Pug Price Guide (Puppies & Adults) & Ownership Costs

A member of the Toy group of dog breeds, the Pug is often referred to as a clown due to its natural comedic talents and desire to entertain. A small dog, the Pug is well-built and quite solid. A breed intended to function as a lap dog, the Pug bonds deeply to its family members and does not do well if left alone for long periods of time. The Pug has a soft, sensitive nature and can be stubborn but is an exceptionally loving dog that gets along well with other family pets and is tolerant and gentle with children.

Have your heart set on adding a Pug to your family? Read on to learn more about how much you can expect to pay to add this clown-like canine character to your home.

How Much is a Pug Puppy? $600-$5000+

Once you’ve decided the Pug is the right breed for you, the next step in the puppy purchasing process is beginning your search for a breeder. By doing a quick search through Google, you will discover that there are a lot of variations in pricing when it comes to Pug puppies. It is often true that purchasing a Pug pup from a reputable breeder will cost more than if you obtained your new canine pal from another source such as an online marketplace, shelter, or rescue. However, though the upfront expense you will pay to purchase your pup may seem high, it is a sound investment that will benefit you in the future.

Today, dog breeding is a practice that takes place all across the world. However, there is currently no governing body that regulates what a breeder can charge for the puppies they produce. Because of this, each breeder uses their own discretion to reach a price point they feel is fair for their puppies. As a result, there is a wide array of prices for Pug puppies with amounts varying not only from breeder to breeder but also from state to state.

How do breeders decide how much to charge for their puppies?

There are many different factors that come into play to help a breeder establish the price to charge for their Pug puppies. Price is not always a good indication of the quality of a dog; however, it is often true with puppy purchases that you do get what you pay for. In some cases, you may be able to find a Pug pup available for a low price, but it is always wise to beware of puppies for sale for prices that seem too good to be true. The cheaper initial purchase price may come at a much higher cost down the road.

When you purchase a Pug puppy from a reputable breeder you are obtaining a puppy from someone who was fully committed to providing the appropriate care, nutrition, and socialization during your pup’s critical first weeks of life. It is through these critical processes in your puppy’s important developmental periods that help it to learn to see the world as an exciting place to explore rather than a scary place to be feared. To accomplish this important goal, the breeder must be prepared to invest a significant amount of their own time, money, and resources.

Reputable breeders display a firm dedication to their breed. This commitment is displayed through many things that help to ensure their puppies are of excellent health, conformation, and temperament. The activities required to promote these things in their dogs and their dogs’ offspring are costly and have an impact on the pricing they select for their puppies.  Factors that may play a role in this final number are things like appropriate health testing for both of the parent dogs, stud fees for the sire’s service, pre- and post-natal care for the mother dog, and the expenses involved in whelping and raising a litter well.

The breed standard, a detailed written document that indicates how the ideal Pug should look and act, is of utmost importance to the reputable breeder. This outline is the framework that breeders strive for to ensure future generations of puppies retain the qualities that make the Pug uniquely the Pug. Adherence to this standard means ensuring all breeding stock is of the right conformation, temperament, and health to ensure the ongoing longevity of the breed.

Ranked #33 on the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular breeds for 2021, the Pug’s comical appearance and sweet nature is a true delight to all it meets. A dog breed whose name is believed to trace to the Latin term for fist, the Pug’s face is similar to the look of a human fist. A natural born entertainer, the Pug is naturally playful and lots of fun but carries itself with pride and dignity. True lovers of attention and affection, the Pug makes for a wonderful family companion and is an excellent choice both for apartment dwellers and first-time dog owners.

Though the Pug is not as popular a breed as many others today, it is still important that you avoid backyard breeders who mass produce puppies with the sole intent of maximizing their profit. Reputable breeders do not allow supply and demand for their dog breed to affect their frequency with which they breed their dogs. Their prices remain the same unless their expenses rise so dramatically that an increase is necessary to help offset the costs of breeding, whelping, and raising the litter.

Pug puppies can be purchased in nearly any state in the country with prices varying from breeder to breeder and region to region. Some breeders do list their puppies for sale for as little as $600; however, this is very low for this breed and is not likely to be found very often. Some Pug puppies are priced as high as $5000 with show quality puppies fetching a higher price still.

