The True Cost of Pug Puppies & Adult Dogs (with Calculator)

The prospect of raising a Pug is an exciting one! As you bring a new dog into your home, however, there are a few things you should know about, particularly when it comes to planning your finances. The dog should never be a financial burden on you or your family, so we have developed a cost calculator to help you get a personalized estimate as to how much it should cost to raise a Pug! This accounts for things like supplies, food, medical expenses, training costs, grooming costs, and other essentials as well as the cost of the puppy or dog itself.

A Pug puppy is likely to cost between $600-$1,900 with the average price being $1,175. First-year expenses are around $2,755 and will be about $1,035/year (or $86/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Pug is $16,210.

This covers all the essentials, including supplies, training costs, medical expenses, food and treats, grooming expenses, licenses, and a microchip. Additionally, optional costs include medical expenses such as a spay/neuter procedure and additional services, such as dog walking and dog boarding, as well as pet insurance.

With all these included (assuming you hire a dog walker five times a week for 50 weeks and use a boarding service for one week every year), we estimate the total cost of owning a Pug to fall between $66,325 and $132,140, with an average cost of $97,415 for 14 years.

In this article, prices in the higher range apply for people willing to buy high-end products and services and/or living in an expensive area, while the lower range will probably be more relevant if using cheaper products and services and/or living in a less expensive area.

Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of the expenses, see what applies to you, and get experts’ opinions on Pugs (two veterinarians, a dog trainer, a groomer, and a dog walker). At the bottom of the article, we have also added a cost calculator that will allow you to assess your personal situation and get a much more accurate estimate as to how much it should cost you to buy and raise a Pug puppy!

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For general information about the cost of puppies and dogs, you can read The True Cost of a Dog (50 breeds compared) on our blog. If you are serious about adopting or buying this breed, keep reading this article. To compare the cost with other ones, visit our All Breeds page. You can also read our New Dog Owner Guide to learn everything about welcoming a dog home.

Quick Links

• Puppy Cost
• Supplies Cost
• Training Cost (dog trainer’s opinion)
• Medical Cost (veterinarian’s opinion)
• Food Cost
• Grooming Cost (groomer’s opinion)
• Other Costs (dog walker’s opinion)
• Total Cost
• PetBudget Cost Calculator

Pug puppy prices

After reviewing over 600 ads, 80% of the Pug puppies from reputable sources such as the American Kennel Club and PuppyFind were found to fall within the $600 to $1,900 range, with an average cost of $1,175. Some purebreds with documents went as high as $10,000. We only considered newborn to 6 months old puppies in the research.

Adoption is a much more affordable option, with rehoming or adoption fees typically ranging from $50 to $500. If you are planning on adopting or purchasing a Pug, we strongly recommend doing some research and finding a shelter or breeder with a good reputation. This will contribute to the wellbeing of your dog.

WONDERING HOW AND WHERE TO FIND A PUG PUPPY TO BUY OR A DOG TO ADOPT? Our Guide will help you find a dog near you. We share the 25 best places to find your perfect pet.

This data is 100% original and has been collected by PetBudget’s team.

“As a veterinarian, I think Pug breeding dogs should be evaluated or tested for the following conditions prior to breeding and throughout their breeding years: patellar luxation, eye examination by an ophthalmologist annually, Pug dog encephalitis (DNA test). Buyers should ask the breeder about health screening tests performed.”

Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian

If you want to know more about the price of puppies in the US or compare this breed with 150 others, check our puppy prices article based on the analysis of close to 50,000 ads (for 151 different breeds).

Factors affecting the price of puppies and why prices vary for the same breed.

Purebred or mixed. Usually, mixed-breeds are sold at a lower price than purebred dogs.

Bloodline and breeder’s reputation. If the parents are purebred show quality dogs from a reputable breeder, the price will be substantially higher. These breeders also tend to invest more money than others to take care of their breeding dogs and puppies.

Registration papers/pedigree. Some breeders are members of kennel clubs, the most famous being the American Kennel Club (AKC). They can also have their breeding dogs and puppies registered which would also add to their fees.

Health screenings and medical expenses. Serious breeders will have their breeding dogs and/or puppies evaluated/tested for different medical conditions. Moreover, some will take their puppies to the vet for an exam, deworming, vaccines, and/or microchip implantation prior to selling them. This drives the price higher but also reduces the risk to get an unhealthy dog.

