Pugs are generally more expensive than other breeds. The exact price of a Pug depends on the source from which you have acquired it. There are three sources of owning a Pug (breeder, rescue, and shelter). The most expensive and reliable source is breeder which costs you around $1000-3000. A rescued pug may cause you around $150-500 while a shelter pug is around $50-150 dollars. Keep reading to know why Pug puppies are expensive and learn whether they are worth the price or not.
What are some Dogs Similar to Pugs? Click here to learn more.
Why Are Pug Puppies So Expensive?
The basic cause of Pugs being so expensive lies in the delivery process and the list of medical tests required for health surety. However, many other factors decide the price of the Pug you are going to buy. These include the pup’s age, appearance, quality, pedigree, and breeder’s location. Let’s discuss each factor in detail.
Delivery Process
Pugs are Brachycephalic dogs which means that they have flat faces and large heads. Such breeds can’t survive normal delivery, so they are most often born via cesarean section. C-sections make the delivery and mother’s recovery a lot more expensive.
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Medical Tests
Pugs are prone to several orthopedic and hereditary diseases, due to which quality breeders have to get their Pugs through an array of medical tests. These include:
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) Examination – This test checks for patellar and hip dysplasia. Breeders also have the choice to use this test for elbow dysplasia.
- The ACVO Eye Test by an ACVO Ophthalmologist – Dry eye, Dystichia (caused by excess eyelashes), Entropion (when the lid rolls in and scrapes the eyelashes against the eye), and Proptosis—a risk because of the Pug’s protruding eyes—are all things that will be checked during this examination.
- DNA test from the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Lab – Necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME), a destructive brain disorder that can kill Pug puppies, is detected by this crucial test. The test screens the chances of parents passing NME to pups rather than determining whether the parents have NME or not.
- DNA-based PKD test which screens for Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD) – PKD is a metabolic disorder in which Pug pups lose red blood cells.
- Serum Bile Acid Test – This test can be conducted both on the mother Pug for the diagnosis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, and the baby at 9 or 10 weeks of age to check for any liver problems at an early stage.
- Examination for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) – A good breeder will always ensure that the newborn Pug doesn’t have this problem and also, the parents did not have this (either currently or in the past with surgical correction.)
Age
A breeder may occasionally be selling a retired breeding Pug or a Pug that was born at the breeder but was later returned however, puppies are unquestionably more expensive.
Coat Color
Black and fawn were the only colors authorized by AKC. Fawn, silver fawn, and black are recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club. Silver, apricot, fawn, and black are recognized by both the Federation Cynologique Internationale and the Kennel Club of the UK. Silver is also occasionally referred to as silver-fawn. Brindle Pugs are frequently mentioned along with these coat colors. The price of the dog increases with the rarity of its color.
Quality
There are two classes of qualities in Pugs, show quality dog and pet quality. Most breeders will demand that dogs intended for pets be spayed or neutered at the right time. Puppies of show quality with a future in dog shows and breeding are more expensive.
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Pedigree of Parents
No doubt that quality parents produce quality pups. Pedigree is a measure of a dog’s abilities. Pugs that have participated in sanctioned competitions have a more expensive litter.
Location
Breeders operating in larger metropolitan areas are often more expensive because of the gap between supply and demand.
Are Pugs Worth It?
Despite being expensive and victims of health problems, Pugs have high demands being one of the most endeared breeds among dog lovers. Several factors make buying Pug a worthy investment.
Personality
The Pug might be your best option if you’re looking for a little, lovable dog that you can attach with quickly. They tend to be expressive, lively, and hilarious as a breed. Pugs are well renowned for being wonderful family pets who are friendly and vivacious around kids.
Due to the anatomy of their face, Pugs can’t give an aggressive bite and are considered safe for kids. Also, Pugs are intelligent and observant. They learn the tricks quickly and have a great craving to learn them.
Low Maintenance
Pugs tend to sleep a lot and don’t bark often, which is perfect if you live in an apartment or have roommates. Contrary to popular belief, pugs shed, and they require routine care for their rough, short hair. Fortunately, most Pugs enjoy the physical touch that a thorough brushing provides and are ready for attention.
Low Exercise
Pugs don’t require wide open fields for running because of their small stature, and they do well in apartments. Your pug should be able to maintain good health, happiness, and entertainment with just 20 minutes of brisk activity every day.
Get along well with other pets
Pugs are usually devoted, not aggressive. They will therefore try to win over your other pets in addition to you, your children, and other family members. They get along well with cats because of their size and sleeping patterns; it’s not unusual to see your Pug and cat cuddling up for a snooze.
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