100% true pugs that are white or very light-colored (not albino) do exist; however, they are hard to find and to tell apart from other variants. Albino dogs are also very special.
Missouri Department of Conservation
According to these figures, are Albino pugs a rare treasure? Do you want to get a white pug but don’t know if it will be healthy? You don’t know the difference between a white pug and an albino pug? Learn here everything you need to know about white pug types and more.
- Are you curious about white pugs? Learn here the origin and types of these precious cotton balls!
- Are white pugs better than other pugs? Learn what you need to know about a white pug’s healthcare needs and more.
- You don’t know if you’re getting a white or an albino pug? Learn how to tell the difference easily!
Play it safely by reading what will easily show you how to identify a white pug and if it’s the best pick to become a new member of your family. Let’s get started!
White Pugs: Are they real or mixed pugs?
White pugs are a new sensation on the internet for some, thanks to many beautiful pug puppies that have been popping out. But, are they real pugs? There are three different white variations of pugs:
- Albinism: This is a disease that causes depigmentation of the skin because of the lack of melanin, hair, and even the eyes. That causes the pug to be completely white, with a pink mask instead of a black mask of common pugs, and light-colored eyes. This condition is often accompanied by other health issues, such as very sensitive skin and eyes, and deafness.
- Leucism: This is a disease that causes depigmentation of the skin and coats (which also makes them white), but it doesn’t cause health issues. Leucism is often confused with Albinism, but it’s a very different condition, and it’s not dangerous as the latter. Albinism makes dogs vulnerable to UV light, and Leucism can actually have the opposite effect.
- A white pug that comes from very light fawn parents: Due to a loss of pigmentation within the lineages of true pugs, and the breeding of such dogs with others with the same condition, there’s a chance of obtaining 100% pugs that are white or very light fawn. Eventually, through selective breeding, the pug’s coat can become light enough to appear white, but not quite white. This pug has the same black mask that common pugs have since the pigmentation of his skin and coat is natural, not caused by the lack of melanin.
- A white pug that comes from a mix with another breed: Mixes with French bulldogs and Boston terriers can cause the pug appearing dog to be white. However, the resulting dog wouldn’t be actually a pug, but a hybrid or crossbreed.
Kennel Clubs and White pugs.
Kennel clubs around the world do not accept white as a standard color for pugs. Only black and fawn are accepted in most KC. Some Kennel Clubs, like the CKC (Canadian Kennel Club), accept different variations like silver-fawn, apricot, and combinations.
If you’re planning to get a white pug to compete in shows, that probably might not be a good idea!
How to identify which type of white pug I have?
It’s easy to identify it by just observation! If your pug is white, has blue eyes, and pink muzzle without a discernible mark, then he’s albino.
“…Most albino dogs will actually have blue eyes and pink noses.”
Dr. Stephanie Pumphrey for PetMD.
It’s very important to identify Albinism because it causes many health issues, like skin cancer and sunburn. That’s why they need special care and attention at all times, as well as a very comprehensive family.
Dogs with Leucism can be easily identified by DNA lab tests. It’s better to have them done to identify this is the cause of depigmentation and not Albinism.
However, if your pug is just white, then he can either be a very pale fawn or be a pug mix, and this can only be identified by DNA screening in a lab.
Should I get a white pug?
There are four different types, so there are four answers:
White pugs that come from true pugs are safe to get because they don’t inherit any of the other’s breed disease, so they’ll only get a pug’s health. However, you must be very sure that the pug comes from a reputed breeder and is descendant to true pugs and not a mix.
Pugs with Leucism are a safe bet, even though it’s not so reassuring. If you get a pug tested for Albinism, and it comes back as Leucism, you can have a pretty great life with your normal yet weird-looking white dog!
Pug mixes are also a safe bet if you know the breeder and it has a good reputation. Mixing is not highly advised, but mixes can also make great companionship. Just make sure that the breeder gives you all the information of both parent breeds so you know what you’re getting.
Last but not least, Albino pugs are the least recommended type of white pug to get. Why? Because they are a true challenge for most families. If you’re not committed, and sadly, most people aren’t, then just don’t. If you’re planning to invest time, money, and tons of love raising a dog with this disease, then sure, go ahead.
Conclusion
Getting a white pug is safe most of the time. However, we highly recommend that you identify which type of white pug you have. Albinism and a white pug mix are the hardest ones to raise because they have the highest chances of being sick. Still, they will love you no matter what. White pugs that are actually fawn and pugs with Leucism are the safest ones to get. They will cause no trouble and have the same life span as a regular pug. You can get any of them, but ultimately, we do recommend to check your level of commitment for the worst scenarios.
You have three options to get a white pug; which one will you pick?
