How Much Does a Pug Cost? (2024 Updated)

If you are one of those individuals who fell in love with the Pug breed, you are probably wondering, “How much does a Pug cost?” You may also want to know how much it would take to raise and care for one.

Generally speaking, the Pug price will vary depending on a number of factors. From where you live to your chosen breeder’s reputation, you will have to do your homework before making any purchase decisions.

In this guide, you will learn more about how much Pugs cost, including the ins and outs of buying from a breeder and adopting from a shelter. The initial, annual, and potential fees that come with owning one will also be discussed.

How Much Does a Pug Puppy Cost?

In most instances, you’ll be able to purchase a Pug puppy for around $600 to $6,000. This price range varies widely, as many factors affect how much a Pug costs. These factors include the breeder’s location and reputation, the pup’s color and age, and whether it is a show-quality one.

To put it bluntly, though, the price of a Pug puppy meant for companionship is usually lower than that of a Pug meant for breeding or show. They cost about $600 to $2,000, which is certainly not cheap but not outrageous either.

On the flip side, show-quality Pug puppies cost between $2,000 and $6,000 — a significant jump from their companionship peers. This makes sense since they need to meet specific standards to be considered show-worthy.

Here is a quick summary table of the Pug puppy prices mentioned above:

However, keep in mind that whether you are looking to keep your Pug puppy as a pet or as a show dog, buying it from a reputable breeder is essential to ensure its health and genetic purity.

For this reason, avoid dealing with puppy mills or those with questionable breeding practices at all costs.

You can also watch this video for more information about how much Pugs cost:

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Pug From a Shelter?

If you are keen on adopting a Pug from a shelter, then you should be prepared to pay between $100 and $1,000. This adoption fee range is likely to be cheaper than the price of buying one from a well-known Pug breeder.

Adopting is an ideal option if you want a dog with complete medical history and vaccinations, is already microchipped and socialized, and is fully vetted.

In addition, most shelters offer their Pugs spayed or neutered, so there will be no worries about unexpected pups in the future. This will make sure that your canine enjoys good health throughout its lifespan.

The only drawback of adopting from a shelter would be that you might not get the exact type of Pug you are looking for. Regardless, nothing is better than rescuing an animal in need.

First-Time Expenses of Pug Ownership

If this is the first time you have ever considered owning a Pug, you may be wondering what it will cost to get started. Of course, there are many expenses involved in buying or adopting any dog breed, and Pugs are no exception.

In truth, you will need to buy dog food and treats, pay for veterinary care, and even buy interactive toys and other items that your Pug will need to live a happy life.

To make things easier for you, though, the following is a list of initial expenses incurred by most new owners of Pugs:

• Food and Treats: Given that Pugs are small animals, they tend to eat less than other dogs. However, they still need food that is good for their health, growth, and development. You can get your Pug started on the right paw by purchasing premium quality dog food, which may cost you about $30 to $80 per month.
• Bowls: Before your Pug puppy arrives, you will need to buy bowls for food and water. These can be purchased at any pet store or online. The cost will depend on the size and material used to make the bowl, but expect them to set you back roughly $10 to $35 each.
• Toys: Without a doubt, Pugs are one of the most playful pooches out there. They need plenty of playthings to keep them occupied and entertained. Toys for Pugs include balls, squeaky toys, and other chewable objects, which can run you anywhere from $20 to $30.
• Beds: Since the Pug breed is predisposed to arthritis and other joint problems, it needs a bed that is comfortable for its short legs. A good bed should also be easy to clean and not have any sharp edges or corners. Anticipate spending around $30 to $200 on this item.
• Collars and Leashes: For fur parents who are always on the move with their Pugs, be aware that collars and leashes are a must. Make sure that both are made from sturdy materials to prevent any injury or discomfort to your dog. A high-quality set should cost between $15 and $50.
• Crates and Carriers: If you are constantly traveling with your Pug, then it would be wise to invest in a carrier or crate as soon as possible. This will allow you to be more secure in knowing that your pupper will be safe while on the road. Dog carriers and crates can be purchased from pet stores for approximately $30 to $200.
• Grooming Essentials: While Pugs sport short coats, note that they are considered heavy shedders. For this reason, you must provide them with regular grooming sessions so that their skin and fur remain healthy. The cost of these grooming essentials should run you between $50 and $150.
• Initial Vet Visits: Once you have fetched your new Pug puppy from the breeder or shelter, it is worthwhile to take them to the vet for a full checkup. Veterinarians’ fees vary widely depending on the area in which you live but generally range between $100 and $500.
• Initial Vaccine Shots: Similar to other breeds, Pug puppies are prone to distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, and parainfluenza (DHLPP), which means that they need shots against these diseases. Setting aside $50 to $300 for this expense should be one of your first priorities.
• Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: Although most Pug breeders will provide these services at no cost to you, some do not. If your breeder does not offer these services, then it is a good idea for you to budget for them. The cost of deworming, flea, and tick medications may fall between $40 and $300 per treatment round.
• Neutering or Spaying: If you didn’t have your Pug spayed or neutered before you bought or adopted it, there’d be an additional fee for such procedures. Both are usually done in a veterinarian’s office and may cost anywhere from $50 to $500.
• Microchipping: Even if microchipping your Pug may seem like an unnecessary expense, it’s actually a good idea to get one done. This is because if your dog gets lost or stolen, there’s a much better chance of them being returned to you if they’re microchipped. The microchipping procedure typically ranges between $40 and $60.
• Dog License: If you live in a state where a dog license is required, then it is one of the initial Pug expenses you will incur. You can get a dog license from your local municipal office or online, which costs about $10 to $20.
• Other Essentials: From poop scoopers to poop bags and even paw pad wipes, there are many supplies that you’ll need to purchase when getting your Pug puppy. These items will run you anywhere from $20 to $50, depending on how much you need.

