Silver Pug: Info, Genetics, Traits & Facts (With Pictures)

Silver Pugs are sought-after dogs due to their unusually light-hued bodies. This striking color embodies the same Pug that we love, only that it’s remarkably unique. 

As family dogs, affection, companionship, and loyalty are what they serve on the table. They’re also deemed safe around kids due to their muzzle structure, which makes them incapable of making an aggressive bite. 

Get to know more about the silver Pug if you are interested in owning one. Everything about their appearance, genetics, personality, and more is covered in this guide, so read on!

What Is a Silver Pug? Are Silver Pugs Real?

A silver Pug is a purebred Pug that has a glossy gray coat. As with other Pug colors, silver Pugs retain the distinct darker fur on their face, ears, and back. While silver Pugs are hard to find, many pet enthusiasts still choose to own them for their lovable disposition and unique coat color.

Silver Pugs are not as common a sight as their fawn and black counterparts, but they’re real purebred dogs. The American Kennel Club (AKC) allows owners to register their silver Pugs under a different recognized color. 

Meanwhile, the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the UK Kennel Club (UKC) acknowledge that silver is a color variant of the Pug breed; hence, they’re registered under their true shade. 

On a different note, silver Pugs shouldn’t be mistaken for silver-fawn Pugs, as the latter is a variant of the fawn color. 

Silver, on the other hand, is a color of its own, with no black hairs appearing on its body, except for the areas where their markings commonly appear.

Are Silver Pugs Rare?

Silver Pugs are exceptionally rare. Since most kennel clubs do not recognize their color, dog owners who are concerned about their dog’s pedigree often choose not to own this dog. 

A study conducted between 2009 and 2015 found that 63.1% of Pugs were fawn, 27.7% were black, 7.6% were apricot, and only 2.1% were silver. These numbers further testify to the rarity of silver-colored Pugs.

However, silver Pugs are not as uncommon as brindle Pugs, as these pooches comprise only 6 out of the 2,709 population in the said study. 

Nonetheless, it remains unlikely for most people to come across a silver Pug on a typical day. As expected, the rarity of silver Pugs is also to blame for their pretty hefty price tags. 

Silver Pug Appearance

A silver Pug has an ideally compact body, a large, round head, and a curled-up tail that sits on its back. Their physical features aren’t different from the standard Pugs, only that they exhibit a remarkable silver coat. 

Generally, they’re set to be 10 to 13 inches tall and 14 to 18 pounds heavy. As expected, males are expected to be bigger than females. 

Depending on how their genetics play out, some are predisposed to have lighter silver coats while others appear darker. This will be even more noticeable as they age. 

Backyard breeders often advertise silver Pugs as platinum Pugs or other quirky names and label them silver. To steer away from this gimmick, you should note that silver Pugs are generally grayish-dark. 

They should also possess classic black markings within their wrinkled foreheads, face, and ears. However, due to their silver shade, these patterns look less prominent. 

In fact, their markings appear like gradient tones, which are perfectly smoothed out on the edges and properly blended with their main coat color. This is far different from a fawn Pug, whose markings are rather clear-cut. 

The video below will show you exactly what a silver Pug puppy’s color usually looks like:

Silver Pug Color Genetics

How silver Pugs come about is largely determined by genetics. Even though silver is not a listed color of a Pug in several major kennel clubs, it remains a possible shade for this breed.

According to research, dogs of some breeds may have hidden coat colors or traits lurking in their genes. If a puppy in the litter of Pugs exhibits a silver coat color, the shade is most likely automatically labeled a flaw. 

However, the study says otherwise. It suggests that certain gene variants exist. Though not many Pugs are silver, those who exhibit this color are simply a result of what’s known to be a genetic potential.

In addition, the coat color genes are known to undergo epistasis, causing other genes to be masked. Masked genes are rarely expressed, which explains why there are silver Pugs. 

Moreover, for a sure chance to have a silver Pug puppy, you can get two silver Pugs mated. 

Meanwhile, there also remains a chance of a fawn or black Pug producing a silver-coated offspring if they have the silver color variant on their genetic code. However, this possibility is quite low. 