Training and socialization. Some breeders sell their dogs after they are trained and socialized. It will increase the puppy’s price but generate savings as you most probably won’t have to invest in more training and also gives a better chance to get a well-behaved dog.

Breed popularity in the buyer’s location. Local supply and demand will have an impact on puppy prices. For example, small dogs tend to be more popular in metropolitan areas where people live in smaller spaces. Some breeds are more in demand in colder climates, others where hunting is popular, etc. It is worth looking for prices in different locations, but it is risky to buy a dog without having seen it before or at least have met with the breeder and visited the kennel.

Age. As most people want to get their puppy as young as possible, prices tend to be lower when the dog gets older. For example, on average a 6-month-old pup is likely to be less expensive than an 8-week-old one.

Coat color and markings. Coat color trends can change quickly. For any breed, some colors are more popular than others, sometimes temporarily. When the interest for a specific coat color grows, puppies get more expensive as an increase in demand leads to a higher market price. Also, for purebred dogs, only specific colors and color combinations are accepted by kennel clubs. Finally, puppies with rare colors can be very expensive as well.

The price of supplies for a Pug

As you welcome your puppy or adult dog into your home, there are a few supplies you should have on hand to make things much easier for both of you! We have perused through over 250 best seller prices across multiple marketplaces, such as Amazon, Walmart, and PetSmart to give you the most accurate idea of the prices available!

One will most probably spend $150 to $650 for the first year and $55 to $260 every year after that in supplies for a small dog such as a Pug. The prices will vary depending on your location, where you shop, as well as the quality of the products you will buy.

In total, we found the average cost for supplies to be $345 for the first year and $140 for each subsequent year since you will probably need to renew your dog’s bed and toys and get new plastic bags, shampoo and tooth-brushing kit.

You might require additional supplies, like a muzzle, a harness, some dog clothing, anti-chew spray, a doggy play pen, yard fences or door gates to restrict certain areas which are not included here. A useful tip to help save some extra money is to check out second-hand stores and sites.

Check our Dog Supplies Guide and get tips to choose the right items for you and your dog (bowls, collar, leash, bed, and crate size, etc.). Learn everything about costs, and find the best products available.

If you are on a budget check our special selection and buy everything new for less than $200.

Leave your email at the top or bottom of this article to get our free supplies checklist with tips to select the right size for each product.

Should a Pug be trained?

Dog trainer and animal behaviorist, Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., would recommend a few group training sessions for a Pug. These would cover basic obedience and typically cost $150 to $200 for 5 hours (5 weekly 1-hour lessons). Pugs usually do not need any private training.

There are also many good dog training books out there that will ease the process of training your dog, especially for first time owners.

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If you want to know whether to train your dog yourself or hire a professional and learn about the cost of training classes and supplies, check our article written with a certified dog trainer.

“Pugs are great family dogs. They are good with kids and other household pets. They are sweet and great for snuggling and hanging out around the house. Know that their face makes it hard for them to breathe, they cannot withstand long periods of exercise or extreme heat.”

Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist

All about Pugs medical costs

According to Dr Leslie Brooks, licensed-veterinarian, medical expenses for a Pug should amount to close to $590 for the first year of life (plus a potential $50 to $300 one-time fee to spay/neuter the dog) and around $465 every year after that. Of course, these figures vary according to location and highly depend on the clinics accessible to you.

Vet cost for a Pug puppy

Leslie Brooks, DVM, recommends a minimum of three visits to the vet during the first year of the Pug puppy, with the first appointment coming in at 8 weeks of age. Each trip ranges from $65-$170 and accounts for physical checkups, fecal examination, basic vaccines including rabies, heartworm, and flea prevention.

Dr Brooks also suggests following through with heartworm and flea prevention after the initial trips to the vet, resulting in expenses ranging from $50 to $105 and $70 to $105 for the rest of the first year.

Moreover, your Pug may require additional vaccines that depend on lifestyle and activities.

• Leptospirosis is a common problem if the dog is exposed to wildlife, taken on camping/hiking trips often or regularly plays in puddles, lakes, or ponds ($15-25).
• Influenza medication is recommended if the dog is boarded or kept in a daycare for extended periods of time. Doggy daycare or kennels can also require it ($70-$90 for two doses).
• Lyme vaccination is necessary if the dog is exposed to ticks when outside especially on farms and/or in the woods. This typically costs $60-80 for two doses.

