Blue Pug – Facts, Genetics, Health & More (With Pictures!)

Without a doubt, the sight of a blue Pug can brighten anyone’s day. They are charming, rare, and have an affinity for snuggling up with their favorite family members. But what exactly makes this flat-faced breed blue?

The answer to this question is complicated and depends on a variety of factors, including these blue-colored dogs’ gene pool, breeding methods, health-related concerns, and living conditions, to name a few.

So if you’re interested in learning more about the fascinating history behind blue Pugs — and why they are such unique creatures — read on. Their appearance, traits, and puppy prices will be discussed in detail below!

What Is a Blue Pug?

The blue Pug is a hybrid pooch that was bred for its distinctive blue-pigmented coat. Blue Pugs result from crossing a regular Pug that carries a particular recessive gene with another dog that has a silver, blue, or gray coat.

While we only usually see fawn and black Pugs, this breed comes in a wide variety of colors, including black & white, chocolate, brindle, apricot, and, of course, blue.

It should be noted, however, that blue Pugs are usually designer canines or mixed breeds. This indicates that their unique shade can only be achieved through selective breeding.

Watch this short clip to see a blue Pug in action:

Are Blue Pugs Rare?

Yes, blue-colored Pugs are considered rare in the dog world. This is because the gene responsible for their distinctive coat color is recessive.

Additionally, the Pugs’ inability to produce blue pigment on their own also contributes to their rarity. Because of this, kennels are forced to mate their pedigree Pugs with other breeds to create blue-colored puppies.

Hence, finding one that is up for sale or adoption can be a challenge for aspiring fur parents. Moreover, the cost of a blue Pug is often higher due to its intricate breeding process and rarity.

Blue Pug Appearance

As with other crossbreeds, the exact appearance of a blue Pug can be unpredictable. However, they all possess one thing in common — the grayish-blue color of their coats.

They also often have a pushed-in look to their faces mixed with wrinkles and folds, giving them an overall adorable appearance.

Further, they are typically small to medium-sized dogs that weigh between 5 and 50 pounds, with a height range of around 6 to 20 inches.

But since the size of your blue Pug is affected by its diet, gender, genetics, and whether or not it came from a teacup Pug parent, its full-grown size may end up being smaller or larger than average.

Blue Pug Coat Color Genetics

From a genetic standpoint, Pug coats come in a variety of colors due to an interaction between genes. These genes affect the level of color production based on two pigments, black (eumelanin) and red (pheomelanin).

In the case of blue Pugs, both of their parents must carry the dilute allele or the D-locus. This allele is responsible for altering a dog’s color by turning it to a diluted grayish or bluish color.

But since the Pug breed can’t produce a blue-colored puppy alone, mating them with other dog breeds is necessary. This allows the offspring to inherit the needed gene for blue fur without displaying it yet.

The Pug breeder will then mate the resulting offspring with another breed or a Pug mix carrying a similar gene. This process is repeated until the resulting litter has blue-colored pups.

Blue Pug Temperament and Personality

Generally speaking, the blue Pug is a sweet-natured canine that is not aggressive and can be trained easily. It loves being part of the family and will do anything to please its owners.

While many assume that their unique coloration affects their temperament, this is far from the truth. More often than not, Pugs will have the same personality traits regardless of their coat coloration.

Still, early socialization combined with different types of training, such as potty, basic obedience, leash, and crate training, are all important for your blue Pug to grow up into a happy adult dog.

Blue Pug Lifespan and Health Issues

A blue Pug can live anywhere from 12 to 15 years, the same lifespan as regular Pugs. However, like other dogs, blue Pugs are prone to many health issues that can affect their quality of life.

Below are some health issues commonly experienced by a blue Pug:

• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD): LCPD is a hip disease that typically strikes young blue Pugs under six months of age. Untreated, this condition can lead to osteoarthritis, which causes chronic pain.
• Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): Due to its flat muzzle, the blue Pug is vulnerable to BOAS. This condition can make it hard for your dog to breathe, and it can cause them to develop nasal hyperkeratosis, upper respiratory infections, or even pneumonia.
• Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE): Pug dog encephalitis is a rare neurological disease that affects blue Pugs. It causes seizures, tremors, disorientation, and even death.

In addition to these illnesses, blue Pugs are susceptible to eye problems, ear infections, and skin-scabbing problems. Thus, looking into pet insurance before purchasing a blue Pug is recommended.

How Much Does a Blue Pug Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

Due to its rarity, anticipate paying between $2,000 and $3,500 for a blue Pug puppy. For reference, this price range is higher than the cost of a standard Pug.

