If you're a dog lover, you probably know that Pugs come in various adorable colors like fawn and black. But did you know that there are many more exciting coat colors that these lovable canines can come in? From apricot to silver, chocolate to panda, Pugs can surprise you with their wide range of coat variations.
In this article, we'll explore 20 different Pug coat colors, complete with pictures and descriptions. Whether you're a Pug enthusiast or simply curious about these charming dogs, this guide will give you a closer look at the beautiful palette of Pug colors.
How Many Pug Colors Are There?
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), there are two main Pug colors: fawn and black. However, these two colors are just the tip of the iceberg. In reality, there are over 20 different Pug colors available, including silver, apricot, chocolate, and more.
Here is a rundown of all 20 coat colors you can find in Pugs:
- Fawn
- Black
- Apricot
- Apricot Fawn
- Silver
- Light Cream
- Silver Fawn
- White
- White and Tan
- Chocolate
- Blue
- Blue Fawn
- Merle
- Blue Merle
- Panda or Black and White
- Pink
- Chinchilla
- Black and Tan
- Brindle
- Chocolate and Fawn
The Pug's coat can come in a multitude of pigments due to its diverse gene pool. This means that any color or pattern you see on a Pug is within the range of what that dog's ancestors could have produced.
Explore the 20 Pug Colors
If you're new to the world of Pugs, you might think that they only come in black, silver, or apricot shades. However, Pugs display so many colors that it can be hard to keep track of them all. In this section, we'll provide a comprehensive review of the 20 Pug coat colors, complete with pictures. This way, you'll be able to identify any Pug color and see what it looks like in real life.
1. Fawn Pug
Fawn Pugs are the most popular color variation among Pug enthusiasts. They have a charming appearance with pale tan or yellowish body fur and black-colored masks and ears. Their black-smudged backs add to their cuteness factor, making them look like they've been playing in the mud all day long. Fawn Pugs have long been part of many kennel clubs and competitions, adding to their popularity.
2. Black Pug
Black Pugs have a glossy, shiny coat ranging from deep ebony to a lighter charcoal shade. Their eyes are round and large, set off by their black noses. Black Pugs are accepted by many kennel clubs worldwide and are perfect for those looking for a striking pet that can compete in dog shows.
3. Apricot Pug
Apricot Pugs have a warm reddish-brown coat that often looks as though they've been dipped in butterscotch syrup. They typically have a darker mask and tracing than fawn Pugs, making them more appealing to many Pug owners. Despite their slight differences, fawn and apricot Pugs are considered the same color variety by most dog registries.
4. Apricot Fawn Pug
Apricot fawn Pugs have a mix of fawn and apricot colors, with an orange-brown body and a lighter underbelly and chest. They have deep brown eyes, dark eye rims, black muzzles, and black ears and paw pads. Apricot fawn Pugs fall in the fawn category and can be shown in the show ring without any issues.
5. Silver Pug
Silver Pugs have a deep grayish coat with light tan markings on their limbs, chests, chins, and tummies. While they may not possess the required black mask or accents, they are a unique variety of the Pug breed.
6. Light Cream Pug
Light cream Pugs have a very pale and soft coat color, ranging from off-white to ivory. They exhibit the same coat pattern as non-black Pugs, with black-colored masks, paws, and ears, accompanied by dark tracings along the back and tail. Their eyes are usually mahogany-brown or black, making them even more adorable.
7. Silver Fawn Pug
Silver fawn Pugs have a coat color that's a mix of black and fawn, with hints of gray or silver tones scattered throughout their bodies. They appear to have lighter fur along the chest and belly area, sometimes mistaken for being white. These Pugs are still considered fawn and can be shown in the show ring without any issues.
8. White Pug
White Pugs have a soft and innocent appearance, with sweet faces and light-pigmented fur. However, the lack of pigment in their hair makes them more vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer. Most healthy Pugs are likely mixed-breed Pugs that have inherited genes from another breed, resulting in white-colored fur.
9. White and Tan Pug
White and tan Pugs are popular pied color combinations. They have a predominantly white coat with tan spots and markings around their eyes, ears, neck, and nose area. Despite their unusual coloring, these Pugs still retain the fawn Pug's distinctive dark mask on their faces.