If spaying (female) or neutering (male) is considered, the owner should expect a $100 to $300 bill in most clinics, depending on the area. It is also possible to find low-cost options as low as $50 in some places. Note that, generally, spays tend to be slightly more expensive.

Veterinary expenses for an adult Pug

Each adult year should entail at least one annual trip to the vet. Usually, these cost $125-$265, depending on the clinic and locality. According to Dr Brooks, DVM, it will most probably include a physical examination, vaccinations, a heartworm test, and blood work for middle aged and senior dogs (to detect any hidden medical conditions).

It is also recommended to follow through with heartworm and flea prevention medications, which usually fall in between the $55-$70 and $100-$150 ranges respectively for the year.

Additionally, the optional vaccines introduced before may also command annual booster shots ($15-$45 each), and a fecal examination may be required if the pet has inconsistent stool quality or is regularly exposed to other animals, adding another $40-$50 to the total cost.

Some common health issues for Pugs

Below is a list provided by licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks, DVM, introducing some of the probable medical issues a Pug and its owner could have to face.

Brachycephalic syndrome is a combination of different abnormalities associated with the breathing apparatus. The following ones can be corrected surgically: elongated soft palate ($1,000-$2,000), stenotic nares ($250-$800, low end of price range is applicable when done when a puppy as a preventative measure before it develops problems breathing) and everted laryngeal saccules ($1,000-$3,000).

Patellar luxation: the low end of the cost estimate covers pain management as needed and joint supplements, while the high end of the range is if surgery is needed. Not all Pugs will need surgery (only if it is causing them a lot of pain and if they cannot get their knee back in place on their own).

Collapsing trachea: a Pug owner can expect to pay $250-$450 for diagnostic x-rays and medications to control symptoms. If the condition is severe enough, surgery might be needed and could cost $3,000 to $4,500. However, surgery is usually not recommended due to many severe complications post-surgery.

Eye problems: budget $100-$200 to treat corneal ulcers (this could be a recurring cost throughout the Pomeranian’s life) and $800 to $1,200 for an emergency eye removal surgery (emergency eye enucleation).

Pug dog encephalitis and seizures can be life-threatening. It could cost between $1,000 and $3,000 for diagnostics (CSF tap, MRI, blood work) and medications.

“A large, unexpected expense for a Pug can be the emergency removal of one of their eyes if they get into a dog fight or a struggle of some sort. Their eyes are already bulging so much that any slight increase in pressure can cause them to prolapse.”

Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian

A second veterinarian opinion on Pugs

We have also consulted with another licensed-veterinarian, Mendi Baryzk, DVM, to share her knowledge when it comes to the medical costs of a Pug.

Preventive care for the first year (puppy)

According to Dr. Baryzk, medical preventive care will cost around $860 for the puppy’s first year if we add up all the strongly recommended expenses.

Preventive care for adults each year

For an adult dog, yearly basic preventive care expenses will be about $669 at her clinic.

Most common health issues

“Pugs are prone to ocular injury and often have severe dental disease.”

Mendi Baryzk, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian

Dog health insurance

One might consider enrolling their Pug in a health insurance plan as a safety net against unexpected costs, making budgeting much easier.

As per the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry report, the average annual price for accident and illness coverage plans round out at about $565. For accident only plans, the average price is $190. Contact pet insurance companies to know more and get a quote.

It is also possible to get complete health coverage with some insurance companies but it gets much more expensive.

If you wonder whether or not you should get pet insurance, we have a simple step by step guide to help you make the decision. This could save you thousands of dollars.

As mentioned, some medical conditions can be expensive to treat. Although purebred dogs may have a higher incidence of some inherited disorders, mixed breed dogs are also likely to develop health conditions, such as cancer and heart disorders. No dog owner should have to make critical decisions about their pets based on their ability to afford care. That’s why pet insurance is more popular every year in the US.

When comparing pet insurances, price is a significant factor, but it is also essential to consider:
– Deductible type (per incident or per year) and amount
– Reimbursements percentage and limits
– Services included (emergency visits, hospitalization, surgery, medications, specialists, cancer treatments, pre-existing conditions, etc.)
– When coverage will start

The price will vary depending on multiple factors, including the dog’s breed, age, location, and the plan chosen. You can compare pet insurance prices on comparison websites like PetInsuranceReview.

Read our article titled a veterinarian explains medical costs for a dog to learn more and get tips to save on vet expenses.

