Character
The similarity of the characters of both breeds is expressed in clumsiness and laziness. They are equally friendly and selflessly devoted to their owner. They get along well with small children and get along with pets.
The differences in the pug's character are stubbornness and vindictiveness. He expresses his emotions by indignant sniffling and snorting. The French Bulldog will silently endure dissatisfaction, occasionally using its voice. If there are very young children in the family, it is better to wait to purchase a pet until they are older.
Pugs are more cowardly and phlegmatic. They are unlikely to get into a fight with other dogs. And the bulldog, without much hesitation, will rush to protect the owner if he senses danger.
Briefly about pugs
The pug is from 25 to 33 centimeters tall, weighing from 6 to 8 kilograms. Despite their miniature size, they have a strong, stocky build.
A large square head, a wrinkled muzzle, large expressive eyes and button ears are the main features of the dog’s appearance. Color, like the French bulldog, can vary from fawn, silver-gray to black.
When looking at a pug, it seems that this dog is slow, loves to lie around, be lazy and sleep. In fact, this is not so - pugs are active, have a cheerful, playful disposition and are never averse to moving around and playing.
In addition, the dog is quite balanced, easy to train, and once accustomed to its owners, it will be the most affectionate, devoted and loving life partner.
Pugs love children and get along well with other animals—they may even become friends with your cat! They are also distinguished by their intelligence and intelligence, and will always come to the aid of their owners - they will react to noise and warn of danger.
Care and maintenance
Who is easier to keep - a pug or a French bulldog? Hair care for pugs and bulldogs is without any special features. It is enough to wipe the wool with a damp cloth once a week. You can bathe once a month. If the street is slushy and dirty, then the paws and belly are washed immediately upon arrival home, wiped thoroughly, and the animal is protected from drafts until it is completely dry. During shedding, you will need more frequent brushing with a soft brush or a special fleecy glove for grooming.
Skin care for representatives of both breeds involves daily inspection for inflammation. Particular attention is paid to areas on the fingertips and folds on the muzzle.
The French bulldog, compared to the pug, does not have a specific dog smell.
Who is better?
Having studied all the details and features of each breed, we can come to the following conclusion.
If you are a person leading an active lifestyle, with ever-inextinguishable energy and looking for a companion in all your activities, if you have the time and desire to constantly play and train your pet, the best option for you will, of course, be a pug.
This baby is very sociable, playful, and he will not mind going on a trip with you - he will not cause any trouble along the way.
On the contrary, if you are not a supporter of an active lifestyle and are not ready to constantly spend time playing, walking and training your puppy, the French Bulldog is an excellent alternative. His funny appearance and cheerful but balanced disposition will charm you completely.
Education and training
Comparison of such character traits as ability to train and difficulty in upbringing will help a doubting person make a choice.
Pugs are ready to learn new commands no more than 15 minutes a day. Then interest in knowledge is lost, the dog needs to be distracted by more pleasant activities: lie down or take a nap.
The French Bulldog can be trained even when it is quite old. Playful learning will not keep you waiting for results.
Main differences between breeds
A person who does not understand dog breeds easily can confuse a bulldog with a pug. They are really similar, but if you look closely, you can find many differences in:
- the size of the animals, since bulldogs are much larger than pugs in both height and weight;
- the shape of the head, muzzle and nose;
- body structure;
- coat type and color;
- paw shape;
- position and length of the tail.
The differences between the French pug and the bulldog are expressed not only in external features, but also in their character and habits. Pugs move with a kind of “rolling” step, due to the strong push of their hind legs. Therefore, this type of dog is not known for running fast. The movements of bulldogs are more confident, fast and smooth.
Health
Dogs of both breeds are susceptible to various diseases that are characteristic of artificially bred breeds. Before getting a French bulldog or pug, it is better to think several times about your ability to devote enough time and incur material costs to go to the veterinarian.
The main problem of pugs is excess weight and the ailments that accompany it. Skin inflammation, allergic reactions, conjunctivitis are the result of an incorrectly selected diet.
Due to the structure of the skull (small size of the nasal passages), they are susceptible to breathing problems. Pugs have a hard time with temperature changes; they suffer from excessive heat and cold.
Eye diseases are a common companion of this breed. Loss of the eyeball as a result of injury occurs in almost every dog. A timely visit to a veterinary clinic will help smooth out the consequences.
French Bulldogs are also prone to being overweight. There are frequent skin diseases, which manifests itself as allergies in Frenchies. Intolerance to environmental components (dust, pollen) is usually a hereditary disease.
