Pug vs French Bulldog
Small, squat, a big square head with a cute, little squished face - It is easy to see why some people get Pugs and French Bulldogs confused. However, despite their similarities, the two dog breeds are quite distinct, with their own strengths and weaknesses.
So, when it comes to Pug vs French bulldog, what are the important facts that you need to know? Which one is a better fit for your family’s needs?
Their History
Both Pugs and French Bulldogs are associated with wealth and status, but how they got there is a little different.
Pugs - Pugs originate from around China, with ancestry going as far back as 400 BC. These Pugs were regarded as the perfect small dogs by the Chinese emperors and their families. They were kept for their company and as bed warmers.
The Chinese specifically bred their wrinkled foreheads, possibly with the goal of having the Mandarin letter for ‘Prince’ permanently etched into their heads.
The Pugs first made it to Russia and Japan, before eventually making it to mainland Europe in the 1500s, where they became a big hit. They have since been owned by numerous European royals, such as Catherine the Great and Queen Victoria.[1]
French Bulldogs - French Bulldogs have a slightly more humble origin. They were originally bred from English Bulldogs in the 1800s as a smaller companion for ladies.
They were especially favored by lace-makers, as the dogs kept their feet warm while they sat and applied their trade. Many of these women later immigrated to France after the Industrial Revolution made lace manufacturing difficult in England.
The French were very taken with the French Bulldogs’ pointy ears and small size, and they became very popular among rich ladies and artisans who would frequent the lace-makers. Eventually, these dogs became quite a status symbol.
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Appearance and Build
Both Pugs and French Bulldogs have brachycephalic skulls (a flat face) and tend to be around the same height, around 10–13 inches tall. Both French Bulldogs and Pugs tend to have shorter coats and stubby legs.
Pugs - Pugs tend to have more loose skin than French Bulldogs. Purebred pugs predominantly come in either cream or black, without much color variation. A Pug’s wrinkles tend to travel up their face, sitting high upon their nose and forehead.
Pugs have a more round body, and can be prone to getting fat. They tend to have more loose skin and wrinkles on their body. A Pug has a curly tail that sits high up on their backs. Their ears are always folded, and tend to be a darker color on most fawn variations.
French Bulldogs like Pugs, French Bulldogs tend to have wrinkly faces, if not as prominent as a Pug’s. They also come in a large variety of colors, including both plain colors and mottled ones.
Since the French Bulldog breed does descend from Bulldogs, they are often quite muscular despite their small size, with thick necks and muscular, square heads. Though, the most recognizable feature of the French Bulldog breed is their massive, bat-like ears. These ears are the pride of the early French breeders, and they bred them in specifically.
Even French Bulldog puppies seem to have sizable ears, which is unusual for most puppies. French Bulldog tails are normally short and stubby and hang downwards, like other bulldog breeds.
Temperament
Both French Bulldogs and Pugs tend to be friendly dogs that fit well with families. They tend to be fun-loving. Since both were bred to be companion dogs, they love human company and relaxing with their owners.
Both dogs have been used as therapy dogs due to their warm and comforting nature. Since both breeds are brachycephalic and considered ‘small dogs’, they do not need vast amounts of exercise, making them ideal pets for apartment living.
Pugs - Pugs can be a little food-obsessed and can tend towards being lazy. They normally are very kind and sweet to their owners, but can easily suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too much. They regularly do well with other dogs.
French Bulldogs - The French Bulldog personality and temperament tend to lend a lot from their bulldog ancestors. This means that French Bulldogs can be very stubborn at times, and though they are very friendly with owners and their children, French Bulldog puppies take a bit more effort to socialize well with other pets.
Health Issues
Since both Pugs and French Bulldogs are Brachycephalic (flat faced), this makes them susceptible to many of the same health problems.
Flat faced breeds face a number of issues relating to breathing troubles. This means that it is a bad idea to exercise either breed strenuously or have them swim in deep water. They also struggle to cool themselves in hot weather since they cannot pant as efficiently.
Avoid taking Pugs or French Bulldogs out in very hot weather, and monitor them carefully for heatstroke.[2]
Flat faced breeds can easily choke and struggle to breathe. Maintaining a healthy body weight is critical for their long term health. Breathing problems and related health issues might be minimized if the dogs are walked using a harness instead of a collar, putting as little strain on their throats as possible.
