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Pugs: Prices, breed information and insurance costs

Pugs cost around $3,000 in Australia but their health problems can be an expensive add-on.

How much do Pugs cost?

We found Pug prices to hover around $2,500 to $4,000 in Australia.

However, you might be able to find cheaper prices if you can get a rescue. Always make sure that you're purchasing from a registered breeder.

To get these costs, we looked at over 30 prices from breeders across Australia on sites such as Gumtree, Pets for Homes and Trading Post.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Pug?

1-year old2-year old3-year old4-year old5-year oldApply today
Budget Direct Logo

Budget Direct

$57.23$57.23$58.47$62.77$67.08Get quote
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Medibank

$105.98$112.47$118.15$127.27$140.10Get quote
PD pet insurance

PD

$87.10$88.15$90.73$92.33$100.10Get quote
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Knose

$148.75$163.36$175.93$193.42$209.07Get quote
Coles pet insurance

Coles

$84.00$89.48$95.31$105.88$124.07Get quote
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Vets Choice

$92.00$82.51$86.95$96.52$111.17Get quote
Pet insurance australia

Pet Insurance Australia

$116.53$123.31$129.31$138.90$210.38Get quote
Kogan Pet Insurance

Kogan

$109.97$116.40$173.82$186.99$205.53Get quote
Picture not describedpet secure pet insurance

Petsecure

$187.81$199.28$209.55$226.07$249.26More info

Dr Sam Kovac: Frequently asked questions about Pugs

Dr Sam Kovac

Why are some Pugs badly behaved?

"Sometimes people see them and think that they're badly behaved but they would have to be the number one cheekiest pet that we see at Southern Cross vet. And that's why we love them. They're always happy. Pugs never seem to be in a bad mood and they're always doing something. They're busy dogs – they always like to be kept occupied. Some people think this can be bad behaviour, when they're really just looking for more fun and the next adventure."

What health issues are common with a Pug?

"Like other flat-faced or brachycephalic breeds, Pugs really suffer with their breathing on hot days and after a large romp at the park. They have elongated soft palates, squished in nostrils and very small larynxes. Thankfully, there's a minimally invasive surgery that we do at Southern Cross Vet to open up the airways and correct the anatomical problems long term.

With the soft palate issue, they can swallow a lot more air in a syndrome called Aerophagia. This can lead to flatulence which can be pretty awkward when friends come over but harmless.

They're also prone to getting inflammatory bowel disease and sometimes have very sensitive stomachs. Focusing on a diet that's low in allergens and right for the particular Pug that you've got, needs to be a priority. They can also suffer with spinal problems and floating kneecaps called MPL. All of these are easily surgically correctable.

Bronchitis and dog asthma is actually a real thing and Pugs would have to be up in the top 10 list of breeds that suffer from asthma most commonly."

Are Pugs aggressive?

"Pugs are not commonly aggressive. They're happy-go-lucky, friendly dogs with a really outgoing disposition. They're not aggressive. They're not on the list of breeds that we often see at Southern Cross vet who have been attacked at the park or who attack other dogs.

They do sometimes get into trouble though because they can't signal too well to other breeds. Their tails don't move so much because they're most often quite curly and their ears are folded over so they can't really signal to other dogs how they're feeling. Other dogs can be intimidated by them or find them a bit scary or weird."

How often should a Pug go to the vet?

"Being quite an unhealthy or higher risk breed of having health problems in my opinion, a Pug should be going to the vet at least quarterly for a check-up. Like with most things in life, in veterinary medicine, prevention is always better than cure and that's no more important in any other breed than a Pug."

Dr Sam Kovac, a Sydney-based general practice vet, believes in extending the lifespan of animals through ground-breaking treatments. He founded Southern Cross Vet, with clinics in St Peters, Bellevue Hill and Surry Hills.

Get pet insurance for your Pug

1 - 16 of 16
Name Product Accidental Injury Illness Paralysis Tick Yearly Sub-Limit Maximum yearly benefit Reimbursement rate Reimbursement Rate
Medibank Pet Max Cover with Extra Care
$30,000
$30,000
90%
90%
⭐Finder Exclusive: Get your 1st month’s premium free when you choose Medibank Pet Insurance. Sign up using promo code FINDERONE. Offer ends 12 December. T&Cs apply.
Everyday Comprehensive Plus Cover
$3,000
$30,000
80%
80%
Everyday Pet Insurance customers get 10% off their monthly Woolworths shop. T&Cs apply.
Budget Direct Pet Insurance
$1,500
$12,000
80%
80%
Current Offer: Apply online and get 15% off your first year's premium PLUS go in the draw for your chance to win 1 of 3 $10,000 cash prizes. T&Cs apply.
Kogan Pet Luxury Cover
$2,000
$15,000
80% up to age 8 & 65% over age 8
80% up to age 8 & 65% over age 8
Sign up and get your first month FREE plus $10 ongoing monthly credit. T&Cs apply.
Coles Premium Cover
$2,500
$15,000
80% or 100%
80% or 100%
Earn 10x Flybuys points per $1 spent on pet food at Coles Supermarkets. T&Cs apply.
PD Deluxe Plan
$15,000
$20,000
100%
100%
Apply online and get your first 1 month free. T&Cs apply.
Pet Circle Dog Cover
$10K or $17.5K or $30K
$0
70% or 80% or 90%
70% or 80% or 90%
Vets Choice Elite Cover
$2,500
$15,000
80% or 100%
80% or 100%
Get a 5% discount when you insure more than one pet.
Guardian Platinum Accident & Illness Cover
$1,200
$12,000
80%
80%
Lifetime cover for cats and dogs, up to 80% covered.
PIA Major Medical Cover
$3,000
$30,145
80%
80%
Covers specified accidents and illnesses, with Routine Care Cover included. Get 2 months free when you sign up using the code PIA241. T&Cs apply.
Petsy Custom Cover
$5000 or $10,000 or $25,000
$0
80% or 90%
80% or 90%
⭐ Finder Exclusive: Enjoy 30% off your first month of pet insurance, plus receive a custom pet tag. Sign up using the code FINDER. T&Cs apply.
Real Premium Accident & Illness Cover
$1,200
$12,000
80%
80%
Claim up to a maximum of $12k per year, with no excess to pay.
RSPCA Ultimate Plus Accident and Illness Cover
$20,000
$20,000
80%
80%
Comprehensive cover for your pet, including the option of routine care. Get 1 month free for the first year of new policies. T&C's apply.
Australian Seniors Top Accident & Illness Cover
$1,200
$12,000
80%
80%
Benefits include overseas cover when in NZ or Norfolk Island for your pet, plus an optional routine care add-on.
Knose Pet Insurance
Finder AwardExclusive
Knose Pet Insurance
$25,000
$25,000
90%
90%
⭐Finder Exclusive: Get 10% off your first year. Sign up using promo code FINDER10. T&C's apply.
Kogan Pet Primary Cover
$1,200
$8,000
80%
80%
Sign up and get your first month FREE plus $10 ongoing monthly credit. T&Cs apply.
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