Pug at a glance
| Adult weight | 6 to 9kg |
|---|---|
| Size | Small |
| Typical lifespan | About 11 years |
| Grooming | Brushing at home; no regular groomer |
| Health | Well-known breed health problems |
What a pug costs
| First yearIncluding a £1,000 puppy, kit, vaccinations, spaying and training | £3,097 |
|---|---|
| Each year after | £1,312 |
| A month, after year one | £109 |
| Over about 11 years | £16,217 |
| With a dog sitter 3 days a weekAt £90 a week | +£4,680 a year |
These assume a girl puppy, about £21 a month of mid-range dry food for a 7.5kg adult, a week of kennels a year and no daycare. The calculator above shows every line.
Health problems to know about
Pugs are known to be prone to:
- Breathing problems from the flat face
- Eye injuries
- Skin fold infections
Ask the breeder for health test results for both parents. Not every pug will have these problems, but they’re why insurance matters: a long-term condition can cost hundreds or thousands of pounds a year.
Insuring a pug?
Look for lifetime cover with at least £6,000 a year for vet fees, and check what it says about breathing problems from the flat face.
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Next steps
- Check which insurance a pug needs
- See how big your pug puppy will get
- Work out how much to feed a pug puppy
- Check a pug breeder before you pay a deposit
Questions
How much does a pug cost a month?
About £109 a month after the first year, for insurance, food, flea treatment, grooming, boosters and small vet bills. Daycare or a dog sitter is extra.
How much does a pug cost in the first year?
About £3,097, including a £1,000 puppy price, kit, vaccinations, spaying, training, insurance and food. Breeders’ prices vary a lot, so put in yours.
How much is insurance for a pug?
Our starting figure is £43 a month for lifetime cover for a young pug, but quotes vary with where you live and the policy. Look for a vet fee limit of at least £6,000 a year.
How long do pugs live?
About 11 years on average.
Cavapoo £1,508 a year
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Miniature dachshund £1,240 a year
Shih Tzu £1,522 a year
Cavalier King Charles spaniel £1,300 a year
Miniature schnauzer £1,472 a year