However, one should note that most of the initial expenses listed above are just that — initial. Once you have purchased all the necessary items for your Pug baby, your future costs will be much lower.

The following table shows the summarized version of the initial Pug expenses discussed above:

Ultimately, Pug ownership can be gratifying but costly. With that being said, if you are able to afford the upfront costs associated with owning a Pug and caring for it properly, then it can be worth every penny.

Annual Cost of Owning a Pug

Having known the initial expenses of owning a Pug, it is also important to learn how much they will cost you each year. After all, no matter how much you love your pup, you still need to be smart about the money you spend on them.

The following table outlines the annual cost you can expect to pay if you choose to bring home a Pug:

While the ranges given above may seem intimidating at first glimpse, they are actually quite reasonable. As a matter of fact, if broken down into monthly costs, owning a Pug can be very affordable.

Having experienced breeding Pugs, I highly suggest the value of investing in pet insurance given their brachycephalic nature. They are also prone to a lot of skin diseases. This will definitely help save on a lot of possible and unforeseen illnesses for your Pug, especially in emergencies.

Although this may seem like an additional monthly cost, many of my previous clients were able to cover most of the much higher medical expenses as they invested in pet insurance.

Overall, once you have established a routine, it will be easier to budget for these expenses and make sure that you don’t go over the top with your spending habits.

Other Potential Expenses to Consider

Before you jump at the chance to own a Pug, bear in mind that the initial and annual costs are just the beginning. You will have to factor in other potentially substantial expenses as well.

Undoubtedly, you wouldn’t want to dive into Pug ownership without considering all the fees that come with it.

Below is a list of other potential expenses you may encounter when raising a Pug:

• Dog Sitting: If you are a Pug parent who is working full-time, you may need to hire a dog sitter to care for your little one while you are away. Pug sitting rates range from $10 to $20 per day, depending on where you live and what kind of services are included with the price.
• Pet Daycare: For around $20 to $30 a day, you can send your Pug to a pet daycare facility. This will give your dog plenty of socialization and exercise while allowing you to get your own errands or work done.
• Professional Grooming Services: Since you can never be sure when your Pug is going to need a hair trim, it is a good idea to have a groomer on speed dial. Expect to spend between $30 and $60 per visit. This is more than just a haircut — it is also nail clipping, ear cleaning, and bathing.
• Puppy Training Classes: For first-time fur parents, puppy training classes can be a great way to get your new Pug off to the right start. The average cost of enrolling in a puppy class is $200 to $600, and you may have to take multiple classes over several weeks or months.
• Emergency Vet Fees: Given that there is no way to predict what may happen, it’s an excellent idea to have around $1,000 to $5,000 in your savings account for emergencies. This way, you can be sure that your Pug will get the care they need if they fall ill or get hurt.

All in all, remember that Pug ownership is a big commitment. From the initial and yearly costs to other possible expenses, there are a lot of things to consider before making the leap.

Best Places to Find Pug Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Even though puppy mills and backyard breeders are still a problem in the United States, there are plenty of reputable places to find Pug puppies for sale and adoption.

However, in-depth research is essential to locating Pug puppies that are guaranteed to be healthy and free from genetic disorders. You don’t want to end up with a sick or abused dog as a result of your lack of due diligence.

However, to help you start with your search, here are some of the best places to find a Pug puppy for sale:

• American Kennel Club (AKC) Marketplace – The American Kennel Club maintains a marketplace where trustworthy Pug breeders and prospective buyers can connect. Since it is run by an organization with strict standards, you know that any breeder that’s approved through this site will be able to provide you with a healthy Pug puppy.
• Pug Dog Club of America (PDCA) Breeder Directory – The PDCA is an association dedicated to improving the health and welfare of Pugs. Luckily, they also have a directory of Pug breeders they’ve approved as being reputable and responsible.
• Andi Pugs – With their AKC Gold Level Breeder of Merit award, you can rest assured that Andi Pugs has a long history of success in breeding Pug puppies. They have been in business for more than 30 years and have received several awards for their work with this adorable breed.

