Pug
Pug: does it suit you?
11 quick questions, the same ones this page answers. After each answer you see what the breed needs, and at the end whether it fits your life.
Pug: a good fit for you
Pug: could work, with compromises
Pug: probably not the right dog for you
Your answers match what the breed needs.
Most of your answers fit. Check the points below before you decide.
Some of your answers don't fit what the breed needs. The points below show where.
What to think about
What fits
A better match for your answers:
None of the 42 breeds on this site fits your answers better.
The Pug is a companion dog whose home country the FCI lists as China, where snub-nosed dogs have always been in favour; Great Britain is the patron country of its standard.[1] Pugs were bred purely as companions, not for work.[2] The standard asks for great charm and dignity and an even-tempered, happy disposition.[1] Its short muzzle can cause breathing problems (more on this under Health).[3]
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 6.3–8.1 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
Pug: origin and history
The origin of the breed has been the subject of some speculation; it would seem to have come from the Orient.[1] Traders of the Dutch East India Company brought it to Europe, and as far back as the 1500s it was admired in the Netherlands, where it became the symbol of the royal patriots.[1] Theories about the name vary; one derives ‘Pug’ from the Latin ‘pugnus’, fist, on the idea that the face resembles a clenched fist.[4]
The Pug arrived in England when William III came to the throne, and only fawn Pugs were seen there until 1877, when a black pair was brought from the Orient.[1] American Kennel Club recognition dates from 1885.[4] Under the FCI it is classed in Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), Section 11 (Small Molossian type Dogs).[1]
Fact sheet
- Origin
- China
- Size
- Small
- Height at withers
- 25–30 cm
- Weight
- 6.3–8.1 kg [1]
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Short
- Colours
- Fawn, black
- Low-shedding coat
- No
Character and needs
Rated on a scale from very low to very high.
- Exercise needslow
- Trainabilitymoderate
- Grooming needsvery low
- Sheddinghigh
- Barkinglow
- Good with kidshigh
- Good with other dogshigh
- Good with catshigh
- Apartment-friendlyvery high
- Copes with being alonemoderate
- Watchdog instinctvery low
- Good for first-time ownershigh
- Affectionvery high
Pug: questions and answers
Is it a good dog for first-time owners?
Yes. It rates 4 out of 5 for first-time owners. Training takes patience and consistency (3 out of 5 for trainability).
How long can it be left alone?
Up to 4 hours, once the dog is an adult and has learned to be alone step by step. A few hours alone work if you build up slowly (3 out of 5 for coping alone). More than 6 hours at a stretch isn't fair on any dog; plan for a dog sitter or daycare. Puppies need company: start with a few minutes and build up.
How much exercise does it need?
About 1 hour a day, spread over several walks. Relaxed walks are enough, and the dog is happy to doze at home for the rest of the day. The short muzzle makes heat hard to bear, so walk in the cool hours in summer.
How long does it live?
12–15 years is the typical life expectancy. That is about the average of the 42 breeds on this site (12.6 years). Breed-typical health risks: brachycephalic airway syndrome, eye disease, weight gain, luxating patella, ear infections.
How big does it get?
25–30 cm at the withers and 6.3–8.1 kg. Size class: small.
Is it a good family dog?
Yes. It rates 4 out of 5 with children. With other dogs it rates 4 out of 5, with cats 4 out of 5. Never leave young children alone with any dog.
Does it shed a lot?
Yes, a lot: 4 out of 5 for shedding. Expect hair on clothes, sofa and car all year round. Grooming is quick: a brush once a week is enough.
Male or female?
Males are usually larger: they sit at the top of the range (up to 30 cm and 8.1 kg), females at the bottom (from 25 cm and 6.3 kg). Character differences between the sexes are smaller than between individual dogs; upbringing matters more. Unspayed females come into heat about twice a year, and unneutered males can be restless around them.
Pug or French Bulldog?
Biggest difference: shedding (high vs. low).
| Pug | French Bulldog | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Weight | 6.3–8.1 kg | 8–14 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years | 10–12 years |
| Coat | Short | Short |
| Shedding | High | Low |
| Barking | Low | Very low |
| Good with other dogs | High | Moderate |
| Good with cats | High | Moderate |
Who it suits
A good fit if you…
- prefer relaxed walks to long hikes
- live in an apartment
- are getting your first dog
- have children
- have a cat
- want an easy-care coat
- want a quiet dog
- want a cuddly companion
Pug: the downsides
Every breed has a flip side. Before you decide, check that you can live with these:
- Breathing problems
- The short muzzle makes many of these dogs snore, overheat easily and tire quickly; some need airway surgery.
