How Much do Pugs Cost?

Last Updated on September 14, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

With their squished faces, big eyes, and playful personalities, it’s no wonder pugs are such a beloved breed. But before welcoming one of these adorable dogs into your home, it’s important to understand all the costs involved with pug ownership.

Between the initial purchase or adoption price, ongoing medical expenses, insurance, grooming, food and more, how much can you expect to budget for a pug over its lifetime?

In this guide, we dive into the various upfront, monthly, and annual costs of owning a pug. We’ll break down adoption fees, breeder prices, vet bills, grooming needs, training costs, and other key financial considerations. Whether you’re adopting or buying from a breeder, ensure you’re fully prepared for the substantial, long-term investment and responsibilities of owning this high-maintenance, brachycephalic breed.

How Much Do Pugs Cost?

The average cost to purchase a pug puppy from a reputable breeder range from $1,500 to $2,500, while adopting a pug from a rescue or shelter typically costs between $150 to $500.

One of the biggest upfront costs is acquiring your pug through either purchase from a breeder or adoption from a rescue/shelter:

Purchasing a Pug Puppy from a Breeder

Expect to pay $800 to $3,000 for a pug puppy purchased from a breeder. What impacts the price range?

• Breeder reputation and quality– Well-reviewed breeders with healthy lineages charge higher prices, normally $2,500 to $3,000.
• Pedigree and bloodlines– Pugs with champion show dog pedigree and bloodlines can cost $3,000+.
• Purity of breeding– Purebred pugs cost more than “designer” pug crossbreeds.
• Pet quality vs. show quality– Pugs specifically bred for show dog confirmation and pedigree tend to cost more.
• Location and demand– Prices fluctuate based on regional breed popularity and buyer demand.

For a healthy, well-bred pug puppy from a responsible, ethical breeder, expect to budget $1,500 to $2,500 on average depending on your area. Always avoid puppy mills or breeders offering low rates, as this can indicate poor breeding practices.

Adopting a Pug from a Rescue or Shelter

For a more affordable option, adopting an adult or senior pug from a rescue organization or animal shelter costs between $150 to $500 to cover medical care and processing fees. Additional potential costs include:

• Transportation fees– An additional $50 to $150 if the adopted dog needs transport from foster home.
• Vet exams– May need $100 to $300 in vet care prior to adoption if recovering from neglect or medical issues.

Though less expensive upfront, adopted rescue pugs often require extra medical and training investment to rehabilitate physical or behavioral issues stemming from previous neglect or trauma. Still, adoption can be very rewarding by providing a loving home to a dog in need.

According to iHeartDogs, the cost of a Pug puppy varies by region. In the Northeast, prices range from $1,000 to $2,500, while in the South, they generally fall between $800 and $2,000.

The Midwest sees more moderate prices of $800 to $1,800, and the West ranges from $800 to $3,000, with higher costs in urban areas like San Francisco. The Pacific Northwest typically sees Pug prices between $1,000 and $2,200.

LuckyPug provides a more global perspective, stating that in the USA, Pug prices range from $850 to $2,350. They also offer cost estimates for other countries, such as the UK (£800 to £1,500), Canada ($800 to $2,000 CAD), and Australia ($900 to $1,500 AUD).

Dogster’s article “How Much Does It Cost to Own a Pug?” states that the initial purchase price of a Pug can range from $800 to over $2,000, depending on the quality, age, and pedigree of the dog. They emphasize the importance of investing in a healthy and well-bred Pug from a reputable breeder.

In terms of monthly costs, Dogster estimates that a Pug costs between $100 and $200 or more per month, including food, supplies, and vet visits.

Spot Pet Insurance reports that a Pug dog price at a breeder could cost around $800 to $2,000, depending on factors like the breeder’s reputation, coat color, and the pup’s age.

They also mention that adopting a Pug from a rescue shelter can cost between $100 and $300. Spot Pet Insurance provides a more detailed breakdown, stating that monthly costs for a Pug’s diet can range from $20 to $70, grooming from $50 to $75, and medical costs from $700 to $1,200 during the first years.

