French Bulldog vs. Pug.
Are you torn between getting a French Bulldog and a pug?
While these dogs may appear similar, several differences set them apart.
This guide compares French Bulldog vs. Pug in various aspects to help make your choice easier.
Read on.
Comparing Pug vs. French Bulldog: At a Glance
While Pugs and Frenchies have similarities, they are distinct breeds with some differences. The table below gives a comparison of the two breeds.
| Characteristic | Pug | French Bulldog |
| Origin | China | England |
| Height | 10-14 inches | 11-12 inches |
| Weight | 14-18 pounds | 16-28 pounds |
| Coat type | Double coat | Single coat |
| Coat color | Black, fawn | Cream, white, fawn, brindle, and a combination of these colors. |
| Temperament | Loving, mischievous, and charming | Playful, adaptable, and alert |
| Life span | 13-15 years | 10-14 years |
| Energy level | Average | Low |
| Trainability | High | High |
| Popularity | Top 28 | Top 2 |
| Health | Average | Below average |
| Price | $1000-$6000 | $1500-$8000 |
Differences Between Bulldogs and Pugs
Despite the similarities between Pugs and Frenchies, these dogs have several differences. The following are some of the differences between Pugs and Frenchies:
Pug vs. French Bulldog History
Pugs and Frenchies have very different historical backgrounds, with the former being much older than the latter.
Pug
Pugs are ancient dogs believed to have originated in China thousands of years ago. Their history dates back to 206BC -200 AD during the Han Dynasty. These dogs were owned and valued by emperors who gave them luxurious housing and soldiers to guard them.
Dutch traders later introduced these dogs into Europe in the late 1500s and 1600 when China began trading with Europe. Here, they quickly became a favorite pet for royalties.
They were even designated as the official of the House of Orange, the royal family of the Netherlands, after a Pug allegedly saved the life of Prince William. Pugs continued to rise in popularity worldwide due to their affectionate demeanor.
The AKC rated pugs at number 28 out of 193 breeds of the most popular dogs in America.
French Bulldog
Although their name suggests otherwise, French Bulldogs are not from France but from England. This breed was particularly popular with the English lacemakers living in Nottingham, England, as they were used as ratters. When the lacemakers moved to France following the industrial revolution, they took their small dogs. The dogs became an instant hit in France due to their small size and pleasant temperament.
Over time, these small dogs were crossed with local ratter dogs in France, giving rise to the bat-eared Frenchies we know today. The popularity of these bat-eared Frenchies continued to rise, especially among the affluent in Europe and US.
Pug vs. French Bulldog Popularity
While Pugs and Frenchies are popular dogs, Frenchies are considered more popular than Pugs. The popularity of the French Bulldog has sharply risen over the last few years. Frenchies have been rated in the second position of the most popular breeds, while Pugs were placed at number 23 by the AKC.
Pug vs. Frenchie Appearance
Both pugs and French Bulldogs are brachycephalic dogs marked by a flat facial structure and short snouts. This structure makes both dogs prone to breathing difficulties. Despite this similarity, pugs and Frenchies have distinct physical attributes that differentiate them.
While Frenchies come with large bat-like ears that stand erect on their square-shaped heads, Pugs have small floppy ears that dropdown. Although both dogs have wrinkly faces, pugs have more prevalent wrinkles and can have moles on their cheeks.
Frenchies have short, stumpy tails that can be screwed or straight, while pugs have small, curly tails. French Bulldogs have a single-layered coat with smooth and fine hair, while pugs are double-coated with denser and coarser hair.
Pugs come in black or fawn coat colors, while Frenchies come in various colors, including brindle, cream, fawn, white, or a combination of colors.
Pug
Pugs are small dogs, just like Frenchies. However, pugs are smaller than French Bulldogs. A fully grown pug stands between 10-14 inches in height and weighs 14-18 pounds.
Frenchie
Although French Bulldogs are also small dogs, they are larger than pugs. Frenchies are between 11-15 inches tall and weigh 16-28 pounds on average. They are, therefore, stockier than pugs.
Pug vs. Frenchie coats
Both pugs and Frenchies have short coats. However, there are noticeable differences in the coats.
