Welcome to the fascinating world of pug colors. If you are a seasoned pug parent or you are just starting your journey, you have come to the correct place.
I have been a pug parent for several years and I am excited to share my knowledge of different pug colorations with you.
Together let us explore the variety of pug colors, ranging from classic fawn to rare ones. and explore variations recognized by different kennel clubs.
So lets start an exciting journey to discover the magic of colors of pugs!
Pug Colors Chart
| Color | Occurrence | Recognized by major Kennel Clubs |
|---|---|---|
| Fawn | most common | Yes |
| Black | 2nd most common | Yes |
| Silver Fawn OR Apricot Fawn | Rare | Not by AKC |
| Apricot | Rare | No |
| Brindle | Rare , Controversial | No |
| White | Rare | No |
| Chocolate | Extremely Rare, controversial | No |
| Merle | Rare | No |
Many pug owners believe that different colored pugs have different traits, but there is no scientific evidence regarding the same.
Color variations in pugs might look appealing, but more than pug colorations, it is more important to choose a pug based on ethical breeding practices and health considerations.
Research for reputable breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of their pugs, regardless of their coat color.
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Pug Registered Colors
Let us look into pug recognized colors by some major kennel clubs across the globe.
It is to be noted that some Kennel Clubs like the American Kennel Club AKC and Canadian Kennel Club CKC have stricter rules regarding pug colorations to promote responsible breeding and healthy puppies.
Fédération Cynologique Internationale
Fédération Cynologique Internationale FCI , the largest international federation of kennel clubs, which encompasses member clubs from almost every country in the world, recognizes 4 colors – Silver, apricot, fawn or black.
The Kennel Club (UK)
The Kennel Club (UK), the oldest recognized kennel club in the world, responsible for overseeing dog activities in the UK, recognizes 4 colors of the pug – Silver, apricot, fawn or black .
Deutscher Club für Hundewesen
The Deutscher Club für Hundewesen (VDH), the largest kennel club in Germany, recognizes three colors for pugs: black, fawn and silver fawn.
Canadian Kennel Club
The Pug Breed Standard followed by the Canadian Kennel Club CKC, the national kennel club of Canada, recognizes only fawn, silver-fawn or black as pug colors .
The Breed Standard states “Fawn is any fawn shade including light apricot, deep apricot, to reddish gold. Silver- fawn has a decidedly cold, silver cast.”
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club AKC recognizes only 2 pug colorations – fawn and black.
Pug colors AKC
The American Kennel Club recognizes fawn and black pugs for competition and registration.
Brindle, white, chocolate, and merle and other rare colors are not recognized by AKC due to ethical concerns and potential health issues.
The AKC follows breed standard set by the Pug Dog Club of America PDCA, which is AKC’s parent club for the pug breed.
AKC Breed Colors & Markings
| PUG COLORATIONS | ||
|---|---|---|
| DESCRIPTION | REGISTRATION CODE | BREED STANDARD COLOR |
| Black | 007 | Yes |
| Fawn | 082 | Yes |
| MARKINGS | ||
|---|---|---|
| DESCRIPTION | STANDARD MARKING | REGISTRATION CODE |
| Black Mask | Yes | 004 |
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Common pug colors
Don’t be surprised if almost all the pugs you meet are either fawn or black.
These classic pug colors are recognized by all major kennel clubs, and hence most widely seen.
Remember, all pugs share the same playful and charming personalities and require the same care and attention regardless of fur color.
Pug colors fawn
Fawn is the classic and standard pug color, consisting more than 60% of the pug population.
Recognized by all major kennel clubs like the AKC, fawn pugs have a light tan coat with a black mask on their face, and black ears.
Their warm tone combined with their affectionate and playful nature make them very adorable companion.
They share the same traits, personalities, basic requirements and health needs as other colored pugs.
Think Doug the Pug, Frank from Men in Black, and many other famous pugs are fawn in color.
Pug colors black
The sleek and sophisticated black pugs make around 20% of the pug population.
Black pugs, also recognized by the AKC, have a solid, rich black coat unlike other colored pugs.
Some black pugs may have a single coat compared to the double coat of most fawn pugs, meaning they may shed bit lesser.
However, shedding may still vary from one pug to another.