However, there are many more expenses to consider than simply the initial purchase price of your Pug. Other costs you will need to keep in mind for the future include veterinary care, vaccinations, training, grooming, food, toys, and much, much more.

How Much Does a Pug Puppy Cost? $600-$5000+

Purchasing a Pug puppy will cost you more money than if you opted to obtain an adult, retired breeding or show dog, or a senior. This is not unique to the Pug; it is quite typical of every breed. One of the main factors that will affect the price you pay for your puppy is its location.

On occasion, you may find a Pug puppy/adult or even a Pug mix available for adoption at your local shelter or a rescue. Rescuing a Pug can be the perfect solution for many families. Since older Pugs are already housetrained and up to date on shots, there are fewer training issues to be tackled when you bring your new best canine pal home. Adoption rates are typically considerably lower than the purchase price of a Pug pup from a reputable breeder, making this a more affordable option for some families.

Many states also have breed specific rescues. A rescue dedicated specifically to Pugs can be an excellent resource for you. Even if the rescue does not currently have anything available for adoption, they may have contacts to help you find the ideal Pug for your family.

Companion Pug Puppies=$600-$5000+

Though a few breeders are willing to sell their Pug puppies for as low as $600, this price point is extremely low for the breed and is not commonly seen. As an average, you can expect to pay approximately $1500-$2000 for a pet quality Pug pup.

Show Potential Pug Puppies=$1500+

Show potential puppies are pups that a breeder is willing to part with between the ages of 8-16 weeks. Since these puppies are not yet fully developed, it is impossible for a breeder to know whether or not the pups will remain show quality when fully mature. As a result, the breeder may opt to sell them as show potential.

When a breeder sells their puppies as show potential, they most often sell the pup on a contract which carefully outlines what must happen if the puppy does not turn out as expected. Most often, the contract will stipulate that the puppy must be returned to the breeder for a refund or a replacement pup. The breeder then takes the time to find the ideal forever pet family for the returned puppy.

Why is there a price difference between show and pet quality puppies?

Dog shows were first implemented to assist breeders through a forum that allowed for assessments of the best breeding stock of the day. With this in mind, there is an expectation placed upon dogs sold as show quality by their breeders.

Each time a puppy carrying a breeder’s kennel name walks into a ring with its owner, that breeder’s line and breeding program is being assessed.

Having their dogs shown provides the breeder with a barometer that helps to measure the success (or failure) of their breeding program. These assessments can help chart a course forward for future breedings and can even indicate if a change in direction is required to continue to strive towards the breed standard.

When a breeder sells you a show potential puppy, they are placing a great deal of trust in you. In addition to this; in most cases, the breeder will be offering you one of the best puppies they have produced, and in so doing, will forfeit their opportunity to use this puppy to further their own ambitions in the whelping box or show ring. Because of this, you will pay a higher price to obtain a puppy whose future may include a career in conformation.

If you wish to purchase a Pug puppy to show, you can expect to pay approximately $1500-$2000, and most often considerably more, for this privilege.

Guaranteed Show Quality Pugs (Older Puppies and Young Adults)=$3000+

In rare cases, you may be able to find a breeder that will sell you a guaranteed show quality Pug. Most often, a guaranteed show quality Pug will cost a minimum of $3000.

In order to offer you a guarantee that your Pug is indeed show quality, your breeder must wait until the dog is fully mature. Once the dog reaches complete maturity, the breeder can then evaluate if the dog is indeed suited to life in the show ring. Among the things your breeder will look for during this time are a correct bite and that both testicles are fully descended in a male. Other characteristics your breeder will want to observe are whether or not the dog develops any disqualifying or distracting faults that may hamper any future wins as a show dog.

Guaranteed show quality Pugs are very hard to come by since most breeders prefer to keep dogs of this caliber for themselves. If you find a breeder willing to sell you a Pug of this quality, you will discover that most require proof of your commitment to showing the dog. Some breeders will only relinquish dogs of this quality on co-ownerships. Co-ownerships can be mutually beneficial agreements, but it is important that you have a highly detailed contract which outlines what is required of each party and what the consequences will be should anyone default on their commitment.

