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Find out all about Pugs and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

Written by , updated on October 4th, 2023

Price range

$800 –$2,500

Height

25cm - 36cm

Weight

6.5kg - 8kg

Personality

Charming, mischievous, loving

Coat length

Short, fine

Exercise needs

Low

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

12 - 15 years

Overview

Pugs are a popular breed of toy dog known for their wrinkly faces, curled tails, and playful personalities. They are thought to have originated in China over 2,000 years ago. They were prized by the Chinese emperors and were considered to be symbols of good luck and fortune. Pugs were brought to Europe by Dutch traders in the 16th century, and quickly became popular with royalty and nobility. Their name is thought to come from the Latin word ‘pugnus' which means ‘fist,' as the Pug's wrinkly face resembles a clenched fist.

Pugs are sturdy dogs with a very square build, a short muzzle and big, expressive eyes. Their coat is short and fine and comes in a variety of colours, including fawn, black, silver, and apricot. They are known for being affectionate and playful dogs who love to cuddle and be around their owners. Pugs are also relatively easy to train, but they can be stubborn at times. Due to their relatively low exercise needs, and quiet personalities, they are especially well-suited for the elderly and for people who live in apartments.

However, they do have some health concerns that prospective pug owners need to be aware of. They have a thick double coat and they do shed a lot of hair. They also require regular bathing to prevent their ‘doggy smell’ and keep the folds of their skin free of bacterial infections. They are also prone to obesity and need regular gentle exercise to prevent them from becoming overweight.

Common diseases and conditions of Pugs

Brachycephalic Syndrome: Pugs are brachycephalic, which means they have a shortened skull and muzzle. This gives them their characteristic flat face and ‘pushed-in’ nose. The narrowed airways of brachycephalic dogs can make it difficult for them to breathe, especially during exercise or in hot weather.
Hip Dysplasia: They can be prone to hip dysplasia, potentially affecting their hip joint development.
Eye problems: Brachycephalic dogs are prone to a number of eye problems, such as Cherry Eye, corneal ulcers, and glaucoma.
Skin issues: The folds of skin on the faces of brachycephalic dogs can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to skin infections and other problems.
Obesity: Pugs have a tendency towards obesity if they are not given sufficient exercise.

Breed-specific issues:

Pugs are very prone to overheating, so it is important to avoid exercising them in hot weather. They are also prone to breathing problems, so it is important to be aware of the signs of respiratory distress, such as heavy panting and drooling.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Pug?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your dog, which is why it's important to compare pet insurance policies. Factors affecting the cost of your insurance include:

Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.   
Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most. 
The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.  
Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub-limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.  
Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.  
Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do. 
Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.
Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.
Gap-only insurance options: Some insurance companies offer a gap-only insurance option, which means when you go to the vet you'll only be required to pay the gap amount, not the cost of the whole bill. This is similar to the Medicare system of health insurance for humans in Australia, where gap payments can be made at HICAPS terminals at the time of treatment.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Accident-only

This is the most basic type of pet insurance, covering costs for accidental injuries such as car accidents, poisoning, burns, fractures, snake and spider bites, but not illnesses and other conditions.

Accident and illness

This type of insurance provides cover for accidental injuries as well as illnesses like cancer, gastrointestinal problems and eye, ear and skin conditions, but not routine care for your pet.

Comprehensive

This offers the highest level of protection, covering accident and illness and potentially routine care such as vaccinations, dental care, worm and flea treatments and microchipping.

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Common questions about Pugs

Do Pugs bark a lot?

No, Pugs are generally quiet dogs and are only moderate barkers. They may bark to alert their owners of something, or simply if they are excited or bored. However, they are not typically known for being ‘yappy’ dogs.

How do Pugs get on with small children?

Pugs are typically gentle and affectionate dogs, but they can be too energetic for very young children. However, Pugs are less delicate than other toy breeds and so may be able to cope better with boisterous older children. Pugs can be loving towards children of all ages, but it’s important to always supervise interactions between children and dogs.

How much exercise do Pugs need?

Pugs are relatively low-energy dogs, but they do need regular exercise to stay healthy and avoid getting overweight. A daily walk of 30-60 minutes is ideal. However, it is important to avoid exercising Pugs in hot weather, as they are prone to overheating.

How do Pugs get on with other pets?

Pugs can get along well with other pets, but it is important to socialise them from a young age. They are a breed that is known to get along with cats. However, Pugs may be territorial of their home and backyard, so it is important to introduce them to new pets in a neutral environment.

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Disclaimer and important things you should know

Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.

For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.