Pug
Pugs have short double-layered coats with dense and coarse hair. These dogs tend to shed throughout the year and thus require regular brushing to keep the coat in perfect shape. Pugs shed more than Frenchies. Pugs mainly come in black or fawn coat colors.
Frenchie
Frenchies boast a smooth, fine, short single coat that sheds minimally. Weekly brushing will help keep the coat healthy. Frenchies’ coats come in various shades, including brindle, white, cream, fawn, and a combination of these colors.
What is a Frenchie Pug?
A Frenchie Pug is a crossbreed of a French Bulldog and a Pug. This dog is also called a Frug.
What is a Puggle?
A Puggle is produced when a purebred Beagle is crossed with a Pug.
Pug and Frenchie mix
A Pug and Frenchie mix will display traits of both breeds. Since French Bulldogs come in various colors while pugs come only in fawn or black coat color, the color of a pug and Frenchie mix can vary greatly. These mixes will show the physical attributes of either of the parent or a bit of both breeds.
Pug vs. Bulldog
The following table summarizes the differences between pugs and Bulldogs.
| Trait | Pug | Bulldog |
| Size | Small | Comparatively large |
| Height | 10-14 inches | 11-15 inches |
| Weight | 6-8 kgs | 18-22 kgs |
| Origin | China | England |
| Head | Large, round head with prominent face wrinkles | Wide, square head with wrinkles on the forehead |
| Eyes | Large and round | Easy to train but can be very stubborn |
| Shedding level | Above average | Average |
| Energy level | Moderate | low |
| Trainability | Not easy to train | A variety of colors, including cream, fawn, brindle, white, or red. |
| Drooling level | Low | High |
| Life expectancy | 13-15 years | 10-12 years |
| Coat colors | Mainly fawn, black, or apricot | Various colors include cream, fawn, brindle, white, or red. |
Pug vs. Frenchie vs. Boston
The table below compares a pug, Frenchie, and a Boston Terrier.
| Trait | Pug | French Bulldog | Boston Terrier |
| Origin | China | England | US |
| Group | Companion | Companion | Companion |
| Breed type | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
| Size | Small | Small | Small |
| Height | 12-14 inches | 11-15 inches | 15-17 inches |
| Weight | 13-20 pounds | 16-28 pounds | 10-25 pounds |
| Trainability | Slightly hard to train | Easy-to-train | Easy to train |
| Intelligence | Low to average | Average | Average |
| Temperament | Playful, courageous, affectionate, and cheerful | Easy-going, athletic, alert, playful | Intelligent, friendly, gentle. |
| Exercise needs | Low | Low | High |
| Energy level | Average | High | Low |
| Health | Above average | Average | Average |
| Grooming needs | Low | Low | Low |
| Lifespan | 11-15 years | 10-12 years | 11-15 years |
| Coat type | Short, double-coat with coarse hair | Short, fine, single-coat | Short, fine |
| Coat color | Black, fawn | Cream, brindle, fawn, white, and black | Seal, black, white, brindle |
| Shedding level | Above average | Low | Moderate |
Pug vs. Frenchie Personality
Both pugs and Frenchies are highly affectionate and loving dogs that love spending time with their owners. These dogs are also very friendly and relate well with other people, dogs, and pets. Due to their gentle and playful nature, Frenchies and pugs make great companions for children.
These two dog breeds are known for their constant craving for attention and companionship, making them prone to separation anxiety. Leaving these dogs alone for long durations will lead to boredom and destructive behavior. However, Pugs are more clingy as they are less active than Frenchies.
While both dogs have low barking tendencies, pugs tend to bark more than French Bulldogs. Additionally, pugs are clowny and love to jester and play around, while Frenchies are a bit more serious, although they can also be very silly at times.
Unlike Frenchies, pugs would rather sit on your lap than play. They need lesser indoor playtime than Frenchies.
Good with kids: Pugs vs. French Bulldogs
Both dogs are playful and gentle hence great with kids. Both dogs are ideal for older kids who know how to treat them respectfully. It’s important to teach children how to behave around dogs. They should also be introduced early for the best relationship.