- Sheds heavily
- 4 out of 5 for shedding. Expect hair on clothes, sofa and car all year round.
- Breed-typical health risks
- Eye disease, luxating patella, ear infections. Choose a breeder who screens the parents, and consider health insurance.
- Prone to weight gain
- These dogs love food. Weigh out meals and count treats; extra weight strains the joints.
Pug: puppy price and monthly costs
£600 – £1,200 for a puppy from a breeder in the UK (Waggel). From £69 a month in running costs in the UK (PDSA, 2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.
| Country | Puppy from a breeder | Running costs per month |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £600 – £1,200 [5] | from £69 [6] |
| United States | $1,000 – $2,500 [7] | $116 [8] |
| Canada | no data | CA$367 [9] |
| Australia | A$2,000–5,000 [10] | A$210 [11] |
| New Zealand | no data | NZ$100 [12] |
- Set-up costs at the start: £415 – £560 for basic equipment, first vaccinations, wormers and neutering (PDSA, 2024).
- Dog licence in Northern Ireland: £12.50 a year; England, Scotland and Wales have none (nidirect, 2026).
- Dog licence in the US: $5 – $20 a year, set by the city or county (American Kennel Club, 2021).
- Dog licence in Canada: CA$25–60 a year in Toronto, less for a neutered dog (City of Toronto, 2026).
- Dog registration with the council in Australia: A$20–200 a year, depending on the council and whether the dog is desexed (Mozo, 2026).
- Dog registration with the council in New Zealand: NZ$78–182 a year in Auckland, depending on the dog (PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council, 2026).
- Puppies far below these prices often come without health checks or papers.
Health
Breed-typical health risks
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome [3]
- The short muzzle can cause breathing problems and heat intolerance.
- Eye disease [3]
- Inherited conditions such as PRA or cataracts. Good breeders have the eyes tested.
- Weight gain [3]
- Loves food. Keep an eye on portions and exercise.
- Luxating patella [3]
- The kneecap slips out of place, common in small breeds.
- Ear infections [3]
- Floppy ears trap moisture. Check them regularly.
Health tests for the parent dogs
9 health tests appear in the breeding rules for the breed.
- No health test is required for breeding in the UK (The Royal Kennel Club); the table shows what is recommended.
- Needed for a CHIC number in the US (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals): kneecap check, eye exam, and DNA tests (NME).
- No health test is required for breeding in Canada (Pug Club of Canada); the table shows what is recommended.
- Required for breeding in New Zealand (Dogs New Zealand): breathing or fitness test and DNA tests (NME).
| Test | United Kingdom [2] | United States [18] | Canada [19] | New Zealand [20] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hip X-ray (HD)Hip dysplasia | Recommended | Recommended | not in the rules | Recommended [21] |
| Elbow X-ray (ED)Elbow dysplasia | not in the rules | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| Spine X-raySpine malformations and disc disease | not in the rules | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| Kneecap checkPatella luxation | not in the rules | Required | not in the rules | Recommended [21] |
| Eye examInherited eye disease, by a certified vet ophthalmologist | Recommended | Required | not in the rules | Recommended [21] |
| Heart examInherited heart disease, by a cardiologist | not in the rules | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules |
| Breathing or fitness testBreathing problems from a short muzzle (BOAS) | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules | Required |
| DNA test: NMERisk of pug dog encephalitis | Recommended | Required | not in the rules | Required |
| DNA test: PKDPyruvate kinase deficiency (anaemia) | not in the rules | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules |
● Required. ○ Recommended: advised, not required. – Not in the rules. The clubs and their rules are in the source list.
United Kingdom: the Royal Kennel Club’s Health Standard requires no test, so every test is ○ recommended.
United States: ● means the test is needed for a CHIC number from the OFA; taking part in CHIC is voluntary.
Canada: ● means the breed club’s code of ethics requires the test of member breeders; the kennel club registers litters without it.
New Zealand: ● means a litter is only registered if the parents have the test.
What to ask the breeder
- Certificates for both parents: kneecap check, eye exam, and breathing or fitness test. A claim that the parents are “health tested” is not enough.
