White Pug Dog: Care, Health, and Ownership Guide

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Posted Oct 23, 2024

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Black and White Portrait of Pug
Credit: pexels.com, Black and White Portrait of Pug

White pugs are adorable companions, but they do require some special care to stay healthy and happy.

They need regular exercise to prevent obesity, which can lead to serious health issues like joint problems and diabetes.

A 30-minute walk or playtime per day is a good starting point, but be sure to keep an eye on their weight and adjust the exercise accordingly.

Their short snouts make them prone to breathing difficulties, so it's essential to keep them cool and calm, especially in hot weather.

White pugs are known for their flat faces, which can cause respiratory problems if not properly cared for.

Their average lifespan is 12-15 years, which is relatively short compared to other breeds, so make the most of the time you have with your furry friend.

Care

White pugs aren't high-energy dogs, but they still need daily exercise and playtime.

Their short coat is fairly easy to care for, only requiring basic grooming. Plan to brush your white pug's coat weekly to remove loose fur and distribute skin oils.

Credit: youtube.com, How To Care For A Pug | Dog World

You should also bathe your white pug roughly once a month, depending on how dirty they get. Don't forget to dry their skin folds thoroughly, especially around the face, every week.

Trim your white pug's nails every month or when they start clicking on the floor. This will keep them comfortable and prevent any potential problems.

Aim to brush your white pug's teeth every day to keep their mouth healthy and their breath fresh.

Health and Life Expectancy

White pugs are a breed with poor health, and their brachycephalic shape often leads to respiratory issues. This can cause frequent breathing problems and overheating due to their flat face.

They are also prone to eye problems, such as dry eye and corneal ulcers. Additionally, they may experience skin issues, allergies, and encephalitis.

White pugs are more likely to develop vision and hearing issues due to their white coat. In rare cases, they may even be fully deaf and blind.

Here are some common health issues that can affect white pugs:

  • Brachycephalic syndrome (breathing problems and overheating)
  • Eye problems, such as dry eye and corneal ulcers
  • Allergies and other skin issues
  • Encephalitis
  • Hip dysplasia

On average, a white pug can live for 12 to 15 years.

Pink Pigmentation Distinguishes Albino and Coated

A Pug Wearing a Party Hat
Credit: pexels.com, A Pug Wearing a Party Hat

Pink pigmentation is a key distinguishing feature between Albino and White-Coated Pugs. This is because Albino Pugs have pink pigmentation around their eyes.

Albino Pugs often have blue eye color, which is a notable difference from White Pugs. Their pink pigmentation is a clear indicator of albinism.

Checking for pink pigmentation around the eyes is a simple way to determine if a Pug is Albino or White-Coated.

Health

Pugs are a breed with some serious health concerns. They're prone to respiratory issues due to their brachycephalic shape, which can lead to breathing problems and overheating.

Their flat face also increases the risk of eye problems, such as dry eye and corneal ulcers. Additionally, pugs can suffer from allergies and other skin issues.

Some pugs may develop encephalitis, a brain condition that can be life-threatening. Hip dysplasia is also a common issue in pugs, caused by demodectic mange.

Pugs with white coats are at a higher risk of vision and hearing issues, and may even be fully deaf and blind in rare cases. This is because the color of their fur is correlated with their health.

If this caught your attention, see: Dog Shows White of Eye

A Woman in a Hoodie Holding a Pug
Credit: pexels.com, A Woman in a Hoodie Holding a Pug

Here are some common health problems found in pugs:

  • Brachycephalic syndrome (breathing problems and overheating)
  • Eye problems (dry eye and corneal ulcers)
  • Allergies and other skin issues
  • Encephalitis
  • Hip dysplasia

Pugs can live for 12 to 15 years on average, but their white coat may bring additional health problems. It's essential to be aware of these potential issues and take steps to prevent or manage them.

Ownership and Cost

If you're considering bringing a White Pug into your family, be prepared for a significant upfront cost. The median price for White Pug puppies is $1,022.

Some breeders may charge even more, with prices ranging from $2,000 to a whopping $19,000. Always do your research and buy from reputable kennels to avoid scams.

Adopt or Buy

If you're set on owning a White Pug, be prepared for a long wait as reputable breeders often have waiting lists due to the rare color variation.

You can start by checking local animal shelters and breed-specific rescue groups for a pug in need of a home.

Credit: youtube.com, More than adoption fees: The real cost of owning a pet

Expect to pay around $500 to $2,000 for a puppy from a reputable breeder, though this can vary widely.

Research the breeder thoroughly to ensure they are responsible, and make sure you can visit the facility, meet the dog's parents, and get official reports of health screenings.

The breeder should provide lifelong support for their dogs, so be sure to ask about this before making a purchase.

Are Expensive

You'll want to consider the cost of owning a White Pug, as they can be quite pricey. The median price for White Pug puppies is $1,022.

Some breeders charge much more, with prices ranging from $2,000 to a whopping $19,000. Always buy from reputable kennels to avoid getting scammed by unscrupulous puppy mills.

Pros and Cons

If you're considering bringing a pug into your family, you need to be aware of their potential health issues. Pugs can be prone to overeating, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

Here are some specific health concerns to keep in mind:

  • Prone to overeating
  • Needs extra cleaning in skin folds
  • Can have breathing difficulties

These health needs can be costly to address, but with proper care and attention, you can help your pug live a long and happy life.

