Key Takeaways
- Pugs have nearly double the odds of a health problem in any given year compared with other dogs, and a higher risk for 23 of the 40 most common disorders.[1]
- Breathing is the biggest issue. Pugs are about 54 times more likely than other dogs to have brachycephalic airway syndrome.[1]
- Their prominent eyes are easily injured. Eye ulcers are about 13 times more common, and any eye injury is an emergency.[1][5]
- Weight matters more than in most breeds. Pugs are prone to obesity, and extra weight makes breathing worse.[1][5]
- Breed guides give a lifespan of 13 to 15 years, but studies of flat-faced breeds point to shorter lives on average.[2][3][5]
- A healthy adult weighs 14 to 18 pounds.[5]
Go to a vet now if your Pug:
- Is struggling to breathe, is very noisy at rest, or has blue, gray, or very dark red gums.[4][5]
- Collapses or faints, especially after exercise or excitement.[4]
- Is overheating: heavy panting that won't settle, thick drool, vomiting, wobbling, or confusion. Move him somewhere cool, wet him with cool (not ice-cold) water, and go. See heat stroke in dogs.
- Has any eye injury: squinting, a red or cloudy eye, a scratch, or an eye that has bulged out of the socket. Keep the eye moist with a damp cloth and go immediately.[5]
Pug Quick Facts
| Adult weight | 14 to 18 lb[5] |
| Height | 10 to 13 inches at the shoulder[5] |
| Lifespan | Breed guides: 13 to 15 years.[5] See what studies show. |
| Coat | Short, fawn or black, sheds year-round[5] |
| Exercise | Several short walks of 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid heat.[5] |
| Top health watch-outs | Breathing, overheating, eyes, weight, skin folds, ears, teeth |
How Long Do Pugs Live?
Breed guides usually say 13 to 15 years, and many well-cared-for Pugs do reach their teens.[5] Research on large numbers of dogs is less rosy:
- In a study of more than half a million UK dogs, flat-faced breeds had a median lifespan of about 11 years, compared with nearly 13 for breeds with medium-length noses.[3]
- A 2022 Royal Veterinary College life-table study estimated a Pug's life expectancy at birth at about 7.7 years, against about 11 years for dogs overall.[2]
These studies measure different things, so the numbers don't match. The takeaway is that a Pug's lifespan depends heavily on breathing, weight, and how extreme the dog's features are. A lean Pug with open nostrils has a much better outlook than an overweight one who struggles for air.
Common Pug Health Problems
| Problem | How much more likely than other dogs | Signs to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Brachycephalic airway syndrome | About 54 times[1] | Loud snoring, snorting, tiring quickly, gagging, collapse in heat |
| Narrowed nostrils | About 51 times[1] | Slit-like nostrils, mouth breathing |
| Eye ulcers | About 13 times[1] | Squinting, tearing, redness, a cloudy spot, pawing at the eye |
| Skin fold infections | About 11 times[1] | Red, moist, smelly skin in the nose wrinkle or tail fold |
| Ear discharge, skin allergies, demodectic mange, retained baby teeth, obesity | Roughly 3 to 10 times[1] | Head shaking, itching, patchy hair loss, double rows of teeth, weight gain |
| Overheating | High risk because panting works poorly[5] | Heavy panting, drooling, weakness on warm or humid days |
| Dental disease | Common because the teeth are crowded[5] | Bad breath, tartar, red gums, loose teeth |
| Hip problems (Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease) | Seen in the breed[5] | Limping or hip pain in a young dog |
Pugs were less likely than other dogs to have heart murmurs, fatty lumps (lipomas), aggression, and wounds.[1]
Breathing Problems (BOAS)
A Pug's skull is short, but the soft tissue inside isn't. That can mean narrow nostrils, a soft palate that is too long and partly covers the windpipe, tissue pulled into the airway, and a narrow windpipe.[4]
- Mild signs: noisy breathing with exercise, snorting when excited, and snoring.[4]
- Serious signs: loud breathing at rest, tiring quickly, gagging or vomiting, and fainting or collapse. Heat and humidity make it worse.[4]
The snorts and snores Pugs are known for are signs of a partly blocked airway, not just a quirk. Weight loss and avoiding heat help mild cases. When anatomy is the problem, surgery to widen the nostrils and shorten the soft palate is the preferred treatment, and it works best when done young, ideally before age 2.[4] Use a harness instead of a neck collar.[4] See brachycephalic dog breeds.
Eye Problems
Pugs have shallow eye sockets, so their eyes sit forward and are easy to scratch or puncture. In severe cases an eye can even pop out of the socket.[5] Eye ulcers, which are open sores on the clear surface of the eye, are about 13 times more common in Pugs than in other dogs.[1]
- Treat any squinting, redness, cloudiness, or discharge as urgent. Ulcers can deepen quickly.
- Wipe around the eyes with a warm, damp cloth to clear discharge.[5]
- Avoid rough play, thorny plants, and letting him hang his head out of a car window.
See dog eye problems and eye infections.
Weight and Obesity
Pugs love food and gain weight easily, and obesity is one of the conditions they're diagnosed with more often than other dogs.[1] Extra weight makes breathing harder and raises the risk of joint problems, heart disease, and diabetes.[5]
- Aim for 14 to 18 pounds for most adults. You should feel the ribs easily and see a waist from above.[5]
- Feed two or three small measured meals a day and keep treats small.[5]
- Ask your vet for a target weight and a calorie amount.
