How Much Do Pugs Cost in 2024?

Man’s best friend may not be his pocket’s best friend all the time and this is even made more so when dealing with exotic dogs.

Today, I will be taking you on a ride through the world of Pugs. What do they cost? What makes them so specials? These and many more will be answered here.

How much do pugs cost?

The cost of a Pug is dependent on a few factors such as breeder reputation, bloodline, coat color, and location.  It should, however, be noted that the mean price of a Pug ranges between 300 dollars to 1,500 dollars. The highest known price is around $2,500. Even though Pugs are not considered the most expensive dogs, they certainly aren’t the cheapest.

Why Are Pugs Expensive?

I feel the right question should instead be “why shouldn’t Pugs be more expensive?” they are cute, they can be great companions, they are not your everyday kind of pet, simply put; Pugs are awesome!

However, to be more practical, there are a few reasons why Pugs seem to be that expensive, these reasons are also the reasons that determine the cost of other breeds.

Several factors determine the cost of a Pug.  Some of them include location, pedigree, breeder reputation, and colors. We will take a look at each one of the factors and see what role it plays in determining the price of a Pug.

1. Location

It should be noted that the cost of a Pug can vary from place to place. In some countries, they may cost higher. Also, within the same country, the prices may be different as you move from place to place.

Therefore, if you must select a Pug in a particular region, there isn’t much you can do about it. Also, if you are looking to go far to get a Pug, you will need to factor in the cost of travel.

It is sometimes less expensive to choose a Pug nearby that has a higher price, against a less expensive Pug that is far away.

You should also try out different breeders to get the best prices. You should get cool deals by simply engaging the best suppliers within the region.

2. Lineage and Pedigree

The Bloodline of a Pug plays a key role in determining the cost. This is perhaps the most important factor for the difference in price in all dog breeds.

According to a report by Business Insider, the cost of owning a Pug seems to be rising to an all-time high.

If you still don’t understand, a pedigree Pug is a purebred dog. Such a dog usually has at least three straight generations that have not been cross-bread. Any dog that doesn’t fall within these criteria is not a pure breed.

There have however been growing concerns concerning the over breeding of pedigree dogs.

Such dogs are usually bred using dogs within the same family. What this means is that the dogs may not be getting as much genetic diversity as a healthy dog needs.

Furthermore, inbreeding can cause a lower life expectancy in the dogs in addition to the possibility of degenerative mutation and diseases. Having a pedigree Pug may not be perfect but its price is not cheap.

Pugs from superior lineage usually cost more than those that do not. By superior lineage, we mean champion lineage. They are usually more expensive when they are more champions.

Furthermore, these dogs may command a huge price tag when they have an impressive ancestral origin

3. Reputable Pug Breeder

There are two distinct types of breeders from which you can buy a Pug; non-reputable and reputable breeders. It is always ideal you find a reputable breeder. Such breeders are more likely to be ethical ones.

4. Pug Coat Colors

There are two recognized Pug colors namely the black and the fawn. This, however, does not deter breeders from other uncommon colors.

Marketing colors for a different price based on color is kicked against. However, it is not uncommon for reputable breeders to engage in it.

If the dogs in a litter had the same price, the ones with the most sought-after colors would sell quickly while the ones without won’t.

The above-mentioned situation is just a product of demand and supply. Hence, you cannot blame the breeders for doing such.

It, however, is not a factor that affects the price of Pugs. In the case of Pugs, the Brindle variations are usually quite expensive because they aren’t common.

Also, apricot fawn or apricot silver colors are quite expensive. The bottom line is that less common dogs are more expensive.

On a personal note, I feel the classic fawn Pug with the dark mask is the most attractive. Hence, I may not want to pay a premium for any other color; however, that won’t stop others from doing so.

Expenses Involved With Owning A Pug

There is a list of potential expenses you may incur if you want to own a Pug. Here is a breakdown of a few of them:

1. The cost of buying

This is the first and perhaps the most important factor involved in owning a Pug. They usually cost between the region of $300 to $1,500 depending on a few factors.

2. Cost of Adoption

This is an alternative means of owing a Pug from a registered breeder. This is also a good strategy if you have not yet made up your mind on the breed and don’t want to place your money where you aren’t sure. You should, however, be aware that these pugs may be of a mixed breed to a certain extent. The cost of adoption ranges between $100 to $300

3. Kennels and Crates

Pugs aren’t the biggest dogs out there, hence, a 24-inch crate should be okay to keep them as comfortable as possible. The Kennels and Crates cost from $40 to $150 each.

4. Registration

This is an added one-time expense that is not compulsory. It involves registering your Dog with the American Kennel Club. This club gives you access to several unique benefits and the prices cost from $30 to $80.

How Can I Find Cheap Pugs?

Purchasing a happy and healthy Pug may be more expensive than you know. If you, however, are patient and not too picky, you should be able to get cool Pugs for lower prices.

Animal  Shelter for Pugs

Getting a Pug from an animal shelter is perhaps the best way if you can find one. It is, however, a fact that you may be limited in option, but you must always check to be on the safe side. All you need to do is carry out a search on Google for shelters close to you.

Also, there should be some animal shelters close to you that you could drive down to. You could also run a search to know if they have a website. Several animal shelters have websites that have their inventory of dogs listed. It would save you some time and energy to carry out an online search of the shelter before venturing out.

Adoption Websites

This is perhaps the best way to get an affordable Pug. You may however not have the opportunities of raising the Pug from infancy. There are a couple of good adoption websites that have Pugs needing new homes. There is however the possibility of finding younger Pugs now and then on the site.

Are Pugs Worth The Price?

Without a doubt, Pugs are quite expensive, and this is even more so if you are looking for a superior lineage. However, are they worth the price? Pugs rank among the most entertaining dogs around, even though they can be quite mischievous. They are loyal dogs that would love you like other dog breeds.

So definitely Pugs are worth every cent! There may however not be a need to purchase an ultimate lineage at a high cost. Some people believe that super-pedigree Pugs have a higher level of intelligence.  However, the truth is that all Pugs are intelligent in their way. They excel when it comes to adaptive and instinctive intelligence.

How Expensive Is To Care For My Pug?

Pugs just like most dogs are pretty strong animals, they rarely fall sick. If they, however, fall sick ensure to take them to the nearest vet. The care and treatment of this dog breed aren’t expensive at all as long as you do it the right way. In summary, it is not expensive for taking care of Pugs. They certainly don’t eat as much as a Rottweiler.

Why Should I Consider Buying A Pug?

Pugs have been pets for over 20 centuries. Their history can be traced back to the time of the emperors of old China who had a soft spot for flat-faced toy dogs. 

Pugs are physically sturdy, compact animals with curled tails and unique faces.

In terms of personality, they rank quite high; they are bred to be companions. Pugs are usually calm, gentle, and quite caring in addition to being fun.

This is usually ideal for single people and large families. It, therefore, suffices to say that they are worth every single cent you spend on them.

Final Thoughts

Dogs certainly didn’t get the tag “man’s best friend” for nothing; it is a reputation they have been able to build over time.

By now you should know the answer to the question “how much do Pugs cost.” However, Pugs just like any other dog cannot be valued simply based on how much they are worth in the market; they are worth more than that!