Breeders may have to modify the breed further for the silver coat to become more common in Pugs.

Do Silver Pug Puppies Change Color as They Grow?

Silver Pugs experience a change in their coat color as they grow. They shed their puppy coats and transition to their adult fur, revealing a more mature coat color.

While some may take a few weeks for this process, others may take 1 to 2 years before their true adult coat shows. 

You can initially tell if the Pug is predisposed to be silver a few weeks after they’re born. Their silver coat will start appearing prominently on their backs. After some time, they’ll appear completely gray throughout.

Furthermore, health and diet can also change your silver Pug’s coat color. If they have overgrooming habits, the porphyrin content in their saliva can turn them red. Other factors include ultraviolet rays and heat exposure. 

Commercial dog foods with tyrosine and amino phenylalanine can also cause a reddish coat. Consult your vet so they can recommend you the best commercial dog food brand that contains these at an ideal amount. 

Silver Pug Temperament and Personality

The silver Pug is the life of the party, just like their fawn and black counterparts. They establish a big dog personality despite their size, especially around larger dogs. 

They’re often serious with a dash of humor. Unintentionally, they may display their quirks, which can be quite entertaining for family members.

They make the best lap dogs, too, which is why they’re popular with wealthy people and those seeking to have companion dogs. With that, silver Pugs are always happier whenever their affection is reciprocated.

Overall, silver Pugs are comical pooches that like to live life to the fullest. Their positive disposition and playfulness radiate glowing energy around people and animals. 

Silver Pug Lifespan and Health Issues

As with other Pug color variants, a silver Pug has a lifespan between 13 and 15 years. They’re generally healthy dogs, provided they receive proper nutrition, regular vet checkups, and regular exercise. 

Their coat color doesn’t have much to do about their health or how long they live. Still, the breed is prone to several medical issues, most of which are linked to them being flat-faced.

The Royal Veterinary College has conducted a study and found that Pugs, regardless of their color, are 1.9% more likely to develop one or two health problems in a year than other breeds. 

Below are some of the common conditions silver Pugs are at risk of acquiring:

• Obesity: Your silver Pug is heavily prone to obesity if they’re free-fed by its owners, so learn how much to feed them. On top of that, they love snacks, whether it be dog treats or crackers. Food is usually on their mind most of the time, so tone down how much they eat to avoid excessive weight gain.
• Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): Silver Pugs are a brachycephalic breed, which means they’re highly likely to develop BOAS. They naturally have deformed skulls with small nostrils and soft palates, causing them to have a hard time breathing.
• Skin Fold Dermatitis: Silver Pugs have folds on their faces, which should be kept clean and dry. Normal skin bacteria can cause skin fold dermatitis if they’re moist. This leads to redness, fluid discharge, and a musty odor when untreated.
• Luxating Patella: A luxating patella refers to the kneecap dislocated or popped out from its normal place. Since a silver Pug is born with a shallow knee cap, monitoring its playtime is necessary to avoid this injury. Mild cases don’t usually cause pain to dogs, but observation is required. 

To lower the chances of your silver Pug having several trips to the vet, make sure they come from a reputable breeder. Trusted breeders conduct health screening tests and breed silver Pugs from healthy Pug parents. 

On top of that, provide them with a diet that meets their needs and is formulated for their size. Limit intense activities and keep them from jumping off high places to avoid injuries and joint issues.

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

Silver Pugs may be rare dogs, but their price ranges between $600 and $1,500 only, similar to the cost of getting a fawn Pug. 

They can be marketed at a higher price, reaching even $3,000, depending on the demand. If they come from superior bloodlines, breeders may charge more.

Age, sex, season, and location are also factors that influence the silver Pug puppy’s price tag. Nevertheless, the cost shouldn’t be too high as opposed to what backyard breeders typically charge. 

Other initial expenses associated with owning a silver Pug are listed below:

Getting all these supplies is easy, as you can get them online or from your local pet store. You can also wait for promos or coupons to save.

Places to Find Silver Pug Puppies for Sale and Adoption

You don’t often find a breeder or dog rescue that houses a silver Pug. Yet, with thorough research, you can eventually find one that suits your lifestyle and preferences. 