Temperament and Size

Credit: youtube.com, Everything You Need to Know About Pugs - Characteristics and Care

White Pugs are typically outgoing, goofy, stubborn, and sensitive, making them lovable companions.

They can be prone to vision problems, which may require additional care and attention.

Pugs are generally small in stature, typically standing between 10-14 inches tall.

Training

Pugs are eager to please and respond well to positive training methods, making them a joy to work with.

Using treats is a great motivator, but be mindful of their tendency to gain weight, so it's essential not to overfeed them.

You can use part of their daily meals as training treats, which is a convenient and healthy option.

Begin training and socialization at a young age to help your pug feel comfortable in new situations.

Exposing your pug to different people, other animals, and various locations will help them become confident and outgoing dogs.

Pugs are typically outgoing, so having positive experiences in social situations will reinforce their comfort and confidence.

Temperament

Pugs are known for being outgoing, goofy, stubborn, and sensitive. Their personalities are often described as lively and entertaining.

Credit: youtube.com, Temperament & Personality

Pugs can be quite stubborn at times, which means they may require patient training and consistent boundaries. This can be challenging for new dog owners, but with the right approach, it's definitely manageable.

Their sensitivity is another key aspect of their temperament. This means they can be easily hurt by harsh words or rough handling, so it's essential to treat them with kindness and empathy.

White Pugs, in particular, may have additional needs due to their special needs. This could be related to their vision problems, which are a common issue in this breed.

Size

When it comes to size, Pugs are relatively small dogs. Purebred Pugs are typically 10-14 inches tall. They should weigh between 14-18 pounds.

Rare and Unique Facts

White pugs are a rare breed, with only a handful of them born each year due to their unique genetic makeup. They're a result of a genetic mutation that affects their pigmentation.

Their distinctive white coat is a result of a lack of melanin, which is responsible for skin and hair color. This rare trait makes them stand out from other pugs.

White pugs are also known for their calm and gentle nature, which makes them a great companion for families.

Marshmallow Popularizes Rare Coat Color

Pug Sleeping Beside Woman on Bed
Credit: pexels.com, Pug Sleeping Beside Woman on Bed

Marshmallow, the White Pug, was a rare dog that gained popularity and made the breed much sought after.

This adorable dog became an internet sensation with its own YouTube and social media accounts, bringing attention to its unique coat color.

The attention Marshmallow received made people take notice of the rarity of this coat color, which is now highly sought after in the breed.

This is a great example of how one dog can make a big impact and bring attention to a rare trait.

6 Unique Facts About

Here are 6 unique facts about rare and unusual things that will blow your mind.

Did you know that there's a species of jellyfish that's immortal? The Turritopsis dohrnii, also known as the "immortal jellyfish", can transform its body into a younger state through a process called transdifferentiation.

The shortest war in history was between Britain and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896, and lasted only 38 minutes. Zanzibar surrendered after just 12 minutes of fighting, and the remaining 26 minutes were spent on ceasefire negotiations.

Young Woman Holding a Pug
Credit: pexels.com, Young Woman Holding a Pug

There's a fungus that can turn ants into "zombies." Ophiocordyceps unilateralis infects ants and takes control of their bodies, causing them to climb to high locations and bite onto a leaf before producing spores.

The longest recorded flight of a chicken is 13 seconds. Yes, you read that right – 13 whole seconds!

The longest word in the English language, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling very fine particles of silica. It has 45 letters.

The longest recorded duration without sleep is 264.4 hours, or 11 days, set by Randy Gardner in 1964. He stayed awake for a science fair project and experienced hallucinations, mood swings, and other sleep deprivation symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are white Pugs so expensive?

White Pugs are often overpriced due to their genetic rarity, which is often mislabeled as a "rare variety" by unethical breeders. In reality, their white coat is often a result of albinism or leucism, or a mix with breeds known for white coats.

What is the rarest Pug color?

The rarest Pug color is White, characterized by a pure, snowy coat without any markings. Due to its rarity, the White Pug is highly sought after by enthusiasts.

Sources

  1. White Pug — Pets Zone Hub (medium.com)
  2. Pug-like dogs (pugdogclubofamerica.com)
  3. affectionate nature (petkeen.com)
  4. common challenge with brachycephalic (petkeen.com)
  5. Pug Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
  6. Pug Partners (pugpartners.com)
  7. Pug Dog Club of America (pugdogclubofamerica.com)
  8. Pug Puppies and Dogs (adoptapet.com)
  9. Share on Pinterest Pinterest (pinterest.com)
  10. Legg-Calvé-Perthe disease (cornell.edu)
  11. resources (boogiethepug.com)

Patricia Kreiger

Writer

Patricia Kreiger is a passionate writer with a focus on canine-related topics. She has established herself as a knowledgeable and engaging voice in the pet care community, with a portfolio that showcases her expertise in covering various breeds and their characteristics. Patricia's writing often delves into the intricacies of specific breeds, such as the Ridgeback and German Shepherd, as well as the complexities of breed comparisons and the FCI breed standard.