Pug vs French Bulldog. Both Pug and French Bulldog are small dogs with subtle differences. Read on this short guide and I would strive my best to make sure you be an expert in making out the differences and easily identify the right breed for you.
History of Pug vs French Bulldog
Let us look at the brief history of both the dogs.
Pug
Pug are quite an old breed that originated in China around 200 BC during Han dynasty. The king and his novelties had a liking for flat faced dogs like pugs and Pekingese.
It is believed that around the 1600 century, dutch traders brought the pug to Europe and named it Mopshond. They soon became the favorites of the European novelties. Pug also became the official dog of the House of Orange when a Pug named Pompey saved the life of dutch prince by alerting him to the approach of assassins.
Pug arrived in USA in nineteenth century and was officially recognized by AKC in the year 1885. Since then they have become quite popular. As per AKC, Pug are 28th most popular breed in USA among the 195 recognized breeds.
French Bulldog
French Bulldog traces its origin to the toy size Bulldogs of the Lace makers of Nottingham city of England. After the industrial evolution in England, these Lace makers migrated to France along with English Bulldogs.
In the French countryside modern French bulldogs were bred by the cross breeding of Toy English Bulldog and the local French dogs. They soon became quite popular in France and other countries due to their bat like ears and mischievous & friendly attitude.
French Bulldog was approved by AKC in the year 1898. As per AKC, Frenchie are 4th most popular breed in USA among the 195 recognized breeds.
Size of Pug vs French Bulldog
Both Pug and French Bulldog are small dogs and the members of toy dog breed. While both breeds are almost similar, there are some subtle differences. French Bulldog are more muscular and heavier than than the pug.
Pug grow to a size of 10 inches to 14 inches tall at the shoulder where as French Bulldog can grow to a size of 11 to 12 inches tall.
A full grown pug can grow to a size of 14 to 18 pounds where as a full grown french bulldog can grow to a size of 16 to 28 pounds.
Pug have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years and french bulldog have an average lifespan of 11 to 14 years.
Appearance of Pug vs French Bulldog
Pug has a round clown like face where as French bulldog have a more square face with heavier build.
Pug have a pig like curly tail where as French Bulldog have short straight tail.
Pug have small floppy ears while French Bulldog have large erect bat like ears.
Another subtle difference is in the eyes, Frenchie have medium sized eyes where as Pug have large bulgy eyes.
The Pug has a short coat that comes in black or fawn.
French Bulldog commonly comes in Fawn, brindle or white. Rarely you may see a blue one as well. https://yourdogsworld.com/b/blue-french-bulldog/
Temperament differences of Pug and French Bulldog
Frenchie are less agile and laidback than pug due to their stockier build.
Both the dog breeds have a good temperament. They are friendly and affectionate dogs who love to enjoy the company of humans. They are also good with children and suitable for families living in apartment.
Both the dogs will snore and drool a lot. So keep this in mind if you want to make one of them as your pet.
Health differences
Both dogs are Brachycephalic dog breeds meaning they have short muzzle and flat face. As like other Brachycephalic dog breeds, both are prone to respiratory ailments. They cannot be left in hot climate as this may cause difficulty in breathing and heat stroke.
Both dogs are prone to obesity as they could be greedy in eating. Small 15 minutes couple of times a day should be sufficient to keep them healthy.
Frenchie may have problems with eyes, heart and back. Pug may also have eye problems due to their large, bulging eyes.
Shedding and Grooming
Pug shed a lot as they have double coat where as French Bulldogs have single coat and are moderate in shedding.
It is recommended to brush them regularly preferably once a week to keep their hairs clean.
Due to shedding and drooling, both are not hypoallergenic dogs, but if you have to make a choice for Dog allergic parent, Frenchie should be preferable for shedding less.
To know more about pug shedding – https://yourdogsworld.com/b/do-pugs-shed/
Also keep in mind to keep their wrinkles clean. As any dirt or unwanted material may lead to skin irritation and ailments.
Cost
Often French bulldog are more costly than the Pug for couple of reasons.
- They are more popular than Pug in USA.
- Most of the French Bulldog stud dogs are incapable of naturally breeding because of they having very slim hips. This makes the male Frenchie to not able to mount the female to reproduce naturally. Hence breeders do artificial insemination of female dogs.
Intelligence and Trainability
Both pug and French bulldog are similar when it comes to Intelligence and tractability. Both the dogs are intelligent and can learn the commands but can be obstinate while training.