Hip dysplasia is a physiological disease. Associated with obesity.
Labor is difficult due to the structure of the torso; delivery occurs by caesarean section. Seek the help of qualified and experienced veterinarians.
There are breathing problems. Shortness of breath and snoring are noted, which is the norm for the French. But brachycephalic breathing, caused by the specific structure of the larynx and nostrils, is a complex disease. In this case, the dog takes every breath with great difficulty. The only solution is surgery to correct the inside of the larynx.
The pug and French bulldog are not examples of good health; the owner will have to constantly take care of the pet’s well-being.
Host reviews
Igor
“The French bulldog is a sociable dog; our Bonya cannot live without human company. This leads to several main disadvantages: the dog snores loudly and interferes with sleep. There is no way to kick him out to another room, because there is no way to sleep without the owner. The smell from it is also not the most pleasant at times (to put it mildly), if you know what I mean. There may be problems with nutrition; bulldogs are sensitive to food allergies. We changed the food 10 times until we found the right one.”
Lena “The decision to get a pug was not made spontaneously. I am very pleased with Mara, despite a number of difficulties that we encountered. Firstly, pugs are prone to overeating and I noticed this very quickly. Mara even steals from the table. This leads to problems with excess weight and illnesses, but if you watch your diet, everything will be fine. Pugs also need a lot of time outdoors. And Mara constantly hides my shoes. I think this is due to the fact that she doesn't want me to leave. Despite everything, I love this naughty girl.”
Price of puppies
These representatives of the two breeds have approximately the same price tag. In a nursery with a high long-term reputation, a puppy will cost more than from a novice breeder.
You can buy a dog for your soul, without any claims to a show future, on the market. Price 1-10 thousand rubles. Such a puppy will have signs of breed rejection, which is an obstacle to further breeding. There can be no question of pedigree in this case.
Nurseries offer for sale specimens divided into categories:
- Pet class. Puppies with slight deviations in appearance from the established standard. There is no negative impact on the quality of life. Price 15-20 thousand rubles.
- Breeding class. Dogs with the prospect of good offspring. Purchased for further breeding. They do not participate in exhibitions. Price tag 20-25 thousand rubles.
- Show class. Dogs whose future lies in participation in exhibition shows and competitions. The price of a puppy is 30-50 thousand rubles.
Main differences between breeds
General differences between dogs:
- in terms of cost, purchasing a French bulldog will require less expenses;
- Pugs are half the size of bulldogs;
- Pugs differ from French bulldogs in having a longer lifespan;
- bulldogs are more suitable for calm and homely people, and pugs are more suitable for those who lead an active lifestyle;
- Pugs tend to shed heavily, but bulldogs do not.
Below is a more detailed comparison between the Pug and the French Bulldog.
Health
Pugs often suffer from obesity, skin diseases (infections, allergies) and eye diseases (cataracts, conjunctivitis). They are allergic. Often - problems with bones.
Pugs can also have breathing problems. They do not like moisture and do not tolerate temperature changes, high temperatures, or frost. They suffer from a genetic disease - encephalitis.
Pugs live on average 10-14 years.
Bulldogs can also have problems with the respiratory system, allergies, skin infections, eye diseases like conjunctivitis and excess weight.
The French also do not tolerate heat and frost well, cannot swim, have poor bones and not very strong teeth. These babies may also have problems with mating and delivery.
Lifespan
French bulldogs range in age from 10 to 12 years.
Thus, when assessing health, both breeds are approximately equal. As you can see, both dogs have both similar problems and problems unique to one of them.
Nutrition
Your pug can eat dry food without adding water or milk, as long as you provide him with enough clean water per day (which is double the amount). Two or three times a week you can give your pug raw (not cooked!) bones.
An adult pug needs to be fed three times a day. Overfeeding your dog will directly lead to obesity, so there is no need to offer him supplements.
French bulldogs are not fussy eaters, however, their diet must be approached with the utmost seriousness due to the breed's tendency to allergies.
Dry food for Frenchies requires the best quality.
Bulldogs quite like homemade food:
- meat (the more the better);
- cereals;
- dairy products;
- vegetables;
- fish;
- fruits (in the form of treats).
These products will provide them with balanced nutrition.
An adult dog needs to be fed twice a day.
IMPORTANT!
As we mentioned above, French Bulldogs are also prone to obesity, so we do not recommend overfeeding them.
Both breeds are not too picky eaters, so providing them with proper, balanced nutrition will not be difficult.