However, if you’re on a strict budget, don’t worry. You can still get your hands on one of these rare-colored Pugs. For roughly $200 to $1,000, you can adopt a blue Pug from your local shelter or rescue organization.

The cost of canine ownership is another story, though. You’ll need to set aside funds for food, treats, beds, tick medications, and vet visits as well.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what it takes to own a blue Pug:

Considering the high price and expenses of owning a blue Pug, you should carefully consider whether you can fit this new family member into your lifestyle and budget.

Places to Find Blue Pug Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Because blue Pug puppies are a product of crossbreeding, they are not always available at your local breeder or shelter. This means you might have to do some digging if you’re interested in snagging one.

To help you on your quest, here are some websites that may prove valuable in finding blue Pug puppies for sale:

• AKC Marketplace – To ensure that the breeder of your blue Pug puppy is reputable and trustworthy, the American Kennel Club (AKC) offers a marketplace where buyers and sellers can connect.
• Tipping Point Farm (TPF) – With tons of Pug color variations available at TPF, you’ll surely find a blue Pug puppy to fit your needs. Plus, all their dogs are bred from health-tested parents and given initial vaccine shots.

Meanwhile, if you’re interested in adopting a dog instead, below are a few rescues and sites that may have a blue Pug available for adoption:

• Pugs N Roses (PNR) – PNR is known for placing the health and happiness of their dogs first. They have a no-kill policy, and all of their blue Pugs are spayed or neutered before being adopted.
• Pacific Pug Rescue (PPR) – For around $200 to $1,000, you can adopt a blue Pug from PPR. This fee includes spaying and neutering, microchipping, and all the medical care needed prior to adoption.
• Adopt-a-Pet – Trusted by many rescue organizations in the United States, Adopt-a-Pet is an excellent resource for anyone looking for a blue-colored Pug.

Moreover, you can significantly increase your chances of finding a blue Pug by checking out Facebook, Instagram, and other social networking sites.

Best Dog Names for Your Blue Pug Puppy

Whether you’re new to pet ownership or have been a canine owner for many years, looking for the perfect name for your blue Pug puppy can be a lot of fun. However, it can also be overwhelming.

To give you some inspiration, the following are some of the most suitable names for male blue Pug puppies:

• Steel
• Asher
• Cyan
• Frost
• Smurf
• Blu
• Cole
• Midnight
• Grover
• Levi
• Eeyore
• Cobalt
• Skye
• Dusty
• Sonic
• Grayson
• Bullet
• Casper
• Triton
• Juno
• Skylar
• Robin
• Zeus
• Mavi
• Bay

On the other hand, here are name ideas for female blue Pug puppies:

• Neptune
• Marina
• Periwinkle
• Iris
• Mint
• Raven
• Jean
• Berry
• Gracy
• Pebble
• Blue Belle
• Joy
• Maya
• Ivy
• Cloud
• Inky
• Blanche
• Myst
• Olivia
• Azura
• Dory
• Twinkle
• Indigo
• Coral
• Akira

With the help of the listed names above, brainstorming will become less daunting when it comes time to pick out your new friend’s name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Blue Pugs Shed?

Blue Pugs are known for shedding moderate to heavy amounts of fur. This is especially noticeable during the spring and fall months, but it’s not unusual for them to lose hair all year round.

Fortunately, regular brushing and grooming can help manage your four-legged friend’s coat-shedding problem.

Are Blue Pugs Hypoallergenic?

Blue Pugs, unfortunately, are not hypoallergenic. As with any other dog breed, the coat of the blue Pug contains dander and saliva — both ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions in humans.

What Is the Rarest Pug Color?

While it’s uncommon to see a blue Pug, the brindle-colored variation is even more so. In fact, brindled Pugs are so rare that most major kennel clubs in the United States don’t recognize them.

Other distinctive Pug coat shades and patterns you might encounter include chocolate, silver, apricot, black and tan, merle, panda, chinchilla, pied, and solid white.

Final Thoughts

Contrary to popular belief that blue Pugs are finicky and temperamental, they’re just as sweet and loving as their fawn and solid black counterparts. They exhibit the same attributes we love in the Pug breed but in a blue coat.

People of all ages also feel comfortable around them, which makes them excellent family dogs. In fact, cuddling, snuggling, and playing with kids are some of the most common activities that these blue pups enjoy.

One thing you need to be aware of, though, is that the blue Pug is not deemed a purebred canine by many organizations. They’re often a result of crossbreeding; thus, they may not be eligible for conformation shows.

Nonetheless, this pooch is sure to make your life more enjoyable! So are you ready to bring one home? Let us know your thoughts about the blue Pug in the comments below!