I am a huge fan of the black Pug because this was my first pet ever. If you’re debating what color of a Pug to get, you’re in the right place. We are going to look at everything you need to know about this breed to help you make the right decision.
These dogs come in two basic colors, which are black and fawn. However, they can also be found in silver and apricot colors. I’ve personally never seen them in this color, I will be comparing the black and the fawn-colored since they are the most popular.
Read this article if you’re thinking of buying a Pug and want to know how to tell if a Pug is a full breed or not.
Related: What Is A Fawn Pug?
Is There A Difference Between Black and Fawn Pugs?
After doing my due diligence, I quickly learned both have similar features. They originated in China and were pets of the Buddhists in the Tibetan region.
The only difference is the color between the two breeds. Both have a gentle and loveable demeanor and are great with people of all ages.
Fawn colored pugs a distinctive black marking around the ears that cover the face. They are also more common and the most preferred of the breed.
That’s why you don’t see that many black Pugs as often as you do the fawn-colored ones. This is because there are fewer ones and that is what makes them rare.
The black pug dog is completely black and may have some white markings on their body. These markings are known as a “mismark.”
(Mindy had white markings on her chest and one of her feet)
Black Pug vs Fawn Pug
- Color is the only difference between these two breeds.
- Fawn colored dogs have some yellowish-brown color, while the black ones are virtually all black.
- The black pugs are rare and not as common as the fawn ones.
- You will notice that fawn pugs have a black spot that resembles a diamond on the forehead.
- The black ones do not have the mask or the trace markings like the fawn breed.
- More people prefer the fawn colored ones over the black ones.
- When compared to the black ones, the fawn-colored ones shed more.
- The fawn colored dog has a marking known as a trace that runs down the center of their back.
As you can see, it really all comes down to the preference of the color you desire. I will tell you this, Mindy was NOT very photographic because her dark fur made it hard to see her in the pics.
But if I had to do it all over again, I would choose her out of the litter of pug puppies that I saw.
Origin of the All Black Pug
Pugs were originated in China and the black variation is no different. The first Pug originated in China over two-thousand years ago. They were considered prized possessions by the Chinese Emperors and were called Pugs (or Lo-Sze which is an early name for a Pug).
The Chinese sent Pugs as gifts to important people throughout Japan and Korea. They are considered to be a part of the American Kennel Club’s Toy group.
A Closer Look At the Black Pug
Okay, so now let’s take a closer look at this breed to help you make a more informed decision when choosing your pet. After all, your new pet is going to be a huge part of your family for at 12-15 years.
It all starts with making the decision to get a puppy or adopting an older dog. I chose to get a puppy, so we’ll take a look at the pooch as a pup.
Black Pug Puppies
Everyone loves puppies, I got Mindy because I fell in love with her the minute I saw her. There was a litter of 4 puppies and two of them were black one was fawn and the other was brindle colored. The average litter size will vary from 4-6 puppies, however, some may have up to 9 at one time.
Mindy was the runt of the litter and she was sitting quietly in the back while the others were crawling all over each other trying to get attention.
My heart went out to Mindy and I chose her over the others in the litter. The minute I picked her up my heart melted and I couldn’t put her down.
Eight Weeks Old
Your new Pug dog will be ready to leave his mama’s side when they are eight weeks old. However, most breeders won’t allow new pet owners to take them home until they are eight weeks old.
Once you bring your new pup home, you’ll want to savor the time with them. They are only considered a Pup for the first year of their life.
At one year of age, they are already considered an adult.
Size and Weight and Life Span
Pugs are members of the toy group but are the biggest dogs in that group. Their height and weight will vary depending on whether they are male or female.
The average life expectancy for these dogs is 12-15 years.
| Pugs | Weight | Height |
| Female | 14-18 lbs | 12 inches at the withers |
| Male | 18-22 lbs | 10 inches at the withers |
How Much Is A Black Pug?
Most people prefer fawn-colored Pugs, that being said, you should expect to pay anywhere between $500 to $1000 for a black pup. Prices will vary greatly depending on whether or not you’re getting a show quality dog, and where you buy the puppy.
I highly recommend you purchase a Pug from a professional or reputable breeder in your area. You can also look into Pug rescue and adoption sites that may have older dogs available.
Adult Pug Black Health Issues
Unfortunately, with their dark coat, they will suffer from several issues and will not be able to tolerate the heat very well, especially, as they age. We used and love the Rover Portable Dog Bowl because it’s lightweight and will keep your Pug cool and hydrated.
They are a brachycephalic breed, which means that they shorter-nosed dogs with a flat face. They have a shortened skull compared to other dog breeds.