Retired Adult Pugs=$350-$1000

After their careers in the show and performance rings or as breeding dogs have come to an end, many breeders make the decision to retire them and rehome them in forever pet homes. When this happens, many breeders sell these dogs for the same price as what they would charge for a pet puppy. However, most simply offer the dog for the cost of the pooch’s spay or neuter, a cost which most often is between $350 to $1000.

Rescue or Shelter Puppies and Adults=$50-$1000

On occasion, you may find a Pug or Pug mix available for adoption in a rescue or at a local shelter. Adult Pugs or Pug mixes typically cost between $50-$750 while puppies are most often available for $750-$1000.

Senior Pugs (8+)=$350-$500

Unfortunately, the Pug is predisposed to a lot of health problems that may affect its overall longevity. However, typically, the breed enjoys a long life, living from 10 to 14 years of age on average. Adopting a senior Pug is an excellent idea for many families, particularly since these dogs are lower on the energy spectrum and are fully trained.

The average price you will pay for a senior Pug is $350 to $550.

Service Dogs= Not recommended for this breed

Though the Pug makes for an excellent lap dog, the breed is not particularly well suited to life in service or therapy work.

Should I Get a Male or a Female Pug?

Many families already have in mind which gender of Pug they prefer to add to their home. There are several key differences between male and female Pugs which should be considered before you commit to purchase a puppy from a breeder.

Slightly larger in size than females, the male Pug is an easygoing fellow that enjoys time spent with his family, especially if that time includes cuddles. Male Pugs are more difficult to train than their female counterparts, possessing an innate obstinate nature.

Female Pugs are full of spirit and charm. Girl Pugs have attitude to spare and can be prone to displays of bossiness and aggression. Easier to train than males in this breed, female Pugs are also rather obstinate, responding best to positive reinforcement training methods.

Why Purchase a Purebred Pug?

There are a lot of reasons why purchasing a purebred Pug from a reputable breeder may be your best course of action. Reputable breeders make the focus of their breeding program producing puppies of exceptional structure, sound temperaments, and optimal health to ensure the future longevity of the breed. They make it their highest priority to invest the time and resources required to ensure their puppies develop into confident and well-adjusted canine members of society.

To ensure the future health of the breed, reputable breeders vigorously health test their breeding stock to ensure their dogs do not pass down heritable disease to their offspring. Many breeders also offer a written health guarantee, providing you with peace of mind as to the ongoing health and wellness of your puppy and the breed.

The purchase of a purebred Pug puppy from a reputable breeder provides you with lifetime support from a trusted professional with much experience in the breed. This relationship can be of tremendous help to you as your puppy grows. In addition to this ongoing support and assistance, reputable breeders also offer a solid commitment to ethical breeding practices, optimal puppy raising conditions, and an investment in whelping and raising each puppy they produce to be healthy, well-adjusted canine members of society.

Unfortunately, all breeds are naturally predisposed to developing certain health conditions. Thankfully, there are pre-screening breeding tests available today that can evaluate a dog’s genetic material and physical health to determine suitability for use in a breeding program. These tests greatly reduce the chances of passing on heritable health problems to the offspring of any breeding pair.

The list of recommended tests for the Pug are listed on the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals website. Another excellent resource for those considering purchasing a Pug is the Pug Dog Club of America. A passing score on the health tests recommended for the Pug gives a vote of confidence that that particular dog can safely be used for breeding. Once the testing is completed, many breeders opt to list their dogs’ results on the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals website, a public database.

If your Pug puppy was born to two parents that are already AKC registered, then your pup is eligible for registration with the American Kennel Club. AKC registration is not mandatory; however, there are benefits you can enjoy if you choose to do so. Among the programs AKC offers as perks to the owners of registered puppies are microchip tracking programs like AKC Reunite as well as discounts and promotions on products and services including pet insurance.

Does Location Make a Difference When It Comes to Price?

Location can play a big role in the final price you will pay to purchase your Pug puppy. Since Pugs are not as popular as some other breeds, they can be a little more challenging to find, depending on what area of the country in which you live. States that have a larger number of breeders will offer their puppies for a cheaper price than states where there are very few.

