California. They specialize in taking pugs out of abusive, dangerous, or unhealthy situations and finding them loving and safe homes with new families. They can be a great place to find pugs of all ages who need new homes.
Beware of Discount Pugs!
We wouldn’t be doing our due diligence if we didn’t warn you to stay away from discount pugs. The reason is for your own benefit, the integrity of the breed, and most of all, the safety of the dogs.
There’s another and more critical reason only to get your pet from a reputable breeder. Because pug puppies can be worth so much money, there is a lot of corruption in the puppy-selling business. It isn’t so much that your puppy might not have a legitimate pug bloodline; it’s that they might suffer from inbreeding.
Inbreeding occurs when two dogs who are too closely related breed with each other. The DNA of the puppies is too close and can cause serious health problems. This can lead to chronic, lifelong illness, high vet bills, and even early death in many cases. In short, your puppy may have a very unpleasant and painful little life, which no one wants.
Potential pug owners often can be unwittingly enticed into buying these dogs because they appear to be a good bargain. The breeders will even present papers and documentation on the dogs, but they may have falsified them. Make sure that whenever you shop for a pure-breed dog, the breeder is fully certified and recognized by American Kennel Club (or your country’s national dog breeder’s association).
Find Your New Best Friend
As you can see, pugs—especially pug puppies—can be very costly. But pugs also bring a lot of joy. Every dog is unique, but in general, pugs tend to be very intelligent as well as playful. They are affectionate and happy dogs who bond well with their owners.
They form close relationships with more than one person at a time, which makes them ideal for families. They’re pretty easy-going and not prone to aggression or biting; most pugs are fine in households with children.
Pugs are considered small dogs and usually weigh less than 20 pounds. They have a double coat, so they will shed, but other maintenance issues are rare since they’re small. They typically live between 12 and 15 years.
Regardless of what age your pug is when you adopt them, or whether you get them from a reputable breeder, a rescue organization, or a shelter, you’re sure to love them, and they will undoubtedly love you back. As any pug owner will tell you, their dog is priceless!
About the author
Rachael is the co-founder and editor at Pug Facts. Owner of one elderly Pug, she’s dedicated to helping other Pug owners create healthy, happy, lives with their furry best friends.