French Bulldogs vs. Pugs: companion dogs
Frenchies and pugs are highly affectionate and loving dogs that love spending time with their owners. This makes them excellent companions that will keep you entertained at all times. However, Frenchies are more laid-back and more suited for the elderly or people who are not very active, while pugs are more playful and do their best with energetic or more active people. Both dogs constantly crave their owners’ attention and hence can’t stand being alone for long durations of time.
Good with other dogs: Pugs vs. French Bulldogs
Pugs and Frenchies are friendly dogs that tolerate and relate well with other dogs. However, both need to be properly socialized as early as possible. How a dog behaves with other dogs will depend on the level of socialization it has been exposed to.
French Bulldog vs. Pug: Barking
French Bulldogs are generally silent dogs with low barking tendencies, making them excellent apartment dogs. While they don’t bark much, French Bulldogs are wary of strangers and will not alert you of any strange happening. This makes them good watchdogs. Pugs, on the other hand, tend to bark more than Frenchies. Any unusual noise will provoke a pug to bark.
Pugs versus French Bulldogs: Dog behavior issues
Pugs and Frenchies get easily bored when left alone for long durations. This is because both breeds are clingy and love spending time with their owners making them prone to separation anxiety. Generally, pugs are more active than Frenchies and more prone to behavioral issues.
It’s thus important to keep both Frenchies and pugs mentally and physically stimulated to avoid destructive behavior. Food puzzles and interactive toys are great ways to keep them stimulated.
Difference between French Bulldogs and Pugs: Loyalty to the owner
French Bulldogs and Pugs are loyal dogs that love spending time with their owners. These dogs are happiest when they are with their families. Although they are not known to be aggressive, these dogs are protective of their owners.
French Bulldog vs. Pug: Trainability
Both dogs are eager to please and can quickly pick up commands and instructions quite easily, making them relatively easy to train as long as the right techniques are used. However, pugs and Frenchies have a stubborn streak, making training challenging. Thus, persistence and consistency are key while training these dogs. You’ll also need to keep the sessions short and entertaining as they easily get bored.
French Bulldog vs. Pug: Intelligence
Both dogs are moderately intelligent and thus able to learn many commands and instructions with the proper motivation quickly.
Exercise and Care
Pugs have medium energy levels and require more exercise than French Bulldogs. These dogs require about 40 minutes of daily exercise. They need to remain physically and mentally active to be healthy.
On the other hand, French Bulldogs have low energy levels and require only 30 minutes of daily exercise. This could be in the form of short walks and outdoor playtime.
Because pus and Frenchies are brachycephalic dogs, they are prone to breathing problems due to their flat facial structures. Their exercises should thus be restricted to early mornings or late evenings when it’s cooler. You should also ensure these dogs remain cool and well-hydrated throughout the day. High-intensity or strenuous activities are a no-no for both dogs.
Breeding & Pricing
French Bulldogs are more expensive than Pugs. This is because they are difficult to breed due to their physiology. Frenchies have small hips that make them incapable of giving birth naturally. They thus need artificial insemination and cesarean section to produce.
While Frenchies cost between $1500-$8000, Pugs cost between $1,000-$6,000 to acquire. Ensure you purchase one from a reputable breeder to get a healthy pup.
French Bulldog vs. Pug: Health Issues
French Bulldogs and pugs are more prone to health issues than other breeds. Both dogs are especially at risk of brachycephalic airway syndrome due to their flat faces and short muzzles. This makes them unable to regulate their body temperature resulting in breathing issues. Both dogs are prone to eye problems, but this is more severe for pugs. Due to their facial wrinkles and folds, pugs and Frenchies will likely suffer from skin fold dermatitis, otherwise called intertrigo.
Pugs are prone to pug dog encephalitis, legg-calve-perthes, luxating patella, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, and skin allergies.
Frenchies can have health conditions like spine and back issues such as intervertebral disc disease and congenital hemivertebrae, knee and elbow luxation, and ear problems.
French Bulldog vs. Pug: Shedding
Both pugs have short coats which don’t require a lot of grooming. Both are considered low-maintenance dogs in terms of grooming needs. However, pugs have a double coat and thus shed more than Frenchies. They thus require more frequent brushing to keep their coats in order.