Another factor that can impact the cost of a puppy are the expenses the breeder must pay to breed, whelp, and raise the litter. Though some costs are standardized such as microchips and AKC registration, other fees are set by the city and state the breeder lives in. This means that a breeder in Indiana may pay significantly more money for things such as vaccinations, microchip insertion, puppy food, veterinary care, health certificates, whelping expenses, and prenatal care than a breeder that lives in New Mexico.

Pug Price List by Location (US State)

Virginia	$2000-$3000
Michigan	$3000-$3500
New York	$3500-$5000
Ohio	$1650-$1800
Indiana	$900-$1800
Florida	$1850-$2500
Texas	$1200-$4500
Georgia	$1800-$3500
North Carolina	$2500-$4000
Oregon	$2200-$3000
Washington	$2500-$4500
California	$1800-$5000

Pug Ownership Costs

Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to spend per month for these items for a Pug:

Dog food (kibble)	$150
Dog food (raw)	$150
Dog treats and chews	$50
Toys	$50
Grooming	$100
Vet	$0-$200
Health insurance	$50-$75

The price you pay for your Pug puppy is only a small expense compared to the costs you will face throughout the life of your dog. Since Pugs live from 10 to 14 years, you will have many years of fun, and many bills to pay, in your future.

Here is an approximate breakdown of what you can expect to pay for your dog:

Puppy supplies=$650+

Puppy supplies is a term that refers to such items as training treats, a leash and collar, a crate, pee pads, and toys.

Puppy vaccinations=$250

The two sets of vaccinations remaining in your pup’s puppy series plus an additional two dewormings will cost you approximately $250.

Puppy training=$100-$600+

Puppy socialization and manners classes range in price from $25 to $100 per class and are taught in blocks of 4-6 weeks.

Ongoing adult training/dog sports=$500-$2500+

From dog performance sports to conformation, scent work, tracking, and more, the sky’s the limit when it comes to fun things to do with your dog. As an average, you will pay from $500-$2500+ per year for additional training and/or participation in dog sports.

Veterinary fees=$100-200+ annually

An annual health exam is a must for every dog. This number should be increased to twice yearly during the senior years.

Because accidents and illnesses can occur, it is wise to budget an additional $3000-$5000 for emergency vet care.

Insurance=$50-$75 per month

The average pet insurance policy costs approximately $50-$75 per month. Over a lifespan of 14 years, that total comes to $12,600. Bear in mind that your premiums may increase as your dog ages. Also, most insurance plans also have deductibles which must first be satisfied before you receive any refunds for monies paid out for veterinary care.

Food=$150+ per month

A dog food suited to the needs of the Pug will cost between $100-$150 each month.

Grooming=$100

The Pug is a dog breed that sheds moderately, requiring regular brushing to keep the hair in your home to a minimum. You will need to purchase a brush with firm bristles and brush your Pug several times weekly. Baths can be on an as needed basis. All facial folds should be cleaned and carefully dried as often as required to keep bacteria and yeast from accumulating, leading to infection.

The tools required for grooming the Pug should cost around $100.

What to Know Before Buying a Pug

The final thing to keep in mind before committing to purchase a Pug is the health issues that can plague this jovial, comical dog.

Among the health problems that can plague the Pug are:

• Cheyletiella Dermatitis
• Pug Dog Encephalitis 
• Epilepsy
• Nerve Degeneration
• Corneal Ulcers
• Dry Eye
• Eye Problems
• Allergies
• Demodectic Mange
• Staph Infection
• Yeast Infection
• Hemi-vertebrae
• Hip Dysplasia
• Legg-Perthes Disease
• Patellar Luxation
• Vaccination Sensitivity

Summary

Is the Pug the perfect breed for your family? If you’ve decided the Pug is the dog type for you, it’s a good idea to begin your search for the right breeder now.

Whether you choose to purchase your dog from a reputable breeder, a rescue, or shelter, it’s important to note that prices can vary quite widely. As an average, you can expect to pay $600 to $5000+ for a puppy and $50 to $1000 for a rescue.