Cost of feeding a Pug

Pugs are small dogs, as adults weigh 16 lb. on average (usually 14 to 18 lb.). After combing through the prices of best-selling brands like Purina, Pedigree and Blue Buffalo, we estimate that the cost of feeding a Pug puppy through its first year is likely to be $100 on average, as puppies will consume around 80 lb. of dry food for the year.

Adults generally eat 100 lb. a year depending on the type of food and brand, leading up to a yearly expense of $100 on average as well. Keep in mind that there can be a massive cost discrepancy between budget and premium brands.

The dog owner will also probably want to treat his dog on a regular basis. After review of 27 best sellers on PetSmart, Walmart and Amazon, a cost estimation for the year has been made (for daily treats).

This cost estimation for treats is based on the premise that the dog gets one big treat every day. If you give your dog a treat every other day, you can divide these amounts by two. If it is once a week, divide them by seven, and so on. Enter the relevant information in the calculator at the end of the article to get your personalized cost estimate.

Four dog food brands compared

The following figures are based on the purchase of 80 lb. of dry food for the first year.

One will probably need to buy around 100 lb. of food for each adult year of a Pug.

To make bigger savings, purchase in bulk. Although dog food is perishable, it can be stored for extended periods of time, making bulk purchases a practical and affordable option. Additionally, consider consulting your vet to decide what kind of food goes best for your Pug.

Example for a more expensive premium brand

This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food.

Pug grooming cost

According to Corryne Smith, dog groomer, a Pug owner who wants to groom the dog him or herself is very likely to be able to do it. The other solution would be to take the dog to a professional. Annually, this would boil down to 6 sessions. Each visit should cost $35-$55 depending on the groomer, the services paid for and the dog itself (size, coat condition, behavior, etc.).

Usually a professional dog grooming session includes a bath and shampoo, nail trimming, teeth brushing, eye and ear cleaning as well as hair removal (if needed), brushing and styling.

If you do not want to take your dog to a groomer, you can find a DIY grooming kit for about $75 on amazon or at Walmart and PetSmart (prices found range from $25 to $290).

Additional costs to consider for a Pug

License

On average, licenses for a dog fall between $10 and $20 in the U.S.A. If your dog is not spayed or neutered, this cost could be a little bit higher. Across the U.S.A, you might get into legal problems if you have an unlicensed dog, so we strongly suggest licensing your Pug as early as possible. It also makes locating your dog easier in any sort of emergency, making it even more important.

Microchip

Microchips help create a unique identification for your dog, allowing them to be on common medical and emergency databases. Many states require dogs to be microchipped, so you will likely need to spend $25-$50 for your Pug.

Dog walking

Tamaria Reddick, a well-reputed dog walker and dog sitter says that Pugs are energetic dogs and would benefit from daily walks. If you cannot take your dog out during the day, she recommends hiring a dog walker for 30-minutes sessions, as it is imperative that your Pug gets some exercise and spends some time outside. These 30-minute walks usually range from $15 and $25 each, ($25-$50 for a 1-hour walk).

These costs can add up if you need a dog walker throughout the year, so take that into consideration when planning for the expenses that come with a dog. Dog walkers can be found on apps like Rover or Wag. An owner might need to pay for private walks if the dog is not well socialized. These are obviously more expensive.

Traveling

It is highly inadvisable to leave a Pug alone, particularly if you are traveling over days or weeks. In the case that you must leave your dog somewhere, dog boarding services are generally available and accessible. Expect to pay anywhere between $25-$85 per day, depending on location and time of year.

During particularly busy stretches of the year, such as the holidays, be sure to book dog boarding or sitting services in advance, as you are likely to get much better prices. Affordable alternatives include looking to see if any friends/family would be open to hosting your dog, as these prices can add up very quickly.

Finally, you might be able to take your dog with you, as many airlines and train companies offer special provisions to help move your pets. You will have to submit a formal request ahead of time though, so make sure to plan your trips early. Moreover, the cost varies drastically, as it depends on several variables, so make sure to plan when traveling with your Pug.

Yearly and monthly cost for a Pug

The cost of a Pug puppy during the first year

On average, using the metrics explained above, we have estimated that the cost of raising a Pug puppy for the first year falls in the $1,435 to $4,315 range, with an average cost of $2,755. Most of these expenses will have to be accounted for before welcoming the dog or early during the year.