French Bulldogs, in comparison, have a single coat and shed less than pugs. Weekly brushing is enough to keep their coat healthy and prevent matting.
Lifespan
While the lifespan of a dog depends on factors like diet, lifestyle, and overall health, Pugs have a longer life expectancy than Frenchies. Frenchies are expected to live between 10-12 years, while pugs have an expected lifespan of 12-14 years.
What Is a Frug?
A Frug is a crossbreed of the French Bulldog and a pug. Frugs are ideal for choosing between a Frenchie or a pug. This dog brings a charming and endearing personality from a blend of the two breeds. Frugs are highly loving and affectionate and make excellent companions.
Just like their parents, frugs can be a bit stubborn, which makes training a bit challenging. However, these dogs can learn well with consistency and proper training techniques. Due to their stubbornness, Frugs may not be ideal for first-time owners.
Are French Bulldog and pug related?
No, Frenchies and Pugs are not related. While these dogs look like due to their small build, flat faces, and wrinkles, Frenchies and Pugs are not genetically connected.
Are pug and bulldog the same?
No, Pugs and Bulldogs are not the same. Although they have some similarities, pugs and Frenchies are distinct breeds with different attributes and origins.
How long do pugs live?
Although pugs are prone to several health problems, they have a fairly long lifespan. Pugs have an expected lifespan of between 12-14 years.
Are pugs a bully breed?
Yes, pugs are considered a bully breed as they share characteristics such as affection, loyalty, protectiveness, and loving demeanors, which are common traits in bully breeds.
What two dogs make a bully?
Bully dogs are descendants of crosses between ancient bulldogs and various English Terriers.
Do Pugs bark a lot?
Yes, Pugs bark a lot. This is because this is their way of communication. Additionally, their protective instincts contribute to their barking tendencies.
What is the behavior of a Pug?
Pugs are loving, friendly, and affectionate. They have moderate energy levels and thus love to play. Due to their clingy nature, Pugs are prone to separation anxiety which can lead to destructive behavior. These dogs are also stubborn, which can make training a bit challenging.
What two breeds make up a French Bulldog?
French Bulldogs results from crossbreeding of English Bulldogs and local Parisian ratter dogs.
What dogs are Frenchies related to?
Frenchies are related to English Bulldogs and Parisian ratter dogs.
Which is better, pug or bulldog?
Both Pugs and Frenchies make good family dogs as they are affectionate, loving, and friendly. The choice between the two will depend on individual preference. Frenchies are ideal if you want a more laid-back companion, while a pug is better if you want a more active dog.
Summary: Pros and Cons
The following are the pros and cons of Frenchies, pugs, and Frugs.
Frenchie
Pros
- They are playful
- Frenchies are compact and don’t need a lot of space
- They have low barking tendencies
- They are adaptable.
Cons
- They are prone to several genetic health conditions
- They are expensive
- They drool a lot
Pug
Pros
- They are loyal and affectionate
- They are good with children
- They are small and low-maintenance dogs.
- They relate well with other dogs
Cons
- They are prone to obesity
- They suffer from separation anxiety
- They shed more
Frug
Pros
- Frugs are fun and friendly
- They are energetic and active
- They are highly adaptable
- They are good with children
Cons
- They are stubborn and difficult to train
- They are prone to a range of health issues
- They have breathing difficulties
Which Is Better, a Pug, a Frug, or a French Bulldog?
Pugs, Frugs, and Frenchies are all good companion dogs. In addition to their charming and stunning looks, these three breeds boast a pleasant and endearing personality that makes them irresistible to many people. They are loving, affectionate, and incredibly loyal dogs that make excellent family pets.
Despite all these shared traits, pugs, Frenchies, and Frugs are different, each with pros and cons. The choice between them will depend on personal preferences. A French Bulldog is an excellent choice for a more relaxed and laid-back dog, while a pug is great if you need an energetic and active dog. Frugs are great for experienced dogs.
No matter the dog you choose, you will surely enjoy living with any of these dogs.