Meanwhile, for those who wish to adopt instead, there are many options available. In fact, shelters and rescues are often overcrowded with Pugs just waiting for someone to give them a loving home.

Below is a list of the top places where you can find Pugs available for adoption:

• Pug Dog Club of America (PDCA) Rescue Directory – Aside from a breeder directory, the PDCA has an extensive list of Pug rescues around the country. Each organization is enumerated by state, which makes it easy to find one near you.
• Delaware Valley Pug Rescue (DVPR) – Even if DVPR is still a small organization, it has already made a big impact on the Pug community. Additionally, the Pugs in their care are well-loved and cared for, and they provide excellent resources for prospective owners.
• Pug Rescue of New England (PRoNE) – For about $50 to $1,000, PRoNE will provide you with a loving Pug that has been spayed or neutered, heartworm-tested, and vaccinated. Further, all PRoNE’s adoptable canines are foster-housed, which means they are socialized and accustomed to being around people.

In addition to these sources, if you are active on different social media groups or forums where people discuss Pugs, you may even be able to find some personal recommendations that way.

Just make sure to check out all potential options carefully before deciding where you will get your new puppy from.

Money-Saving Tips for Pug Owners

After familiarizing yourself with all the expenses associated with owning Pugs, you may be wondering how to save money. The great news is that there are many ways to do so.

Here are some money-saving tips for Pug owners:

• Take your Pug to the vet regularly. If you keep up with your Pug puppy’s vaccinations and check-ups, you will be able to avoid costly trips to the emergency room.
• Groom your Pug at home. With the help of a quality brush, a good pair of clippers, and a little practice, it is possible to do all of your Pug’s grooming at home. Doing so will save you hundreds of dollars each year on professional grooming services.
• Make homemade meals for your Pug. While it can be time-consuming to make meals from scratch, it is far less expensive than buying pre-made food. Plus, you can control the quality of ingredients and reduce the amount of preservatives and chemicals in your Pug’s diet.
• Learn how to train your pooch. The fact that Pugs are stubborn and independent can make training difficult, but it is worth the effort. The more you learn about how to train your fur baby, the less money you will spend on professional help.
• Invest in high-quality pet accessories that are well-made and durable. Even if you are on a tight budget, it is worth investing in quality items when you have a Pug. They are known for chewing and slobbering, so they will destroy cheaper products within minutes.

In the end, it is vital to note that Pugs are not cheap pets to keep. They cost a lot of cash in terms of food, grooming, and vet bills. Yet, if you make good use of these money-saving tips, you will be able to reduce your fees significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Do Pugs Cost Without Papers?

Generally, Pugs that have not been registered with canine organizations will be cheaper than those that have been, which typically cost between $600 and $1,500.

That said, plenty of factors can influence the final price tag of your new pet, including age, the breeder’s standing, and even color preference.

How Much Does a Female Pug Cost?

Most of the time, the cost of a female Pug is slightly higher than a male of the same quality due to its ability to produce puppies. However, both of them generally fall within the same price range, costing between $600 and $6,000.

How Much Does a Black Pug Cost?

Since black is a standard color for Pugs, it is not surprising that their prices are pretty consistent. However, bear in mind that it is the registration status that makes a difference in their actual cost.

For instance, non-registered black Pug puppies cost roughly $600 to $1,500, whereas registered ones are priced at $2,000 to $6,000.

How Much Do Pugs Cost in California?

Prices for Pugs vary widely depending on the breeder and location. In California, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 for a puppy, but some are sold for as much as $5,000.

How Much Do Pugs Cost in Florida?

As is the case in any other place in the United States, Pugs from Florida can be found for sale at a wide range of costs. They are priced anywhere from $600 to $6,000, depending on their pedigree, registration status, and color.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, buying or adopting a Pug can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it’s important to consider the financial implications of doing so.

For one, aside from the price of the dog itself, you’ll also have to pay for food, toys, and other items, as well as vet visits and vaccinations. Of course, these costs are not insignificant, so you should be prepared for them.

What’s more, the Pug breed is prone to certain health problems, such as breathing difficulties and eye infections. These issues may require expensive treatments that can quickly add up if left untreated.

Still, if you have the time and patience to care for your pet adequately while providing all they need financially, owning a Pug is probably worth it.

Are you ready to bring this flat-faced pup into your life? Drop your thoughts about this Pug price guide in the comments!