How Much Does A Pug Weigh?

Because Pugs are naturally thick and stout, Pug owners tend to be worried that their pooch may be fat and overweight. That is especially true when Pugs are quite trim as puppies and adolescents, then become surprisingly hefty as they age. So how much does a Pug weigh?

cute pug

All about Pugs

The Pug is distinctive for its round head, wrinkly face, short muzzle, square body, and curly tail. This toy breed has a short, glossy coat and comes in many color variants.

Pugs are friendly, fun-loving, and gentle. This charmer is very sociable, even-tempered, and enjoys the company of children and other dogs. Pugs make great companion pets, especially for older adults, families with young children, and singles.

Pugs are happy to spend most of their day lounging on the couch or napping at your feet. Because of their short legs and squat frames, they’re not good hiking or jogging buddies. However, these dogs do enjoy walks, play sessions, and moderate exercise.

Once famed for being favored companions of Chinese emperors and for being the official dog of Holland’s House of Orange, Pugs remain immensely popular in the 21st century. In 2004, a Pug won Best in Show at the World Dog Show.

How much does a Pug weigh?

Because of their compact and barrel-shaped bodies, it’s common for Pugs to be incorrectly classified as overweight.

The American Kennel Club tells us that a Pug’s weight is ideally between 14 and 18 pounds for both genders. The Canadian Kennel Club and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale say that the ideal weight is 6.3 to 8.1 kg or 13.88 to 17.85 pounds for both males and females. The FCI notes that the Pug should be “hard of muscle” and must not be confused with being overweight.

Some experts say that Pugs can weigh slightly more than the ideal breed standards and still be considered within the normal weight range. A fully grown Pug can be up to 21 pounds and still not be overweight. However, if Pugs are 22 pounds or more, especially if they have not reached final adult size, they may have a weight problem.

From birth, a Pug will grow rapidly. A 6-month-old Pug should be about 7 and 12 pounds heavy. When a Pug is about 9-months-old, his or her weight gain will slow down.

Pugs will continue to put on a few more pounds for the next three to four months. But by the 1-year mark, a Pug will have reached the final full-grown weight, give or take a pound or two. If a Pug gets much heavier than this, he or she should be checked by a veterinarian for potential weight issues. Another good way to know the status of your dog’s weight is by using a dog BMI calculator

What affects a pug’s weight

Pugs that live a mostly sedentary life or that are given highly caloric dog food are prone to packing on excess weight. These factors affect a Pug’s weight:

  • Age — As Pugs get older, their metabolism slows down. That is why you should be extra careful about not overfeeding your Pugs when they have already reached their final adult size. Senior Pugs need fewer calories than adults, even when the appetite seems the same.
  • Overeating — Pugs are notorious for their hearty appetites. Owners should be vigilant about feeding just the right amount of food and not giving too many treats. Pugs have a hard time with diets, so the best way to prevent excess weight is to switch your Pug’s dog food to a low-calorie or low-fat formula.
  • Low exercise tolerance — Because of their short legs, Pugs aren’t as active as long-legged breeds. And because they are short-nosed and prone to breathing problems, they tend to get easily tired, especially in hot, humid weather. Make sure your Pug has a regular exercise routine, such as a 20-minute walk twice a day.

Is your pug overweight?

pug with eyes closed

The best way to determine whether or not your Pug is overweight is to have him or her checked by a veterinarian. Other than that, you may also be able to tell if a Pug is overweight by:

  • Observing the mobility — Pugs that are obese usually have trouble climbing onto the couch, going up and down stairs, and playing or walking for extended periods. That is especially true if the chest and shoulders of the Pug are covered with excess fat.
  • Feeling the rib cage — If there is a substantial layer of fat keeping you from feeling the bones in your Pug’s rib cage, he or she may be overweight.
  • Comparing the weight to the breed standard — How much does a Pug weigh if he or she is overweight? If a male Pug is heavier than 22 pounds or a female Pug is heavier than 19 pounds, he or she may be overweight. However, this may not be applicable in all situations, as genetics is also a factor, e.g., a male Pug may be heavier than 22 pounds but not be overweight simply because the parents were also bigger than average.

About the author

Sarah Andrews

Hi I'm Sarah, dog lover and blogger. I was born into a dog-loving family and have been a proud doggy mommy ever since I can remember. I love sharing my dog knowledge and love being an active part of the dog-loving community.