- DNA results of both parents for NME, or proof that both are clear by descent.
- To see the puppies with their mother, at the breeder’s home.
- The pedigree papers (United Kingdom: Royal Kennel Club registration certificate; Canada: CKC certificate of registration; Australia: Dogs Australia pedigree, issued by the state body; New Zealand: Dogs NZ certificate of registration). [22] [23] [24] [20]
- 8 weeks: the youngest age at which a puppy may leave its mother in the UK, in Canada (Quebec), and in Australia (New South Wales). [25] [26] [27]
- Advice on buying a puppy: The Royal Kennel Club, The Canadian Kennel Club, Dogs Australia, and Dogs New Zealand. [28] [29] [30] [31]
Similar breeds
Sources
- FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale): Breed standard No. 253: Pug (2026)
- The Royal Kennel Club: Pug
- Canine Medicine and Genetics (O'Neill D.G. et al., VetCompass): Health of Pug dogs in the UK: disorder predispositions and protections (2022)
- American Kennel Club: Pug Dog Breed Information
- Waggel (UK pet insurer): Pug Breed Guide: Temperament, Training, Health.
- PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, UK veterinary charity): The cost of owning a dog (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.
- PetMD: Pug Dog Breed: Health, Care, and Lifestyle (2025)
- ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021). Covers food, vet visits, preventive medicine, insurance, toys and treats, boarding, dog licence, grooming supplies.
- Pets Plus Us (Canadian pet insurer; figures from OVMA 2024 Cost of Care research): HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGY? (EN-DOG_PPU_Cost-of-Care_Aug2024_v3.pdf) (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, dog tax, accessories.
- Lyka: Pug breed insights: care, personality & expert tips (2026)
- Animal Medicines Australia (survey by Sweeney Research/SNR): Pets in Australia: A national survey of pets and people (Pet Ownership Study 2025) (2025). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, parasite treatment, vet medicines, supplements, grooming, training, accessories, dog walking, boarding, transport, memberships, alternative healthcare.
- Companion Animals New Zealand (NZ Companion Animal Council): Companion Animals in New Zealand 2016 (section 6.3 Dogs, Fig 50) (2016). Covers food, vet visits, dog tax, boarding, equipment, grooming, healthcare products, insurance, training, other costs.
- nidirect (official government website for Northern Ireland): Dog licensing and microchipping (2026)
- American Kennel Club: Are You Financially Prepared for a Puppy? Explore Costs of Owning a Dog (2021)
- City of Toronto: Pet Licensing Fees (2026)
- Mozo: How much does it cost to own a dog or cat in Australia? 2026 (2026)
- PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council: Auckland Dog Registration 2026–27: Late Fees Now Apply — Full Fee Table (2026)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA): CHIC Program Requirements: Pug
- Pug Club of Canada: PCC Code of Conduct and Ethics (2026)
- Dogs New Zealand (New Zealand Kennel Club Inc.): Registration Regulations (Section 4, Reg. 24: Litter Registration Limitations (2026)
- Dogs New Zealand: Accredited Breeder Health Tests for the PUG (former Accredited Breeders Scheme test list)
- The Royal Kennel Club: What should the breeder give me?
- The Canadian Kennel Club: By-Laws (incl. Code of Ethics (2025)
- Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Importance of Pedigree Papers
- UK Government (legislation.gov.uk): The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/486), Schedule 6 (breeding dogs) and Schedule 3 (selling animals as pets) (2018)
- Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ): Guide d'application du Règlement sur le bien-être et la sécurité des animaux domestiques de compagnie et des équidés (reproduces CQLR c. B-3.1, r. 0.1, art. 36) (2023)
- NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), State of New South Wales (fact sheet hosted by Dogs NSW): New laws for dog breeders in NSW (fact sheet on the 2024-25 amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 and Companion Animals Act 1998) (2025)
- The Royal Kennel Club: Questions for the breeder
- The Canadian Kennel Club: Finding an Accountable Breeder
- Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Choosing a Breeder
- Dogs New Zealand: How do you go about purchasing a pedigree pure bred dog?
Breeding rules, health sources and breed standards checked October 8, 2026.
Prices as published by the sources; collected October 8, 2026.
Breed traits describe typical tendencies. Every dog is an individual, shaped by genes, upbringing and training.