With their smushed faces, gigantic eyes, and wrinkly skin, pugs have charmed their way into the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. We know these compact companion dogs for their affectionate and mischievous personalities, which make them a popular breed choice.
However, pugs also come with a hefty price tag, especially from reputable breeders. On average, a pug puppy can cost between $1,000 to $2,500. Show-quality pugs or those with champion bloodlines can fetch prices of $3,000 or even more.
This high cost of pugs compared to other breeds often leaves prospective owners wondering: Why exactly are pugs so expensive? There are several factors that contribute to the steep pricing. Let’s explore the reasons behind the high cost of bringing one of these precious pugs home.
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Why are pugs so expensive?
Pugs are expensive because of several factors. Firstly, the price of a pug is influenced by their popularity and demand as a dog breed. Pugs are known for their cute and charming appearance, which has made them a sought-after pet for many dog lovers. Secondly, owning a pug can be costly due to their unique health needs and potential medical expenses.
Pugs are prone to certain health issues, such as breathing problems and skin infections, which may require frequent veterinary care and medication. Additionally, breeding and maintaining purebred pugs can also contribute to their high price tag.
Overall, the combination of their popularity, specific health requirements, and breeding expenses all play a role in why pugs are so expensive to purchase and own.
1. High Demand and Limited Supply
One major reason pugs come with a high price tag is that demand for the breed far outstrips the limited supply.
Popularity of Pugs Breeder Over the Years
Pugs have steadily grown in popularity over the last two decades. Back in the early 2000s, pugs ranked around 25th among breeds registered with the American Kennel Club. But by 2020, they had broken into the top 10 most popular breeds, coming in at #8.
Clearly, interest in the pug’s distinct look and endearing personality has been on the rise. As more and more people become enamoured with the breed, demand grows. But supplying enough well-bred pugs to meet this demand presents challenges.
Challenges of Responsible Breeding
Meeting the rising demand for pugs in an ethical and responsible way is extremely difficult. Reputable breeders that prioritize health and breed standards face many limitations, including:
- Small litter sizes: The average pug litter is just 3 to 4 puppies. This makes ramping up supply quickly impossible.
- Focus on health limits numbers Responsible breeders carefully select sires and dams and limit the number of litters to produce the healthiest puppies possible. Maximizing profit by overbreeding is never the goal.
- Labor-intensive process: doing health testing, caring for the pug dam and puppies, and ensuring proper socialization and care is time-consuming and labor-intensive for the dedicated breeder.
The end result of high demand, paired with the careful, ethical breeding practices required to protect pug health is increased prices. When supply is low and demand is high, basic economics kicks in to drive costs upward.
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2. High Costs of Quality Pug Puppy Breed
Another contributor to the lofty price tag of pug from reputable breeders are the actual costs involved in responsible, quality breeding. Doing health- and temperament-focused breeding right takes a major investment.
Health Issues in the Breed
Pugs, unfortunately, are prone to a number of inherited health conditions. Reputable breeders take extensive measures to breed dogs free of these issues. Some of the common conditions include:
- Breathing problems: Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome is very common in the breed. Surgeries to open airways are sometimes needed.
- Eye issues: Pug are at risk for eye ulcers, glaucoma, dry eye, ingrown eyelashes, and more.
- Skin fold infections: Pugs’ facial wrinkles need constant cleaning to prevent problematic skin fold dermatitis.
- Obesity and joint issues: knee and hip dysplasia can develop, exacerbated by excess weight gain.
- Neurological conditions: Pugs are prone to pug dog encephalitis and other neurological diseases.
Breeding to avoid these devastating health conditions requires major investments of money, time, and effort.
Steps Reputable Breeders Take
Responsible breeders go above and beyond to maximize the potential for healthy, happy pug puppies.
- Extensive health screening of both sire and dam for breed-specific conditions
- Providing excellent veterinary prenatal and postnatal care for pug mothers and puppies.