If you are interested in trying out a number of high-quality dog harnesses, consider checking out Sparkpaws’ Activewear Walk Collection, which is designed with lightweight materials to help with heat management.
They still need moderate exercise to maintain a healthy body weight and stay healthy. Many flat-faced breeds struggle with dental issues due to their compacted skulls. Keep an eye out for tooth and gum problems.
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Pugs - Since Pugs have quite shallow eye sockets, they can be prone to eye abrasions and other optical health issues.
Like many dogs, they are susceptible to knee and hip dysplasia when aging. Pugs can also be at risk for encephalitis, as well as some skin conditions.
French Bulldogs - French Bulldogs can suffer from skin fold dermatitis due to their wrinkles. They may also be more susceptible to ear infections from their narrow canals, as well as back problems. Like other bulldog dog breeds, they can suffer from hip dysplasia.
Unfortunately, though they have less specialized health issues, French bulldogs tend to live shorter lives on average than pugs. With French Bulldogs normally living around 10 - 14 years, and Pugs lasting around 12 - 15 years.
Grooming Needs
Compared to other dog breeds, both pugs and French Bulldogs tend to have a lot of folds. Unfortunately, dirt can gather in these folds, especially the ones on their faces, which can lead to infections and irritations. Cleaning these folds weekly with a damp cloth or cotton wool will help keep them healthy.
Neither dog is really high maintenance, but a monthly bath and regular nail trimming will keep them fresh and healthy.
Pugs - Pugs have a slightly longer coat. This means that they require more regular brushing. Around 1–2 times a week is ideal, and they can be prone to shedding in the summer. Since their eyes are prone to issues, keeping the area clean and free from buildup can reduce the chance of infection.
French Bulldogs - French Bulldogs have quite short coats, but a weekly brushing won’t go amiss. This short coat can also lead to skin allergies and sensitivity, so avoid harsh shampoos or over-washing. The biggest concern is their large ears,, which need regular cleaning.
Cost and Living Needs of Both Dogs
French Bulldogs tend to cost more than Pugs. This is because French Bulldogs struggle to reproduce naturally. Their large heads and narrow hips can make it difficult for the dogs to mate, and they normally cannot give birth safely without veterinary assistance.
The average cost of Pug puppies is around $800 - $2000 (depending on color scarcity and lineage), while French Bulldog Puppies can cost between $1500 - $3000.
Neither dog is particularly active, needing around 30 min - 1 hour of walking a day. They both need a harness, which can add to costs.
Since Pugs are prone to obesity, sometimes the cost of specialized food can add some extra expense. Neither dog is a voracious eater, so their food costs should not be too extreme.
Both Pugs and French Bulldogs can be prone to brachycephalic issues as mentioned above, which can increase hidden veterinary expenses. This is one of the reasons buying from a responsible breeder could save money in the long run. Pugs’ eyes may also need special attention in their lifetime, but other veterinary issues are around average.
Which is Best For Me?
Ultimately, when deciding between Pugs and French Bulldogs, you are going to have to examine your lifestyle and what you are hoping to get out of the relationship.
If you cannot compromise, you could always settle on a ‘Frug’, a French Bulldog and Pug mix that is slowly gaining popularity. They have the sturdiness of French Bulldogs and the friendliness of Pugs, with minimized health issues.
Whichever dog you choose, try to buy from a reputable breeder.
Conclusion
Pugs originate from China, arriving in Europe in the 1500s. They are wrinkly, with flat faces, and normally come in black or tan. They tend to be lazy and obsessed with food, but are known for being very friendly and affectionate with their owners. Furthermore, they don’t require too much maintenance and are usually somewhat healthy.
French Bulldogs come from English Bulldogs but were predominantly bred in France. They have large, bat-like ears, have squarish, wrinkled heads, and come in a variety of colors. They can be stubborn and lazy, but are known for being loyal and easygoing. They don’t need a lot of grooming, but have great difficulty breeding naturally.
Both dogs are susceptible to Brachycephalic complications, meaning they should avoid hot weather and be walked using a harness. A lot of negative health issues can be minimized by buying from a good breeder and maintaining a healthy body weight.
Whichever dog you choose, we are sure they will make a wonderful and loving addition to your family.
Happy Walking!
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