Some owners will also want to consider the other costs introduced below.

If you choose to spay/neuter your Pug, buy insurance, board your dog for a week and hire a dog walker every weekday for 42 weeks, your expenses go up quite significantly, rising in the $5,160 to $11,240 range.

Yearly and monthly cost for an adult Pug

After the first year, the costs of raising a dog do go down. The yearly cost for maintaining a Pug falling within the $430-$1,675 mark ($36-$140 monthly).

Once again, if you choose to hire a dog walker 50 weeks during the year and board your dog for another week, your costs are likely to grow significantly. If you add insurance, the cost for each adult year ends up being in the $4,705-$9,300 range.

Total cost of ownership of a Pug

On average, Pugs live close to 14 years (usually 13 to 15 years). This puts total expenses, using the figures outlined above, between $7,025 and $26,090, with an average cost of $16,210 through the course of the dog’s lifetime.

With optional services and procedures mentioned earlier the average total cost of ownership could rise as high as $97,415 over 14 years.

Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips.

PetBudget Pug cost calculator

The cost of a Pug – A summary in 7 questions

1- How much is a Pug puppy?

On average a Pug puppy will cost $1,175 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $600 and $1,900. The price will vary depending on the breeder and location as well as the dog’s bloodline, color, and age among other things.

2 – How much are dog supplies?

A new owner can expect an initial investment between $150 and $650 in supplies when welcoming a small dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $55 and $260. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality.

3 – Does a Pug need training and how much will it cost?

Having a Pug professionally trained is usually recommended (group training) and should cost around $150 to $200. For this breed, training should mainly focus on basic obedience.

4 – What is the cost of preventive medical care for a Pug?

Preventive medical care should amount to around $385 to $795 for a Pug puppy during the first year and around $280 to $645 every adult year. This does not include a spay or neuter procedure (usually between $100 and $300).

5 – How much food does a Pug eat and how much will it cost?

A Pug puppy will eat around 80 lb. and an adult close to 100 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $75 and $315 for a puppy and $45 to $340 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs.

6 – How often should a Pug be professionally groomed and how much will it cost?

Grooming a Pug is easy enough that most owners should be able to do it themselves. Those who prefer having their dog professionally groomed can expect up to 6 visits to a salon every year. Each session should cost from $35 to $55 depending on the dog and services needed.

7 – Are there any other expenses to expect?

In the United States, a dog license usually costs between $10 and $20. The cost could be slightly higher if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Having the dog licensed is mandatory almost everywhere.

A dog microchip costs $25 to $50 on average in the US and is generally implanted during a medical appointment. It is placed under the skin usually between the shoulder blades. Dogs adopted from a shelter or bought from a breeder sometimes already have a microchip.

According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report, the average annual price is $566 for accident and illness coverage plans or $190 for accident only plans.

Dog walkers usually charge $15 to $25 for 30 minutes group walks and $20 to $50 for 1-hour long ones. Prices vary mainly depending on location. Private walks are more expensive.

A dog owner should budget $25 to $85 per day for dog boarding services. Prices vary depending on location, time of the year, and the level of service among other things.

Newsletter Subscribers get:

Before & After you Get a Puppy (2 eBooks)
+ Our Dog Supplies Checklist
+ Coupons & Discounts
ALL FOR FREE

“Allow me to help you prepare for your new dog, make the best decisions, and save.”

Johann – PetBudget Founder

What is the next step? Check our New Dog Owner Guide. It’s a 5 minutes read packed with useful information for future and new dog owners.

Other breeds you might like

Or learn more about the cost of owning a dog. This article is THE reference when it comes to budgeting for your pet.

To help you out, this guide contains all the primary expenses that are necessary to ensure your future dog’s well-being. Make sure to take these considerations seriously before adopting or purchasing a Pug, as they are imperative to your dog leading a healthy, happy, and comfortable life in your home. Moreover, the dog should not be a financial burden on you or your family, so make sure to carefully read through each section to better understand the expenses that come with owning a Pug. Figures provided in this article are for informational purposes only. A dog owner should always find the actual costs applicable to his own situation before making any decision.

References and Resources

• Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
• Mendi Baryzk, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
• Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist
• Corryne Smith – Dog Groomer
• Tamaria Reddick – Dog Walker, Pet Sitter
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
• The American Kennel Club
• North American Pet Health Insurance Association
• Association of Professional Dog Trainers

This article is original content from PetBudget.