White Pugs: Everything You Need to Know

White Pugs are rare, but very popular. Especially after “Marshmallow, the White Pug” became popular on the internet, everyone wants to get one. After all, they are so adorable and unique. 

Pugs turn white because of 3 reasons:

1. Leucism happens when melanin production is lower than normal. 
2. Albinism happens when no melanin is produced at all. 
3. Mix breeding with white dogs can produce white puppies, but then they are not Purebred Pugs. 

We will understand leucism and albinism in this blog, as we are focusing on Purebred Pugs. Although these 2 types are fundamentally different from each other, they are often mistaken for each other. 

Albinism

It is caused by mutation in the genes that are responsible for producing melanin. As albinism means no melanin production at all, it includes each and every part of their body. The fur remains absolutely white and paw pads, nose, eyelids, etc turn pinkish. Eyes turn anavar joint pain blue or translucent. Albino Pugs are the result of mating between 2 Albino Pugs or the Pugs carrying this gene. 

Leucism

It is caused by a different type of genetic mutation, which affects the formation of melanin at DNA level. Leucistic Pugs are not completely deprived of melanin, they have traces of it on the irises, noses, paw pads, and blood vessels. Eyes are either a darker shade of blue or brown. Rest of the surfaces may be dark pink. However, the fur remains absolutely white, just like Albino Pugs. 

White Pugs Health

White Pugs with leucism may face usual health issues as other Pugs face, but albinos are prone to more problems because of the complete lack of melanin. Usually, Pugs face these health issues:

• Encephalitis 
• Stenotic Nares
• Obesity
• Allergies

Health issues specific to albinism:

• Sunburns
• Skin Cancer 

Care

In general, Pugs need more care than other dogs, and White Pugs need even more care. If you follow these 4 tips, your White Pug’s will a healthy and full life of 12 to 15 years:

1. Direct sun exposure should be kept short.
2. Regular health check-ups.
3. Feed healthy and don’t let them turn obese. You may use the food and weight trackers in DuePet mobile app to make things easy for you. 
4. Help them with a fun and easy session of exercises (because they do not like to move much). You may use the DuePet mobile app to track their exercise. Learn more about DuePet’s exercise tracker to keep your White Pug healthy.

Download DuePet’s iOS App Now            Download DuePet’s Android App Now

The DuePet mobile app has many features that might be useful for raising a White Pug. Feel free to check the details here: DuePet App Features

Grooming Tips

Some people believe that White Pugs shed more than regular Pugs, but this is not true. The truth is: It is easier to see white hair on the surface. All Pugs shed the same, as far as their coat is healthy. There is just one thing that you need to work upon, that is, brushing them very regularly because Pugs shed all year. Brushing them 2 to 3 times a week will keep your life easy. 

White Pugs need more frequent washing than the regular Pugs, because their coat tends to turn dirty pretty quickly. But of course, you should not wash them too often, as it will reduce natural oils, which will eventually damage skin and fur. You can wash them once or twice a month. In case you really need to clean them more than twice a month, use dog-wipes for any stains on their fur.

Difference Between White Pugs and Regular Pugs

There are very little differences. Let’s understand them. 

1. White ones are more stubborn and need training from an early age. 
2. They have “Velcro Personalities”. In other words, they are very clingy. They can easily get obsessed with their owner.
3. Younger White Pugs are very eager to please, so this makes the training part easy. 
4. White Pugs are comparatively more intelligent and caring, which makes them ideal for children.
5. Even though White Pugs are usually very calm and laid back, but sometimes they can be very playful. 

FAQs