How Big Do Pugs Get? [ANSWERED]

ByStuart

Wondering how big Pugs get? Let’s have a look at Pug’s average height and weight:

  • Average Height: 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder 
  • Average Weight: 14 to 18 pounds 

If you own a Pug puppy, you might be wondering when do pugs stop growing? Pugs normally reach their mature weight and height when they are approximately a year old.

Who can resist the charming, comical face and deep wrinkles of a pug? They are cute, clownish, and bred to be lap dogs. Pugs are simply adorable with a playful and mischievous personality. Needless to say, they are often described as “a small dog with a big personality.”

pug dog walking with grey backdrop

Teacup Pugs

There is a variety of Pug called the ‘Teacup Pug’ but is not recognized by most Kennel Clubs around the world. Teacup Pugs are exceptionally small and are obtained from breeding dwarf pugs. 

Let’s have a look at Teacup Pug’s average height and weight:

  • Average height: 6 inches tall at the shoulder
  • Average Weight: 2 to 4 pounds

When it comes to the other physical features and temperament, they are essentially exactly the same as the standard breed. Since Teacup Pugs are bred from the dwarf pugs or runts in the litter, they tend to be very delicate and sensitive with a compromised immune system.

They are smaller than the standard breed specifications are at a higher risk of health issues and are more prone to genetic disorders. A teacup pug can have a lifespan of 6 to 10 years.

Miniature Pug or Chug

There is also a breed called the “Miniature Pug” which is a pug mix of a Chihuahua and a Pug. It is also called a Pughuahua or a Chug.

Mini Pugs look extremely similar to a Pug; however, the length of the snout will be just a bit longer. The body of a matured “Mini Pug’ will be leaner than the average purebred Pug, with longer legs.

Let’s have a look at Chug’s average height and weight:

  • Average Height: 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
  • Average Weight: 10 to 20 pounds

How Long Does it Take for a Pug to be Fully Grown?

Being a toy breed, the Pug is a small and compact dog. Their transformation from puppy to adult is not as dramatic as a large breed dog, but they still do grow.

Normally, both male and female Pugs should grow to their full adult height by the time they are 9 months old. Some puppies may continue to put on weight for up to 12 months. Remember that these are averages and may vary slightly.

Pet Parent Tip: The best way to determine how big your Pug puppy will get is to take a look at their parents.

Factors That Affect Your Pug’s Growth

Genetics

Your Pug’s genetics can determine whether it will be taller, shorter, or more prone to weight gain than average. Some genetic health conditions could affect your Pug puppy’s growth.

If your Pug is the pick of the litter, it will be more strong and bigger by nature. If your puppy is the runt of the litter, it will be smaller (and potentially weaker) by nature. 

Nutrition

Nutrition has a huge effect on the weight of your dog. Good nutrition can determine how well your Pug will grow. Healthy and structured nutrition supports normal growth and maintains your puppy at a healthy weight and better body condition. 

Intestinal Worms 

Intestinal worms are extremely common in Pug puppies. These worms can steal enough calories from the puppy to slow down its growth. Pug puppies that have a heavy worm burden typically look small and unhealthy.

Avoid your puppy getting worms by ensuring they are meeting the appropriate vaccination and pill schedule as recommended by your vet. 

Physical Activity

Another factor that will affect your Pug’s weight is its physical activity. Even though Pugs are not the most energetic dogs, they still require a good amount of exercise to keep them healthy and prevent them from getting overweight.

Taking your pet friend for a daily walk (or two) will foster a healthy and active lifestyle for both of you!  

Health and Ailments: 

Good health is important for growing puppies. Your Pug may become short and/or underweight due to undiagnosed/untreated illness in its puppyhood. If your dog seems to be sick, the best option would be to take your furbaby to a vet as soon as possible.

Risks During Pug Growth

The Pug is overall a generally healthy dog breed. However, they’re prone to certain health conditions: 

  • Pugs might suffer from Cheyletiella Dermatitis or Walking Dandruff. This is a skin condition that is caused by a small mite.
  • Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) is a fatal inflammatory brain disease that is unique to them.
  • Pugs are prone to a condition called idiopathic epilepsy.
  • Older Pugs that drag their rear or have trouble jumping up or down may be suffering from nerve degeneration.
  • Pugs have large and prominent eyes that can be injured easily or develop ulcers on the cornea.
  • Due to their large eye bulges, Pugs are prone to a variety of eye problems; including Proptosis, Distichiasis, Corneal Dystrophy, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
  • Some Pugs suffer from a variety of allergies, ranging from contact to food allergies.
  • The Pug has a high incidence of hip dysplasia, an inherited cause of hindlimb lameness.
  • Pugs might suffer from Patellar Luxation when the knee joint slides in and out of place, causing pain.
  • If your Pug smells bad, is itchy and/or has blackened, thickened skin, it may have a yeast infection. 
  • Pugs suffering from Demodectic Mange have red, itchy skin caused by mites.

How Do I Know if My Pug is Overweight?

Pugs can vary in size, as demonstrated by the range of average weight and height listed earlier in this post. They should not be too skinny, and not too fat. There are several ways to spot if your Pug is overweight (or underweight):

  • Apply a little pressure to your Pug’s chest and you should be able to feel their ribcage. If you can barely feel the ribs at all, this is a fair indication that your Pug is overweight. Conversely if you can clearly see your puppies ribs, they are likely underweight.
  • When Pugs are out of shape and overweight, they get tired and will become fatigued and overexerted easily.
  • If you can see their prominent bones including ribs, spine, pelvic bones then your Pug needs to gain weight.
  • If you notice that there isn’t any fat or muscle on your Pug, it is a severe symptom of being underweight.

How Can You Help Your Pug to Grow?

Ideal Diet for a Pug

Diet is a very important point factor contributing to the overall health of your Pug. If you want your Pug to be in the good physical condition and full of energy, it is essential to feed them properly. 

Pugs love their food and will eat pretty much anything. Owners need to remain extra vigilant so that their puppy doesn’t become overweight. Your dog’s diet should be healthy and include all nutrients. If you are unsure of what to feed your Pug, check out this post. 

Exercise for Pug

Getting regular exercise will help your Pug grow strong and ensure they do not become overweight. If these dogs are allowed to get bored and are not walked regularly, they can also become destructive and start to display behavioral problems. 

Tips to Maintain a Healthy Weight for Pugs

Here are some tips to help your Pug maintain a healthy weight:

  • Make sure you are giving them nutritionally complete food.
  • Avoid excessive snacks and treats.
  • Keep mealtimes to twice a day with controlled, limited portions.
  • Make sure that your Pug is not stressed.
  • Feed them a diet that is high in protein and healthy fats.
  • Include probiotics and plenty of amino acids in their diet.

Final Thoughts

Pugs make great pets for families with children due to their playful and loving nature. A healthy diet, stress-free environment, and physical and mental stimulation will help your Pug develop and grow to its full potential.

If you liked this article, make sure you check out other posts on the website.

stuart and his dog

Family Dog Expert Author

Hi there! I’m Stuart, a devoted dog lover and family dog expert with over a decade of experience working with our furry companions. My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. When I’m not writing for SirDoggie, you’ll find me hiking, playing with my beautiful dog, or studying music.