- Being highly selective about which dogs are bred and when to improve the gene pool.
- Paying for C-sections required for safe delivery of puppies due to the large-headed breed
- Putting in long hours of socialization and training for each puppy before placement.
- Maintaining an immaculately clean breeding and whelping environment.
As you can imagine, all these health-focused steps require major financial investments in the breeding program. These costs get passed along in the pricing of the pug puppies.
Financial Investment is High
One ledge article surveyed over 30 reputable pug breeders and found they invest between $18,000 to $24,000 per litter. Clearly, breeding healthy, high-quality pugs is extremely expensive.
The high costs and health risks these ethical breeders take on get incorporated into the price a buyer pays. If breeders couldn’t recoup these expenses, they would quickly go out of business, and the supply of puppies would dry up even faster.
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3: Rarity of High Quality Pugs
Since “reputable” and “ethical” are keywords when discussing pug breeders, it’s important to highlight the unfortunate reality that well-bred pugs from responsible sources are actually rare. Their comparative scarcity also drives up prices.
Backyard Breeders and Puppy Mills
Many pugs for sale come from highly profit-driven breeders with little real regard for pug health or welfare. Backyard breeders and puppy mills crank out litters with no health screening.
The pug puppies often end up with preventable health and behavior problems. Unfortunately, the careless practices of these breeders can take advantage of unwitting buyers just looking for an adorable pug.
What Makes a Responsibly Bred Pug
Pugs from ethical, responsible sources are worth the investment because these breeders prioritize:
- Advancing breed standards through careful pedigree selection
- Health screening for hereditary conditions impacting pugs
- Keeping dogs and puppies in clean, enriching environments
- Socializing pups appropriately with people and other dogs.
- Providing ongoing education and support for new pug owners.
Their focus stays on breeding happy, healthy pugs free of preventable issues, not on maximizing profits.
Limited Availability
The reality is that there are far fewer breeders focused exclusively on health, genetics, and temperament rather than on earning big profits from “puppy production”.
This scarcity of dedicated, ethical breeders means their puppies will be in high demand and low supply—two economic factors that push prices up. When something is rare, it naturally costs more.
Are pugs expensive to take care of?
Bringing home your adorable pug is just the first step. Caring for pugs also takes serious dedication and comes at a higher-than-average cost compared to other dogs.
Grooming Needs
Pugs need significant grooming.
- Daily facial wrinkle cleaning is necessary to prevent yeast or bacterial infections in folds.
- Weekly baths and nail trims to keep their skin and coats healthy.
- Paw cleaning after walks to remove debris like gravel or ice melt chemicals.
Keeping up with their grooming regimen takes time and supplies that add up.
Health Care Costs
As discussed previously, pugs are prone to many inherited health conditions that necessitate frequent vet visits and care. Some common healthcare costs faced include:
- Breathing issues and surgeries: issues like elongated soft palates or collapsed tracheas often require expensive surgical interventions.
- Dental cleanings: Brachycephalic breeds are prone to overcrowding and dental problems that require anesthesia cleanings.
- Skin infections: yeast and bacteria can take hold in facial and body folds, requiring medications.
- Eye treatments include dry eye medications, the removal of ingrown eyelashes, and other therapies.
- Joint medications: arthritis is common, requiring pain and mobility medications.
These healthcare expenses really add up, likely costing over $1,000 a year. Pet insurance can offset some of these amounts.
General Supplies
On top of healthcare, pugs need various specialized supplies, like:
- climate-controlled kennels or dog houses to stay warm or cool as needed.
- Designer-raised food and water bowls are suited for brachycephalic dogs.
- Orthopedic dog beds for their fragile joints
- Harnesses are designed for barrel-chested breeds to prevent injury.
- Puzzle toys to keep their inquisitive minds engaged.
- Training devices like indoor pet gates to contain their curiosity.
While not outrageously expensive individually, these costs contribute to the overall care total.
