The black pug is a small, adorable dog breed that has been around for a very long time. There are indications that the black pug has been around since 700BC. Then, around 2,000 years ago they appeared in Chine and have spread around the world since then.

About the black pug

It isn’t just the black pug puppy that is small, but the adult black pug is also a very small dog, around 12-14 inches, or 30-36 centimeters tall. The black pug weighs 13-30 pounds, or 5.5-13.5 kilograms, and lives 12-15 years. The black pug is a toy breed recognised by most major kennel clubs and organizations, including:

  • Australian National Kennel Council
  • Canadian Kennel Club
  • British Kennel Club
  • New Zealand Kennel Club
  • United Kennel Club

The short height, and as a result the short legs, means they don’t need a whole lot of exercise before they’re tired. This makes the black pug an excellent apartment dog. They’re also very social and friendly dogs, to both humans and other dogs.

Black pug coat

The black pug has a short, straight and soft coat. Black pugs also have a single coat, which means they will shed less than fawn pugs. This doesn’t mean that the black pug won’t shed – black pugs shed, especially if it lives in warmer conditions. You’ll know your black pug is happy and healthy when it’s coat is a shiny, vibrant black.

Black pug temperament

Black pugs have been friends to humans for a very long time, and as a result, they make excellent companions. They will happily spend time cuddling by your side, giving you lots of love and attention. Black pug dogs are energetic and love to play, especially with their family!

Black pugs make excellent pets as they’re quite relaxed, and while they would love to spend time playing, they can also take it easy as a lap dog – making them an excellent beginner dog breed.

Black pug health issues

A majority of a black pug’s health issues can be attributed to their short, flattened face. They are known as a brachycephalic breed, meaning that they have a shortened airway due to their flattened face. This shortened airway leads to breathing issues especially in less than ideal conditions like when exercising or when the temperatures are high.

The other health issue the black pug can have is issues with their eyes. The skull structure of the black pug leads to a shallower eye socket which gives them bulging eyes and can sometimes lead to cataracts and vision loss.

Black pug with a shiny coat in the garden

Is a black pug rare?

The black pug is considered a rare dog breed. Black pugs are normally born to litters of 1-9 puppies, with 4-6 puppy black pug litters being the most likely.

Black pugs are not as common as the fawn pug, but they are not impossible to find either. If you’re thinking of getting a black pug, we’ve compiled a list of questions you should ask before getting a black pug.

How expensive are black pugs?

If you’re wondering how expensive black pugs are, you’re not alone. As we’ve already learned that black pugs are somewhat rare, that might make you think that this makes the black pug puppy more expensive that other pug puppies. You can expect to pay around $800 and up for a black pug puppy. This makes the black pug a slightly more expensive dog that other the fawn pug breed, but the brindle pug is considered to be the most expensive of the lot.

Is it better to get a boy or girl pug?

With pugs, including black pugs, the gender of the dog does not matter that much, and as a result the decision will come down to the individual. Each individual pug dog will have their own personality and traits – much like humans. Naturally, the more pure bred black pug it is, the more traits it would exhibit. It is also worth to talk to the pug breeder you are buying from, and perhaps even some previous customers who have bought a black pug from the breeder before.