10. Chocolate Pug
Chocolate Pugs have shiny brown fur that sets them apart from other Pug colors. Their dark mahogany eyes match their hair perfectly, enhancing their already endearing appearance. Chocolate Pugs may be more difficult to find for sale and tend to be more expensive than other Pug colors.
11. Blue Pug
Blue Pugs are hybrid canines with a distinctive bluish-gray coloring, comparable to a wolf's fur. However, their appearance can vary greatly due to multi-generational breeding. Some blue Pugs have a solid bluish tint all over their bodies, while others display patches of tan. The dilution gene responsible for this shade can sometimes cause health problems.
12. Blue Fawn Pug
Blue fawn Pugs are a rarer variety, with light hues of brown and tan and a hint of grayish-blue in certain areas. Their large eyes give off a lighter hue, and their snouts look brownish. Blue fawn Pugs are not eligible for dog shows, so it may be best to avoid this color option if you plan to show your Pug.
13. Merle Pug
Merle Pugs display a pattern of mottled or marbled coloration in their fur, thanks to the merle gene. However, the Pug breed generally cannot produce merles, so crossing with other breeds is necessary. The likelihood of any given offspring inheriting the merle gene is quite small.
14. Blue Merle Pug
Blue merle Pugs combine the muted tones of a blue coat with the lighter patches of the merle pattern. However, the interaction between the blue or dilution gene and the merle gene can sometimes lead to health problems. It's important to discuss these issues with a breeder before purchasing a blue merle Pug.
15. Panda Pug or Black and White Pug
Panda Pugs have a mainly black coat with white patches on their chest, face, neck, and legs, resembling the markings of the Boston Terrier breed. They often display light brown to chocolate brown-colored eyes and can even be born with blue eyes. Panda Pugs are a unique color combination that stands out.
16. Pink Pug
Pink Pugs, also known as albino Pugs, have a pale pink hue that sets them apart. While their pink noses and blue-colored eyes make them irresistible, pink Pugs are prone to vision issues, hearing problems, and sunburns. They have a shorter lifespan compared to other Pugs.
17. Chinchilla Pug
Chinchilla Pugs experience a partial loss of pigmentation in their hair or skin, resulting in a white dog with patches of black fur on its face, head, back, and legs. However, chinchilla Pugs are not recommended due to the health problems associated with the leucism gene.
18. Black and Tan Pug
Black and tan Pugs have a coat that's mostly black with tan markings, resembling a miniature Rottweiler. With their classic Pug face and unique coloring, they are sure to turn heads. However, black and tan Pugs are not considered a standard color by any dog club.
19. Brindle Pug
Brindle Pugs have a lot of variation in their coloring, with shades of brown, cream, fawn, and black mixed together. The exact patterns can vary from tiger stripes to an “ink blot” effect. Brindle Pugs have a one-of-a-kind coat color that is truly unique.
20. Chocolate and Fawn Pug
Brown and fawn Pugs have much of their fawn pigmentation but with brown facial markings instead of black. They often have dark chocolate noses and eyes, making them stand out even more. However, these Pugs may not be the same breed as standard Pugs and are likely a crossbreed with another breed.
Other Physical Features of the Pug
In addition to their many coat colors, Pugs have other physical features that make them unique. They often retain black hairs on their foreheads and ears, have large eyes with dark rims, a black facial mask, and a distinctive tracing along their back. These features contribute to the overall charm of Pugs.
Smuttiness
Many Pugs, especially fawn-colored ones, exhibit a physical characteristic called smuttiness. It refers to the black hairs that act as an overlay on their facial and body fur. The intensity of these black hairs varies from dog to dog, but too much black coloring can be considered a fault in show competitions.
Trace
The back area of a fawn Pug has a mixture of black and tan pigmentation, referred to as trace. This dark trace starts from the dog's neck, runs down its back, and extends to the tail. Each strand appears as if it has been dipped in black ink, giving Pugs their distinctive look.
Thumbprint
Pugs have a diamond-shaped mark on their wrinkly foreheads called a thumbprint. The darkness and lightness of this marking can vary from one Pug to another. While the presence or absence of a thumbprint is not a disqualifying factor, it adds to the dog's unique charm.
Mask
Non-black Pugs have a black facial mask that extends from just below the eyes to their chins. The shape of this mask can vary from round to oval or heart-shaped. The darker the mask, the better according to breed standards.