Pug Colors Rare
Pugs come in a variety of colors, some of which are rare and unique,(and maybe controversial).
If you want to adopt a pug with unique coat color, do your own research and find responsible breeders who prioritize health and ethical breeding of pugs, over their coat color.
Avoid breeders who focus solely on rare colors as this may indicate that they prioritize their own profit over the health and well being of the pups.
Pug colors Silver-fawn
While fawn pugs are most common, silver fawn are a unique and rare variation of the fawn pug.
They have a shimmering light gray coat which makes them stand out from others.
Just like other pugs they have a compact and sturdy built and an affectionate and playful nature.
Though not recognized by AKC due to health concerns, silver fawn pugs are approved by the Canadian Kennel Club and FCI.
Pug Colors White
The white pug dog, a fascinating variation of the pug breed, boast a dazzling white coat, ranging from creamy white to bright snow white.
These pugs aren’t recognized as an official pug color as the white coat color may be a result of genetic mutations (albinism or leucism).
To achieve the white coat, breeders may follow unethical practices raising concerns about their health.
Apricot Color pug
Apricot color pug, another rare variation of the pugs, have beautiful warm orange tinged coats.
Lesser than 5% of the pug breed, this color comes from a recessive gene, and hence demand a higher price.
However, apricot color pug may not be always uniformly colored. There may be patches of fawn or off-white, particularly on their chest.
The Apricot color pug share the same features and health concern like other pugs.
Pug colors Brindle
Brindle color in pugs, a rare and controversial color not approved by AKC, refers to striped or patterned coat where the darker and lighter colors, mostly shades of grey and black , intertwine with each other.
Their exact origin is unknown and the possible reason for this unique coat color can be their recessive genes or mixed breeding.
Brindle pugs are against the breed standard of major kennel clubs and hence reputable breeders may not intentionally breed for brindle pugs.
Pug Colors Merle
Merle pugs have a distinctive coat with patches of mottled color, often bluish or blue grayish, as seen in Australian Shepherds breed.
These patches are scattered across the pug’s usual coat color (fawn, black, apricot, etc.), resulting in a visually striking marbled effect.
Merle color pugs and are often bred following unethical breeding practices and hence not recognized by major kennel clubs.
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FAQ
Do pugs come in different colors?
Yes, pugs come in different colors, though all colors are not recognized by major kennel clubs.
The standard pug colors are fawn and black, recognized by all kennel clubs including AKC.
Colors like apricot, silver fawn are lesser common and not approved by all.
There are few controversial coat colors like brindle and merle, which raise ethical concerns within the pug breeding community.
While choosing a pug, it is important to opt for a reputable breeder and prioritize health of the pug over coat color.
Do pugs change color?
Unlike many breeds who may undergo drastic change in coat color, pugs generally have subtle changes over time. This can be due to aging, exposure to the sun, their health condition.
What color pug should I get?
It is a personal preference what color pug you choose – whether the classic black and fawn color or unique colors like silver and apricot.
All pugs are equally playful and adorable regardless their coat color and it is more important to get a happy and healthy pug from a responsible breeder that fits into your lifestyle.
What is the most popular color of pugs?
The most common color of a pug is fawn, second most common being black.
The American Kennel Club AKC recognizes only these 2 colors as their standard pug color.
What color pug is more expensive?
The lesser common pug colors like white, chocolate, merle, brindle – may be more expensive than standard black or fawn pugs due to their rarity.
However apart from coat color, the price of a pug is dependent on many other factors like their pedigree, demand, geographical location and breeder reputation.
It is important to emphasize on ethical breeding practices and overall health of pug rather than coat color.
Final Thoughts
The standard pug colors, fawn and black are recognized by major kennel clubs and are most affordable.
The lesser common non- standard colors like silver and apricot are not recognized by some kennel clubs. Their price is slightly higher than standard pug colors due to their relative rarity.
The rare pug colors chocolate, brindle , merle, not recognized by major kennel clubs are the most expensive ones.
Pugs with rare colors should be selected very carefully as the breeder may intentionally breed pugs following unethical practices to get unique color for their own profit.
It is important to choose a responsible breeder and realize that the health and well being of the pug is more important than their coat color.