Care
Procedures necessary for pugs
- cleaning ears and teeth;
- wiping the eyes with a damp cotton pad and skin folds with lotion (especially in hot weather);
- combing fur;
- nail trimming.
Of course, the dog needs to be walked and played with, that is, to provide the pug with sufficient physical activity.
Unlike pugs, bulldogs do not require as frequent brushing, since their fur is short and they practically do not shed. It is enough to comb the fur once a week.
Frenchies require special care for their teeth, eyes and ears (they need to be brushed twice a week). The folds on the face should be wiped with a dry cotton pad. It is advisable to trim the nails and check the paw pads for cracks.
NOTE!
French bulldogs are more suitable for keeping in an apartment, especially a small one, since they are not too active and spend most of their time calm and quiet. They are unlikely to destroy the apartment, tear things and bark incessantly. The same cannot be said about pugs, who, on the contrary, are always full of energy.
Read more about French Bulldog care here.
Both dogs love children madly and will never harm them or bite them, no matter how much they torture them. Both pugs and French bulldogs cannot be called boring; they will always find entertainment for themselves and thus will constantly put on a real show for you and your children. So, both dog breeds are great for living with children.
Whom to choose
Both breeds are representatives of decorative dog breeds. You should not expect a pug to be very active and playful. This is a balanced and calm pet. The pug spends most of his time on the couch, watching what is happening. These dogs will become companions for people who often receive guests in their home. Thanks to their balanced character, they get along well with young children. They are happy to learn standard commands and simple tricks.
French Bulldogs are less trainable than Pugs. The latter understand basic commands more easily and quickly master the general training course.
A person who is constantly away from home, but dreams of having a pet, will make the right choice in favor of a pug. Do not forget that a dog is a living creature, it requires attention, and if the owner is absent for a long time, it will become sad.
French bulldogs are good-natured, funny people. This breed should not be chosen by those who need an energetic companion. Weak joints are not adapted to active physical activity. The imperfection of the bulldog's respiratory system is not conducive to long marathons.
A little about French bulldogs
If you dream of purchasing a guard (or perhaps a fighting) dog, but your home is not large enough for this, there is an excellent option - the French bulldog .
Bulldogs have a large muzzle, erect ears, bulging eyes, a flat nose and a short but powerful build. Like large bulldogs, they are muscular, stocky and strong. He is small in height - from 25 to 38 centimeters, and weight ranges from 8 to 15 kilograms.
A dog can have a wide variety of colors - from brindle to white-fawn. The most common color in the world is cream.
This breed is distinguished by its friendly and open character - the French are friendly, energetic, loyal and, unlike their English counterparts, not at all aggressive.
NOTE!
By nature, French bulldogs are stubborn, but with due attention and regular training, they grow up to be pliable and quickly stop chewing things, taking treats from strangers, and biting.
Bulldogs are very affectionate - both to adults and to children. They really do not like loneliness and strive to be with their owner all the time.
Interesting stories
Curious case
A resident of Gomel decided to give a gift to his wife. She always dreamed of a French bulldog. One fine autumn day, a man saw a dog sitting alone on a leash near a store. Deciding that fortune was smiling on him, giving him the opportunity to acquire the treasured dog absolutely free, the Gomel resident, without thinking twice, untied the dog and disappeared with the loot.
On the same day, a report was filed at the nearest police department about a missing pug dog. The owner insisted that she only came into the store for a minute. Having gone out with shopping, the woman did not see her beloved pet. As a result of operational search work, the man was found 10 days later. He did not deny what he had done and immediately admitted to the kidnapping. Not knowing the difference between a pug and a French bulldog, the attacker made the fatal mistake of bringing the wrong breed of dog into the house. This aroused the ire of his wife, who demanded to get rid of the dog.
Pugs and Bulldogs: The Dangers of Air Travel
An interesting study was conducted by American airlines. According to statistics, over the past 10 years, 280 animals have died in flights, 80% of which are dogs. The most vulnerable were pugs and French bulldogs, dogs with flattened faces and flat noses. Since then, many airlines do not accept representatives of these breeds for carriage in the luggage compartment.
Brachycephalic dogs are sensitive to changes in the air condition in the luggage compartment and temperature changes. Have more breathing problems than other dog breeds. However, being overweight has a negative impact on your condition during the flight.
Veterinarians advise: for a favorable outcome of the flight, you need to bring the dog’s weight to normal, and also accustom it to carrying in advance. If the size of the dog allows it to be transported as hand luggage, then it is better to take the animal into the cabin.