Eye and Nose Colors
Pugs typically have dark-pigmented eyes ranging from deep brown to dark chocolate. Their noses should be black in color, as any other color can lead to disqualification in canine shows.
Paws
Pugs' paws often exhibit smuttiness or smudging, similar to their facial and body fur. The blackness is usually darker at the top of each fur strand and gets lighter toward the bottom. Some Pugs may also have mitted, white paws, but smudged paws are preferred by kennel clubs.
Pug Breed Standards & Disqualifications
Pugs, like any purebred dog, have specific appearance standards set by various kennel clubs. The American Kennel Club and Pug Dog Club of America only accept fawn and black Pugs as standard colors. However, other kennel clubs like The Kennel Club of the UK and Canadian Kennel Club have more flexible standards that include colors like silver, apricot, and silver fawn. Brindle, chocolate, and black and tan Pugs are not recognized by major kennel clubs and cannot compete in dog shows. It's important to note that non-black Pugs should have clearly defined black hairs or markings on their muzzle, cheeks, forehead, and ears to be considered purebred.
Do Pug Colors Affect Behavior and Health?
Hair color does not affect a Pug's behavior. Personality is determined by upbringing and training rather than coat color. However, coat color can be an indication of potential health issues. White and pink Pugs are prone to genetic health problems, while merle Pugs can develop deafness and blindness. It's crucial to choose a reputable breeder who screens for these health issues before purchasing a Pug.
Do Pug Puppies Change Colors as They Grow?
Pug puppies' coat colors are genetically determined, so their hues will likely remain the same as they grow older. However, some Pugs may exhibit color changes over time. For example, the black markings or smuttiness of fawn Pugs can lighten or darken, and solid black Pugs may develop gray hairs in their senior years. Factors like diet, health, and sunlight exposure can also affect a Pug's coat color.
What Color Will My Pug Puppy Be?
Predicting the color of a Pug puppy is challenging, even for experienced breeders. The shade of the parents' coats can provide some clues, but DNA testing is the most fool-proof method. If you're unsure about the potential color of your future Pug puppy, consult reputable breeders or vets who can guide you based on their knowledge and experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are All-White Pugs Rare?
Yes, all-white Pugs are extremely rare. Most all-white Pugs are either leucistic or albinos, which is why they are produced less often. Breeding white Pugs is not desirable due to the health issues they may pass on to their offspring.
Are There Pink-Colored Pugs?
Yes, pink-colored Pugs do exist. One famous example is Milkshake, the “Unicorn Pug.” Pink Pugs have a pale pink hue and are considered albinos. While they look adorable, they can be prone to vision issues, hearing problems, and sunburns.
What Is the Rarest Pug Color?
Brindle Pugs are considered the rarest color variation. They have a mix of brown, cream, fawn, and black in their coat, resembling tiger stripes. Other rare colors include chocolate, pink, panda, and silver fawn.
What Is the Most Common Pug Color?
The most common Pug colors are fawn and black. These two colors are widely recognized by kennel clubs and are seen in the majority of Pugs. While other colors like apricot and silver are accepted, they are not as common as fawn and black.
Final Thoughts
Pugs come in a delightful array of coat colors, from fawn and black to apricot, silver, chocolate, and more. Each color variation has its unique charm, making Pugs even more lovable and adorable. However, it's important to note that not all colors are recognized by major kennel clubs, and some colors may be associated with health issues. Always do thorough research and choose a reputable breeder when getting a Pug of your desired color. So, which Pug color will you choose? Let us know in the comments below!
Keys to take away:
- Pugs come in a wide range of coat colors, including fawn, black, apricot, silver, chocolate, and more.
- There are over 20 different Pug coat colors to explore and appreciate.
- Each Pug color has its unique characteristics and charm.
- Coat color does not affect a Pug's behavior, but it can indicate potential health issues.
- When getting a Pug, choose a reputable breeder who screens for health issues.
- Predicting the color of a Pug puppy can be challenging, but consulting breeders or vets can provide guidance.
- All-white and pink-colored Pugs are rare and require special care due to health concerns.
- Brindle Pugs are considered the rarest color variation.
- Fawn and black are the most common Pug colors recognized by kennel clubs.