See overweight dogs.
Skin Folds, Ears, and Teeth
- Wrinkles: Clean the nose wrinkle and other folds regularly with a damp cloth or dog wipes, then dry them thoroughly.[5] See your vet for redness, smell, or discharge.
- Skin and ears: Skin allergies and ear infections often start at around a year old.[5] See dog skin allergies and ear infections.
- Teeth: Crowded teeth trap food. Brush daily and plan on professional cleanings, usually starting at 1 to 2 years old.[5] See dog dental care.
Daily Care That Protects a Pug's Health
- Keep him lean. It's the single most useful thing you can do.[5]
- Avoid heat and humidity. Walk outside peak sun hours, use air conditioning in summer, and never leave him in a car.[4][5]
- Keep walks short, 15 to 20 minutes, and stop if breathing gets loud.[5]
- Use a harness, not a neck collar.[4]
- Check the eyes every day and clean the wrinkles regularly.
- Brush the teeth daily.[5]
- Ask your vet about an airway check while he's young.[4]
- Plan for vet costs. If you want pet insurance, buy it while your dog is young, before conditions are diagnosed and excluded. See dog health insurance.
Choosing a Healthier Pug
- Look for moderate features: wide-open nostrils, a visible muzzle, eyes that don't bulge, and a shallow nose wrinkle. Researchers recommend moving the breed toward a less extreme shape.[1]
- Listen to both parents breathe. They should be quiet at rest and recover quickly after a short walk.
- Check that the parents are a healthy weight and ask about any airway or eye surgery.
- Consider adopting an adult, whose breathing and health you can already see.
See also French Bulldog health problems and English Bulldog health problems.
What the Research Shows
- Nearly double the disease risk. A Royal Veterinary College study compared about 4,300 Pugs with about 21,800 other dogs. Pugs had almost twice the odds of at least one disorder in a year, with higher risk for 23 of 40 common disorders and lower risk for 7.[1]
- Face shape drives the biggest risks: airway syndrome (54 times), narrowed nostrils (51 times), eye ulcers (13 times), and skin fold infections (11 times).[1]
- Shorter lives for flat-faced breeds. Median lifespan was about 11 years for flat-faced breeds against nearly 13 for medium-nosed breeds.[3]
- The researchers' conclusion: the Pug "can no longer be considered a typical dog" from a health point of view, and buyers should favor dogs with less extreme features.[1]
More breed guides: Dog Breed Health Guides.
Have a question about your Pug's health?
You can ask a licensed veterinarian online now. If your Pug is struggling to breathe, overheating, or has an eye injury, go straight to an emergency vet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Pugs live?
Breed guides give 13 to 15 years, and many well-cared-for Pugs reach their teens. Large studies suggest flat-faced breeds live shorter lives on average, around 11 years, so keeping a Pug lean and breathing well matters a great deal.[3][5]
What are the most common Pug health problems?
Breathing problems from the flat face come first, followed by eye ulcers and injuries, skin fold infections, ear and skin problems, obesity, overheating, and dental disease.[1][5]
Is it normal for a Pug to snore and snort?
It's common, but it is a sign of a partly blocked airway. If your Pug is noisy at rest, tires quickly, gags, or struggles in warm weather, ask your vet about an airway exam.[4]
How much should a Pug weigh?
Most healthy adult Pugs weigh 14 to 18 pounds. You should be able to feel the ribs easily and see a waist from above. Ask your vet for a target weight for your dog.[5]
Why do Pugs have so many eye problems?
Their eye sockets are shallow, so the eyes sit forward and are easily scratched or injured. Eye ulcers are about 13 times more common in Pugs than in other dogs. Any squinting, redness, or cloudiness needs a vet the same day.[1][5]
Can a Pug's eye really pop out?
Yes, though it's uncommon. Because the sockets are shallow, an injury can push an eye forward out of the socket. Keep the eye moist with a damp cloth and go to an emergency vet immediately.[5]
Are Pugs OK in hot weather?
No. Pugs can't cool down well by panting and can develop heat stroke quickly. Keep them in air conditioning in summer and walk them only in the cool parts of the day.[5]
How do I clean a Pug's wrinkles?
Wipe the folds with a damp cloth or dog wipes, then dry them thoroughly. Check them often for redness, smell, or discharge, and see your vet if you find any.[5]
References
- O'Neill DG, et al. Health of Pug dogs in the UK: disorder predispositions and protections. Canine Medicine and Genetics. 2022.
- Teng KT, O'Neill DG, et al. Life tables of annual life expectancy and mortality for companion dogs in the United Kingdom. Scientific Reports. 2022.
- McMillan KM, et al. Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death. Scientific Reports. 2024.
- Barnes C, Weir M, Williams K, Yuill C. Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome in Dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals. Updated July 2025.
- Fassbaugh EA. Pug. PetMD. Reviewed by Teresa Manucy, DVM. Updated October 16, 2025.
This guide is for general information and is not a substitute for an exam by your veterinarian. Dog Health Guide is owned and operated by Web Ventures of New York, Inc.
