Pug: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care
Quick answer
PDSA, the UK veterinary charity, puts the Pug at about 25-33 cm tall and 6-8 kg, living over 10 years. It suggests up to an hour a day, and lists 10 health problems to watch, including brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome and eye problems: dry eye, ulcers and injuries. Minimum running cost: at least £50 a month, and over £8,900 over a lifetime.
From PDSA, the UK veterinary charity. Not veterinary advice. Worried about your own pet? See who to call.
On this page (7 sections)
Key facts
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Average height | 25-33 cm |
| Average weight | 6-8 kg |
| Average lifespan | Over 10 years |
| Exercise | Up to an hour a day, split into several short walks, avoiding heat |
| Grooming | A weekly brush (they shed a lot) and daily care of the skin folds |
| Cost | At least £50 a month, and over £8,900 over a lifetime |
Source: PDSA, Pug breed information.
Health problems to watch
PDSA lists these for the breed. A higher risk does not mean every animal will be affected; where a screening scheme or test exists, ask the breeder for the parents' results.
- brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
- eye problems: dry eye, ulcers and injuries
- entropion and ectropion
- skin-fold infections
- luxating patellas
- pug dog encephalitis
- hemivertebrae
- elbow and hip dysplasia (BVA testing)
- Legg-Perthes disease
- hypothyroidism
Source: PDSA, Pug breed information.
Exercise and grooming
PDSA suggests up to an hour a day, split into several short walks, avoiding heat. Grooming: a weekly brush (they shed a lot) and daily care of the skin folds. Source: PDSA, Pug breed information.
Temperament
PDSA describes the breed as affectionate, people-focused and strong-willed. PDSA classes the Pug as severely flat-faced, in the Kennel Club's highest health-concern category, and its vets strongly suggest a longer-nosed breed or a healthier crossbreed instead. Source: PDSA, Pug breed information.
Cost
PDSA's figure: at least £50 a month, and over £8,900 over a lifetime. These are minimums that leave out buying the animal and vet bills for illness or injury. More: annual cost of owning a dog and puppy first-year costs. Source: PDSA, Pug breed information.
Questions people ask
How long do Pugs live?
PDSA gives an average lifespan of over 10 years.
How much exercise does a Pug need?
PDSA suggests up to an hour a day, split into several short walks, avoiding heat.
What health problems do Pugs have?
PDSA lists brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS); eye problems: dry eye, ulcers and injuries; entropion and ectropion; skin-fold infections; luxating patellas; pug dog encephalitis; hemivertebrae; elbow and hip dysplasia (BVA testing); Legg-Perthes disease; hypothyroidism.
How much does a Pug cost?
PDSA's estimate: at least £50 a month, and over £8,900 over a lifetime.
Sources
- PDSA, Pug breed information, read 7 November 2026.
Related pages
All breed guides, everything for dog owners, human foods dogs can eat and pet emergency: what to do now.