Initial Costs of Owning a New Pug

Beyond the original purchase or adoption cost, owners should budget an extra $500 to $1,000 to cover initial supplies, vet fees, training, and medical procedures for a new pug:

• Collar, leash, crate – Essential gear and accessories cost $200 to $350.
• Puppy-proofing – Securing your home adds $100 to $300.
• Initial vet exams – First puppy or adult checkups average $300 to $600.
• Vaccinations – Core vaccines and preventatives are $150 to $250.
• Microchipping – Registration and insertion fees are $50 to $100.
• Spay or neuter – Neutering or spaying costs $200 to $600 through your vet.
• Puppy supplies – Food bowls, beds, toys, etc. add $150 to $300.
• Training – Puppy and obedience classes cost $100 to $500.

Properly preparing for a new pug requires an upfront investment, but pays dividends for your dog’s health and behavior down the road.

Monthly and Annual Ownership Costs

Once you bring home your pug, expect to budget $100 to $250 per month for regular recurring expenses:

• High-quality food – Dry, wet, raw, or fresh food costs $50 to $100 per month.
• Grooming – Baths, nail/wrinkle care add $50 to $150 monthly.
• Toys and treats – $15 to $50 for stimulation and rewards.
• Preventatives – Flea, tick, heartworm average $25 to $80 monthly.
• Routine vet – Annual exams and shots cost $200 to $500 depending on location.
• Pet insurance – Plans start around $50 per month for accident/illness coverage.
• Boarding/pet sitting – $25 to $50 daily when traveling.

You might also like our articles about the cost of the Portuguese Water dog, Cocker Spaniel, or Beagle.

You must consistently budget for pug food, grooming, medical, insurance and other basics monthly. Expenses rise if utilizing professional groomers, dog walkers, trainers or daycares.

Potential Health Issues and Costs

Unfortunately, pugs are prone to certain inheritable health conditions that can necessitate expensive diagnostics and treatments:

• Brachycephalic syndrome – Surgery to correct breathing issues like stenotic nares can cost $3,000 to $5,000.
• Allergies – Environmental allergies may need $50 to $200 monthly for prescription foods, medications and bathing.
• Hip dysplasia – Corrective surgery runs $5,000 to $8,000 for this painful joint disorder.
• Hemivertebrae – Spinal surgeries to treat screw tail or paralysis cost $8,000 to $15,000.
• Dry eye – Chronic dry eye and other ocular diseases require $100 to $300 monthly for prescription eye drops and medications.

Budgeting $10,000 to $20,000 in an emergency medical fund helps offset these potential big-ticket vet bills and interventions.

Other Pug Ownership Cost Considerations

Here are some other pug costs and fees to anticipate:

• Training – $500 to $1,000 for professional behavioral modification.
• Boarding/pet sitting – $25 to $100 daily when traveling.
• Gear and accessories – Leashes, clothes, car harnesses, ramps, feeding tools all add up.
• End of life care – Euthanasia and cremation cost $200 to $500 on average.
• Damages – Repairing destruction from chewing or accidents.

Pug Costs vs Other Breeds

Relative to other small dog breeds, pugs tend to have substantially higher lifetime healthcare and treatment costs due to their structural abnormalities and flat face conformational problems. For example:

• French Bulldogs – Similar respiratory issues mean comparable vet bills.
• Boston Terriers – Also brachycephalic with many overlapping health concerns.
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels – Vulnerable to mitral valve disease and heart conditions.
• Miniature Dachshunds – Back injuries leading to paralysis are common.

For nearly all ownership costs, pugs fall on the more expensive end of the spectrum. Total lifetime expenses often reach $40,000 to $60,000. It’s a major commitment, but proper planning and preventative care makes it manageable for devoted pug parents.

Final Words

Do your research to gain a complete understanding of expected pug costs. While expensive compared to some breeds, their companionship and cute charms make pugs rewarding pets for the right owner.

Answers to Common Questions

Are Pugs worth it?

For pug enthusiasts, their cute appearance, loyalty, and comedic nature make them absolutely worth the investment, despite higher-than-average ownership costs. Make sure you are financially prepared, but the rewards of life with a pug often outweigh the expenses.

Do pugs need company?

Yes, pugs are very social dogs and tend to require plenty of human interaction and companionship. They can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. Having another pet helps, but pugs still need quality time with their owners each day.

What is the lifespan of a pug?

The average lifespan of a pug is 12-15 years. With proper preventative care, a balanced diet, and loving home, many live well into their teens. The oldest known pug lived to 18 years old.