---
title: "Pug Breed Guide: Size, Lifespan, Health Problems and Costs"
url: https://pawmultiverse.com/pug-breed/
description: "Pug: PDSA figures for size, lifespan (over 10 years), health problems to watch, exercise, grooming and cost, with the questions owners ask."
source: Paw Multiverse (https://pawmultiverse.com), free to cite with a link
---

# Pug: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care

Published by Paw Multiverse (A.I.T. Multiverse Consulting Ltd) · Last updated 7 November 2026

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](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## 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](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/pug).

## 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](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/pug).

## 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](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/pug).

## 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](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/pug).

## 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](https://pawmultiverse.com/annual-cost-of-owning-a-dog/) and [puppy first-year costs](https://pawmultiverse.com/cost-of-a-puppy-first-year/). Source: [PDSA, Pug breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/pug).

## 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](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/pug), read 7 November 2026.

## Related pages

[All breed guides](https://pawmultiverse.com/dog-and-cat-breeds/), [everything for dog owners](https://pawmultiverse.com/dogs/), [human foods dogs can eat](https://pawmultiverse.com/human-foods-dogs-can-eat/) and [pet emergency: what to do now](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Keep reading

- [Chihuahua: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care](https://pawmultiverse.com/chihuahua-breed/)
- [Staffordshire Bull Terrier](https://pawmultiverse.com/staffordshire-bull-terrier-breed/)
- [Bulldog: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care](https://pawmultiverse.com/bulldog-breed/)