This breed is considered to be a popular brachycephalic breed followed by French bulldogs, Boston terriers, and English bulldogs.
I think people are attracted to their flat face because they are adorable. As a new pet owner, you’ll want to know what these problems are so you can take to protect them and improve their life expectancy.
Breathing Problems
Due to their flat face, Mindy had a hard time breathing. It wasn’t extremely noticeable when she was younger, but as she got older it was more noticeable.
It got to the point where she was snoring so loud, I couldn’t let her sleep in the same room. She was a noisy breather, especially, when she was in a deep sleep.
The snorting usually occurred after exercising or physical activity. If you are going to take them for walks, make sure that you don’t do it in the middle of the day when it’s really hot.
Here’s a quick video I shot one day right after we came back in from the heat. This will give you an idea of the type of breathing issues you can expect.
Eye Problems
Brachycephalic dogs are also known to suffer from eye problems.
Their skull structure, causes their eye sockets to be shallow, which makes their eyes bulgy.
Mindy never had any eye issues, at her young age. As she got older, she did have cataracts which caused her to lose her eyesight. Unfortunately, vision loss is common in older dogs.
Amazingly, she was still able to find her way around the house without bumping into furniture.
Intolerable to Heat
As I mentioned above, the heat is terrible for this breed. If you do have them outside during the middle of the day, make sure that they have plenty of cold water to drink.
We also used to cool the deck with a portable fan if we were all sitting outside. Just do everything you possibly can to keep your dog comfortable.
Birthing Problems
These dogs can also run into birthing problems due to them being a Brachycephalic breed. I’ve heard stories about people having issues of the head of a Pug puppy not being able to pass through the pelvis of the mother.
If you do decide to breed your dog, you may have to take them to vet to make sure that both the mother and the baby can get through the birthing process without complications.
Caring for Your Black Pug
I don’t want you to be scared off from getting a black pug puppy or adult dog if that’s what you choose. Just like any other breed as long as you take care of them and take them to the vet for regular checkups, you can control most of the issues I mentioned above.
Heck, I didn’t take Mindy to the vet as often as I should’ve and she lived a very happy life, and healthy life. Well, except for maybe the last year when she started having all the health issues at age 15.
Black Pug Exercise
The black Pug can either be a lazy dog and just chill and watch television with you. Or you can take them for walks on a daily basis. I’ve put together some of the best harnesses for Pugs that are perfect for brachycephalic dogs.
They do have short legs, so you can’t expect them to be able to exercise as much as a breed that has large legs.
I personally used to walk Mindy two miles every morning when she was younger. We did go on a 5-mile walk and she walked the entire way, but when we got home, the pads on her paws were bleeding.
So make sure that you take care of your canine’s feet if you do walk them for long distances.
Black Pug Food
You may have to check with your veterinary to see what types of foods are good for Brachycephalic dogs. We fed Mindy holistic dog food and just went from puppy food to adult food. I’ve put together some of the best dog food that Pugs love eating and are actually good for them, to help ensure you get the right kind.
Don’t forget to check out these Pug puppy foods that will ensure your dog gets all the vitamins and nutrients they require.
As she entered her senior years, we mixed her hard food with wet food. She always had a great appetite and looked forward to her meals every day. Here’s a list of senior Pug food you shoould consider as your dog enters their golden years.
Just make sure that you get a shallow or slanted food bowl like this one. Some Pugs may have a hard time getting their big heads into the bowl and reaching the food.
Grooming
They have a short smooth coat that will require weekly brushing and occasional bathing. Regular grooming will help remove the loose hairs from their undercoat and help reduce shedding.
Pugs should be bathed no more than 1-2 times per month. You’ll want to use a good hypoallergenic shampoo that won’t irritate their skin, eyes, or ears. Regular bathing is important, as this breed is known to be a stinky dog.
Their adorable wrinkles need to be cleaned at least 1-2 times per week. Bacteria and dirt love to hide in those rolls and can cause infections if not properly cleaned. We used to use these wipes to clean Mindy’s twice a week and she NEVER had any type of infections.
Every dog regardless of the breed will need to have their nails trimmed on a regular basis. Invest in a good pair of Pug nail clippers and get someone to help you trim their nails at least once a month. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, you can take them to a professional groomer.
Finally, this breed is prone to gum disease, so you’ll want to make sure that you brush their teeth daily to help prevent any problems.
This may sound like a lot of upkeep, but once you get into a regular grooming schedule, it’s not hard and doesn’t take long. Remember, grooming your dog regularly can help your four-legged friend live a long, healthy life.