To help you out, here are some sources where you can find ethical breeders that breed silver Pugs:

• AKC Marketplace – The AKC Marketplace lists trusted Pug breeders. You can be confident that the silver Pug puppy you’re about to get is healthy and raised in a loving and nurturing environment. 
• Greenfield Puppies – The standards for breeding practices are set high for the breeders of Greenfield Puppies. Each dog they sell is guaranteed to be healthy and friendly. Scan through all their available Pugs until you spot silver variations.
• Lancaster Puppies – There are many silver Pugs you can come across if you regularly check Lancaster Puppies. This online puppy advertising website promotes available Pugs, mostly based in Ohio, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

Anyhow, if you prefer to adopt, we also compiled a list below mentioning a few adoption sites where you can find a silver Pug:

• Wyoming Pug Rescue – All Pugs in need have a place at Wyoming Pug Rescue. They have an amazing foster team to prepare their dogs for their forever homes. Vet attention is provided, so their chances of getting adopted increase.
• Colorado Pug Rescue – The Colorado Pug Rescue is a sanctuary for all Pugs, regardless of their health status and age. Those who arrive under their care receive various medical services, including sterilization surgery and microchipping, as well as training for those with behavioral needs.
• Pug Pals – Pug Pals is an Idaho and Utah-based rescue that cares for all unwanted Pugs of any color and Pug mixes, such as Pug Pits, Husky Pugs, and Shugs. If you need more clarification about the commitment of owning a Pug, you can first try fostering one. 

Moreover, there are also several ways to find free puppies in your area, so take advantage of this. For one, you may drive around the neighborhood to look for local rescues.

Best Dog Names for Your Silver Pug Puppy

Naming your silver Pug is more challenging than you think. With many names you can come up with, you can ultimately decide and base it according to their personality, unique features, or size. 

Should you want them to be named after food, here are some ideas you can follow: 

• Oreo
• Pickles 
• Biscuit 
• Nachos
• Mallows

For female silver Pugs, you can find inspiration from the following list:

• Lola 
• Luna
• Daisy
• Penny
• Sophie 

Meanwhile, common male silver Pugs bear the following names:

• Max
• Loki
• Buddy
• Cooper
• Charlie 

Once you’ve decided what to name your pooch, you can have this ingrained on their ID tag, personalized dog beds, or blanket. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Rarest Pug Color?

The rarest Pug colors are red and champagne. They have very low chances of manifesting on the coat color of a Pug, but they’re nonetheless a possible occurrence. 

If the Pug has a higher intensity of pheomelanin, then chances are that it’ll turn red or champagne.

Do Silver Pugs Shed a Lot?

Silver Pugs shed a lot all year round. They have a double coat which they let off regularly to adjust to temperature changes. During springtime, your dog will naturally let go of their old coat and develop new, lighter fur. 

They will also discard their summer coat when autumn approaches and develop a thicker, fluffier one. 

Are Silver Pugs Hypoallergenic?

Silver Pugs are not hypoallergenic dogs. They tend to shed more than other dogs, making them unsuitable for allergic owners. 

However, with their short hair and small size, managing their dander is possible. Do this by cleaning your home frequently, limiting exposure to your dog, or getting your pet bathed regularly by a family member.

How Much Do Silver Fawn Pugs Cost?

Silver fawn Pugs cost $600 to $1,500, depending on their quality. If they come from champion bloodlines, then expect their prices to go around $6,000.

Pet-quality silver-fawn Pugs are cheaper, and their cost falls on average prices. On the other hand, those that pass the breed standards are typically more expensive. 

Final Thoughts

Silver Pugs are hard to find, but they make fantastic family companions. They retain the excellent qualities of a standard Pug. The only difference is that they come in a unique color. 

You only have to be prepared and develop a plan to ensure they live healthy lives. Give importance to what they eat and schedule a regular trip to their vet, so they can live life to the fullest. 

Just remember, silver Pugs, and those of other colors, are super affectionate and would prefer being around you all the time. This will be your ultimate choice if you like velcro dogs in a rare color such as silver. 

Did this guide help you? Let us know about your experiences with a silver Pug by dropping a comment below!