Colors of Pugs
PUG COLOR- A MATTER OF PREFERENCE AND GENETICS by Christine Dresser, DVM Click on the title to read.
Three black pugs.
Many people are interested in finding colors of pugs that may be considered “different”, “rare” or “trendy”. The Pug Dog Club of America wants to be sure that people truly interested in the breed will do their best to ensure pugs are within the “standard” of the breed.
By addressing “colors” of pugs, the PDCA wants to:
FACT: A purebred pug comes in two colors only – fawn and black. These colors are the registered standard colors of the breed. All reputable breeders of pugs know this and are not interested in the development of any color of pug other than fawn or black.
FACT: White or blue pugs are not breed standard as they do not meet the color qualification or the requirement of the clearly marked black masks and black ears. Brindle is a pattern of color that is not included in the breed standard. A reputable and ethical pug breeder will recognize that any pug of color, other than fawn or black, or any pug with a brindle patterned coat are not within standard and the pugs will NOT be bred or sold as “rare.”
What is a Breed Standard?
A breed standard is a guideline that is used by dog fanciers to help breeders be sure the pugs remain true to the breed type and characteristics that represent the pug. The current Pug Standard notes the following about the color of pugs:
COLOR: The colors are fawn or black. The fawn color should be decided so as to make the contrast complete between the color and … mask.
MARKINGS: The markings are clearly defined. The muzzle or mask, ears … should be as black as possible.
The PDCA does not support the development of trendy colors of the pug. If you are interested in learning more about the AKC/PCDA breed standard colors, please read “Color and Markings” in the Pug Standard.
By addressing “colors” of pugs, the PDCA wants to:
- Protect and encourage the ethical stewardship of the pug breed
- Educate the public in the importance of breeding to characteristics of the pug without genetic defects or cross breeding
- Support past and present purebred breeders in keeping our breed healthy and true to the standards of the breed.
FACT: A purebred pug comes in two colors only – fawn and black. These colors are the registered standard colors of the breed. All reputable breeders of pugs know this and are not interested in the development of any color of pug other than fawn or black.
FACT: White or blue pugs are not breed standard as they do not meet the color qualification or the requirement of the clearly marked black masks and black ears. Brindle is a pattern of color that is not included in the breed standard. A reputable and ethical pug breeder will recognize that any pug of color, other than fawn or black, or any pug with a brindle patterned coat are not within standard and the pugs will NOT be bred or sold as “rare.”
What is a Breed Standard?
A breed standard is a guideline that is used by dog fanciers to help breeders be sure the pugs remain true to the breed type and characteristics that represent the pug. The current Pug Standard notes the following about the color of pugs:
COLOR: The colors are fawn or black. The fawn color should be decided so as to make the contrast complete between the color and … mask.
MARKINGS: The markings are clearly defined. The muzzle or mask, ears … should be as black as possible.
The PDCA does not support the development of trendy colors of the pug. If you are interested in learning more about the AKC/PCDA breed standard colors, please read “Color and Markings” in the Pug Standard.