And yet: pug or French bulldog? When assessing appearance, it is worth noting that the bulldog makes a more serious impression. And it’s not surprising, because his ancestors are fighting dogs. Pugs are so cute, just one look is worth it! The funny folded face has captivated millions of breeders.
If you compare these dogs, it becomes clear that each has its own pros and cons. But it’s not for nothing that they say that a dog is a reflection of its owner. How you treat an animal is how the owner will treat himself in the future. Patience, affection, and exactingness in upbringing will help you find a true friend in a pet of any breed.
What to do if your ears don't stand up
Dogs of the French Bulldog breed have open, vertical ears. When you look at them, you can see the resemblance to the ears of a bat. Due to the small size of the animal's head, its ears appear quite large. They have a wide base and an oval line at the end.
But, unfortunately, not all French bulldogs have ideal “flying” ears of the correct set. Basically, they get up when they are supposed to due to their genetic predisposition. That is why when choosing a puppy of this breed, experts advise first examining its parents.
It is worth noting that until the dog’s ears stand up, you cannot stroke its head. Otherwise, the ears may either not stand up at all, or stand up not vertically, but in different directions.
You shouldn’t wait six months if your French bulldog’s ears still haven’t grown at four or five months. The owner will have to make some efforts to help the pet's ears develop. First of all, you need to make changes to the dog's menu. To do this, you need to add calcium, cottage cheese, kefir and gelatin to your food.
The dosage of mineral supplements should be discussed with your local veterinarian, otherwise your pet may experience an overdose of medications. This will be bad for your French Bulldog's health.
If changes in the dog's diet do not help the process of ear formation, the owner will have to glue them back. To do this you need to prepare the following items:
- wide patch;
- medical cotton wool;
- bandage.
First of all, you need to roll two rolls of cotton wool five centimeters wide. The length of the roller should be two centimeters longer than the length of the French bulldog's ears. To strengthen the structure, each roller must be wrapped with a bandage.
Then you need to insert a roller vertically into each dog’s ear. Each ear must be carefully pulled out and the roller closed with its edges. Now you need to secure the resulting structure with a wide plaster, making sure that there are no folds on the skin.
Since the French Bulldog's ears must stand not only vertically, but also symmetrically, you will have to do something else. Two identical strips are cut from the patch, the length of which is equal to the sum of the distance between the ears and the length of the base of the two ears. One strip is glued horizontally in front of the ears, the other - behind.
The dog must carry the resulting structure for ten days. After this, the animal’s ears must be given a rest by removing the patch with vegetable oil and removing the rollers. If one time is not enough and the dog’s ears still do not stand up, the procedure must be repeated.
Pug mix - how to distinguish mestizos, with whom pugs are usually crossed
Not so long ago, the results of unplanned matings of dogs were considered a marriage. The resulting puppies were equated to mongrels. Today, crossing representatives of different breeds and obtaining mestizos has become a new direction in canine selection. The most interesting and varied results are obtained by crossbreeding pugs with other dogs. Some of them have a unique appearance, have strong immunity, others are distinguished by poor health or undesirable character traits. For this reason, crossing pugs must be done responsibly so as not to produce non-viable offspring.
Basic commands
- Aport. One of the most difficult teams. Many people perceive it as very easy and simple, but with many dogs you will have to work hard. This skill is used for other exercises: searching, searching, selecting an item and many others. Usually they are all used in service. When working out a command, “Aport” and “Give” are used, and a gesture is also used.
- Give. On the command “Give” the dog must give up the object.
- Lie. A connecting command that needs to be learned for other commands. In addition, it will not interfere at home or on the street.
- To me. You will need to use this command quite often. So start with it immediately after your French Bulldog puppy has learned his name. Never call the dog to punish, and do not scold if it comes on its own, even after mischievousness before it. This behavior on your part may alienate the animal.
- Place. A puppy or an adult dog must clearly know where his place is located. He can sleep anywhere, if you allow it, of course, but he must know this command. You can use it outside the home, marking the place with a leash or your favorite toy.
- Near. It is possible to teach your pet the “Near” command at any age, be it an adult dog or a small puppy. When you move to a new home, you should immediately think about training your puppy.
- Sit. One of the very first commands that a French bulldog puppy should learn.
- Stand. The command is useful in everyday life, for example, for combing a dog.
- Ugh. The prohibiting command is one of the most mandatory and taming it begins from the first day the puppy appears in the house. Requiring the command “Fu!”, “No!”, “No!” – immediately stop the unwanted action.