How to Control The Shedding
Just like most dogs, the black Pug does shed a moderate amount. As long as you properly brush it at least once a week, you will be able to control the amount that they shed. We used and highly recommend the SleekEZ Deshedding Tool.
You might also consider taking them to a groomer to get them bathed and trim their nails.
We purchased a set of dog trimmers online and trimmed Mindy’s nails. She wasn’t a huge fan of it but knew that she would get a treat afterward. We used these guillotine trimmers and they made it so easy to trim her nails without making her bleed.
Pug Personality And Temperament
This breed was bred to be a companion dog, and they love attention!
If you’re looking for a dog that is extremely lovable, friendly and wants you to pet and hold them, this is the breed for you.
This breed will be happy to lounge on the couch and binge-watch Netflix with you or take a long Sunday drive and enjoy the sights. They are happiest when they are around their human family.
They don’t have an aggressive bone in their body and you don’t have to worry about them biting you or your company. That being said, they don’t make good guard dogs, other than they will bark if a stranger comes to your home.
But as soon as they that person comes into their home, they’ll quickly roll over on their back waiting for some belly rubs.
Getting Along With Others
No one wants a dog that doesn’t get along with other dogs or animals. This is why it’s so important to socialize your pet with other pets by getting them involved with doggie daycare or a dog park.
Mindy got along well with other dogs without a problem. At one point we had a yellow Lab and they both got along fine without any issues. These dogs are extremely friendly and should have no trouble getting along with cats, dogs, rabbits, or any other pet you have.
Training Your Black Pug
The Pug temperament is one of being stubborn. They are easily distracted and don’t tend to want to listen at times.
I had the most challenging time leash training Mindy as a puppy. For some reason, all she wanted to do was sit down when I put the harness on her. She eventually picked up on the training and we went for some great walks together.
If you do get one I recommend training them as soon as possible.
Fun Things to Do With Your Dog
Even though they are small dogs, there are still a lot of fun things you can do. No, they won’t be able to go on a 15-mile hike like a bigger dog.
But we still took Mindy hiking, walking, and anywhere we thought that she would have a great time.
Some of her favorite things included:
- Eating
- Riding in the car
- Being next to her mom
- Having her belly rubbed
- Treats
- Her favorite blanket
- A clean bed to sleep on (check out these comfortable dog beds)
‘m sure that I left out some of her favorite things, but as long as she had these things in her life, all was right in her world. Overall, she was a very easy breed to care for and was in perfect health for most of her life.
Just like anything else, her health deteriorated as she got older. But unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about that, it just tends to happen as we all age.
Is The Black Pug The Right Breed for You?
Now that you’ve seen first hand what to expect from the black Pug breed, you can decide if it’s the right pet for you. As I mentioned, I owned mine for 16 years and I wouldn’t trade that time for anything.
Do you due diligence and decide the pros and cons of owning this breed. If you are ready to take on the responsibility of owning a black Pug, then I have no doubt they will make a great addition to your family.
Final Word On The Black Pug Dog
Black Pugs make a great family pet!
The Pug is a small dog that can adjust to any lifestyle, even apartments, and condos.
These dogs do well around children and make great companions for senior citizens. This breed is considered a companion dog, which means they will do best in families that don’t spend a lot of time away from home.
This brachycephalic breed doesn’t do well in hot or humid climates because of their shortened airways and flattened faces. They are NOT an outdoor dog and will thrive better indoors in comfortable room temperatures between 59℉ and 72℉.
Pugs have breathing problems that cause them to snore loudly. As they get older, these problems can become worse, so you will want to invest in a pair of good earplugs as well as good Pug insurance that can help you save money on veterinary bills.
You can’t go wrong regardless of what color of Pug you choose. They are such loving, and loyal companions that will bring you years of enjoyment!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are black Pugs Rare?
Yes, they are considered one of the rare colors of the Pug breed, however, they are not as rare as white or silver-colored Pug. People tend to prefer the brown-colored or fawn-colored Pugs, maybe because they are more photographable.
Do Black Pugs Shed Less Than Fawn Pugs?
Yes, most black Pugs do not have a double coat therefore, they won’t share as much as a light-colored Pug. That being said, all Pugs shed regardless of color.
Are Black Pugs Naughtier?
Some people say that the black colored Pugs are naughtier than fawns because they are much more Terrier-like in temperament.
References And Further Reading
Science Direct – Joan C. Hendricks VMD, Ph.D. – Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
Canine Medicine and Genetics – The Challenges of Pedigree Dog Health: Approaches to Combating Inherited Disease