Pugs and French bulldogs are two popular dog breeds that people either love or hate. They are both adorable little fluff balls, but there is a lot more to them than meets the eye. Pug VS French Bulldog is a very tough “battle” and it’s hard to choose a winner. This article will talk about their differences and commonalities, so you can decide for yourself which side you’re on!
In this article:
What is a French Bulldog?
French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They were originally bred as ratters, but then became a fashion accessory for celebrities and other wealthy individuals.
They’re smaller than their ancestors; measuring an average height of just eleven inches while weighing between twenty-eight to thirty pounds. While they have short hair like many dogs, it’s finer and silkier with fewer wrinkles or folds on the face due to its coarse texture when compared to some other dog breeds with similar features such as pugs and shih tzus who require more maintenance because of their longer coats which can mat easily if not cared for properly.
What is a Pug?
The Pug, also known as a Pekingese or Dutch Mastiff dog breed according to the American Kennel Club and other kennel clubs in America, is a small animal with wrinkly features. They are often called “the old man of dogs” because they age relatively slowly.
What’s the difference between a French Bulldog and a Pug?
A French Bulldog is usually around 20 pounds, and has a short face with round eyes. A Pug generally ranges from 12 to 18 pounds and has an elongated muzzle with large droopy eyes.
French Bulldogs are more muscular than Pugs because they were bred for bull-baiting while the Pug was just bred as a lap dog.
Unfortunately they’re both outside of the top 10 smartest dog breeds but this is exactly why people love them.
Pug vs French Bulldogs – Origins
The Pug originated from China, while a French Bulldog is believed to have come about in England. These two breeds were bred for different purposes – one was used as an adorable lap dog with short hair that didn’t shed and another was meant for fighting bulls!
Pug vs French Bulldogs – Popularity
The popularity of these pets is a tough one to pinpoint. The French Bulldog is ranked #68 on the AKC list of top 100 breeds, while the Pug ranks higher at #30.
The popularity of these two dogs may be due to their different characteristics – Pugs are great for allergy sufferers because they don’t shed and can adapt well in small living spaces, while the French Bulldog is a more fashionable breed with shorter hair.
Pug vs French Bulldogs – Size & Appearance
The main difference between these two breeds is their physical appearance and size – Pugs are very small in comparison to a Frenchie Bulldog’s 30-pound weight limit. And they have different skin conditions; some people find that pugs can get dryer patches of skin, while French Bulldogs are more prone to skin allergies.
Both breeds have a lifespan of 12-15 years and they do not bark much – but the Pug does tend to snore! “Pugs require lots of maintenance,” says veterinarian Dr. Stephanie Bergsma, “as grooming them is time consuming.”
Pug Vs French Bulldogs – Grooming
Pugs and French Bulldogs require different grooming styles. The Pug has a coat that requires minimal brushing so it’s best to bathe them about once every three months, while the French Bulldog is a more fashionable breed with shorter hair.
The differences in shedding can make it a lot easier to choose which breed will be right for you.
Pugs shed more than French Bulldogs, but they also have different skin conditions. Pugs are very low maintenance and do not require much grooming, while the long coat of a French Bulldog requires regular brushing (every three months).
Pug vs French Bulldogs – Exercise
The difference in their exercise needs is due to the difference in their physical appearance. As a result, French Bulldogs need a lot of exercise, much more exercise than Pugs do.
French bulldogs have short legs and are heavier, so they can’t get as much energy out of swimming or running around outside like a Pug does – but they’re great at other exercises!
Health Issues & Lifespan of These Two Dog Breeds
Health Issues & Lifespan of The Average Pug
You may notice your pet start to experience health issues later than most animals their size (such as difficulty walking) due to this aging process. Their average lifespan under ideal conditions is 12-14 years; however, some pugs have been documented living up to 18 years old without any major health problems before passing away peacefully on their own terms.
Pugs can be at risk for various health problems including breathing difficulties, eye problems, and a variety of other health issues. These are all related to their short snout, making it difficult for them to breathe when experiencing allergies or breathing problems due to cold weather.
Some pugs can experience eye infections from the HSV virus. With HSV, there is an increased risk that your pug will go blind.
Other health issues can cause a pug to lose weight, experience difficulty breathing, or become lethargic.
Health Issues & Lifespan of The Average Frenchie
The health issues for the French Bulldog are likely to be similar to that of a boxer. They may suffer from brachycephalic syndrome because they are brachycephalic dogs, which leads to breathing difficulties because their muzzle is too short.
The average lifespan of a French Bulldog is between 10-12 years old.
Pug vs French Bulldog – Which Pet Is Right for Me?
Now, the final question: which of these would be right for you?
The French Bulldog is a smaller, compact dog that has the stamina to go on long walks. They are good with children and other pets because they tend to be very social dogs – but do not have much tolerance for being left alone.
The Pug would probably thrive in an apartment or condo environment due to its small size and low energy level. It does well as an only pet or with another canine companion; it needs lots of attention from humans if you want them happy. Both breeds need regular grooming sessions (unless your pug prefers licking itself clean).
To sum it all up, here’s a comparison chart of the 2 breeds:
| French Bulldog | Pug | |
| Coat | Fine, fair & short | Double-coated |
| Size | 0.7ft / 24cm | 0.8ft / 30cm |
| Weight | 20 – 30lbs | 14 – 18lbs |
| Shedding | Minimal | A lot (esp. In the summer) |
| Cold sensitive | Yes | Yes |
| Overheats easily? | No | Yes |
| Avg. Lifespan | 10 – 12 years | 12 – 14 years |
| Loud snorers | Yes! | Yes! |
Before deciding for either of them read the characteristics above which can be really helpful regarding shedding etc. Do you have any special thoughts or experience with a Pug or Bulldog? Let us know in the comment below!