How Much Do Pugs Cost Without Papers?
Papers refer to registration documents like American Kennel Club pedigree papers. Pugs sold without papers tend to be significantly cheaper, often under $500 compared to the over $1000 price for pugs sold with full registration.
Some key things to keep in mind if considering a pug without papers are:
- No pedigree information – You won’t have details on lineage, breeder reputation, health history of past litters, etc.
- Potential for health issues – Pugs sold without papers are more likely to come from irresponsible sources like puppy mills where profit trumps health.
- Spayed/neutered required – Most contracts will require getting the pug spayed/neutered to prevent unethical breeding.
- Not eligible for showing: You cannot show or compete in breed events with a pug without registration paperwork.
- Risk of scams: Sales without paperwork are sometimes outright scams, so do your homework on the seller.
While initially cheaper, poorly bred pugs often incur major healthcare and training costs that drive up their long-term expenses. Doing your due diligence is critical if going the non-paper route.
How much does a pug cost per year?
The cost of owning a pug can vary depending on several factors, such as health expenses, food, grooming, and other essentials. The initial pug price could range from $600 to $2,000. However, it’s important to consider the long-term costs of owning a pug, which can amount to around $800 to $1,000 per year.
This includes expenses for vet visits, vaccinations, and other medical needs. Grooming and food also contribute to the cost of owning a pug. It’s important to be financially prepared before deciding to get a pug, as they are also known to have potential health issues that can increase the overall expenses.
Reasons People Are Willing to Pay
Despite the frequently hefty price tag, pug enthusiasts keep flocking to breed. Why are owners willing to pay thousands for a pug? There are a few key reasons.
Appeal of the Breed
Pugs have an endearing look and comedic personality unlike any other breed. Their squishy faces, bug eyes, and charming attitudes give them widespread appeal. Pugs also tend to bond very closely with their owners.
Committed Owners
Those attracted to pugs’ unique attributes often become diehard, dedicated pug owners for life. They form passionate pug-appreciation societies! This makes them willing to pay more upfront for a healthy, happy pug from a reputable source.
Perception of Value and Prestige
Higher pricing can actually reinforce perceptions of quality and exclusivity for some buyers. They see the high price tag as an indicator of a valuable and prestigious pedigree.
Why buy a Pug from a Reputable breeder?
Conclusion
In the end, pugs cost more to purchase because of forces like high demand, low ethical supply, and substantial breeding expenses. But dedicated pug aficionados feel the joy of dog ownership is worth the financial investment.
While the sticker shock may seem high at first, the price reflects the rarity of healthy, well-bred pugs. Focus your search on breeders investing in their dogs, not profits. Avoid cut-rate pug puppies, as they frequently lead to heartache and unexpected costs.
If you take the time to find the right breeder and commit to preventative pug health care, your new wrinkly companion will pay back your investment many times over in love and entertainment. The initial expense brings years of priceless pug companionship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a pug puppy cost?
On average, you can expect to pay between $1,000 to $2,500 for a pug puppy from a responsible, reputable breeder. For show-quality pugs with exceptional pedigree, prices over $3,000 are common.
Is it better to adopt than buy a pug?
Adoption through a pug-specific rescue organization can be a great alternative. Make sure to ask lots of questions about the pug’s health history and temperament. Adoption fees are usually cheaper too, at around $200 to $500.
What health issues are common in pugs?
The most common health issues in the breeds include breathing problems, eye conditions, skin fold infections, obesity leading to joint disorders, neurological diseases, and dental issues.
Are pugs good with families and children?
Yes, when purchased from responsible breeders, pugs tend to thrive in family environments. Their playful, friendly nature makes them great family dogs. Supervision around very young children is still advised, though.
Do pugs shed a lot of hair?
Yes, pugs shed a moderate amount year-round. They also undergo more significant shedding periods seasonally in the spring and fall when losing their undercoat. Frequent brushing can help manage loose hair.
