Both Bulldogs and Pugs are medium-sized companion dogs that share numerous similarities. Additionally, they are both brachycephalic dogs, meaning that they both have health conditions due to their tiny and pushed-in noses. However, these dogs differ in many ways and can add immense value to your life as four-legged family members. Here’s how:
Weight and Size
An average female Bulldog weighs between 13 to 23 kilograms with a height range of 31 to 40 cmsMale Bulldogs weigh anywhere between 23 to 25 kilograms with a height range of 31 to 40 cm.
Pugs on the other hand weigh anywhere between 6.3 to 8.2 kilograms with a height range of 25 to 30 cm.
Characteristics
If you’ve ever come across tiny stout dogs with a distinctive droopy face, that’s a Bulldog! With loose facial skin and a flat pushed in nose, Bulldogs are a medium-sized breed with a muscular body. Their coats are glossy and smooth and are available in a variety of colors and patterns. Standard colors include red brindle, white, all other brindle, fawn, piebald, and solid white. These coats are usually short and thick, and the preferred color of the breed is red brindle.
See also: Best Medium-Sized Dog Breeds
You have definitely seen these tiny comical-looking dogs with wrinkled faces trotting along. Because of their fist-like faces, it is believed that their name originated from the Latin word for fist. A distinctive feature that you can remember when you compare it to a Bulldog is that Pugs have a tiny Q tail that appears smashed in. Pugs are available in four standard colors of apricot, black, fawn and silver, with glossy and short coats. White pugs are also available, but they’re extremely rare!
Temperament
One look at the grumpy Bulldog might make you believe that they are far from the cheerful dog you’re looking for. The truth is the complete opposite! Bulldogs are kind, courageous, sweet and sociable by nature. Moreover, they value company and like pugs, will try their best to please you. However, they can show stubbornness and independence, both distinctive traits. They get along with children and don’t bark as often. However, don’t be fooled, Bulldogs show aggression to intruders and other unfriendly pets.
As expected, Pugs make great companions and thrive on affection and love. Don’t be fooled by their size because their personalities are larger than their bodies. Unsurprisingly, Pugs are extremely comical and intelligent, while being loyal and docile. Because of their affectionate temperament, these adorable dogs will always be intuitive to your moods and try their best to please you. A plus point is their soft bark that hardly disturbs anyone.
Grooming
Bulldogs don’t shed as much, so you only have to brush them a few times in the week with a soft brush. In the case of heavier shedding, it is recommended you use a rubber curry brush first. Additionally, they have to be bathed regularly, depending on their lifestyle. You would also need to clean its facial wrinkles regularly to avoid infection and keep the area clean. A wet cloth can be used to clean the area around a Bulldog’s eyes from time to time. Don’t forget to clean the ears and trim their nails regularly.
Like Bulldogs, Pugs need minimal grooming and require brushing once a week. However, they shed moderately, so we recommend you do so with a medium-bristle brush. Like Bulldogs, their facial wrinkles and ears have to be cleaned frequently and nails kept short. Pugs do not need to be bathed frequently as it causes skin irritation, so every four to six weeks would suffice. However, if your Pug gets dirty or is emitting any strong odors, it’s best to give it a bath!
Monthly Maintenance
Monthly maintenance of a Pug can cost anywhere between Rs 800 for standard Pugs to Rs. 3000 for Premium Pugs. However, monthly expenses for a Bulldog, especially the French Bulldog can fall between Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 30,000.
The cost of vaccinations and vet fees for Pugs will fall anywhere between Rs 6000 to Rs 10,000 in the first year. In the subsequent years, this goes down to Rs 2000.
Diet And Nutrition
The number of times a Bulldog needs to be fed depends on the age. Bulldogs smaller than a year old can be fed anywhere between 2 to 4 times a day. However, once older than 12 months, Bulldogs should only be fed 1 to 2 times in the day. Moreover, you must ensure to never free feed, Bulldogs because it increases their chances of becoming obese. Meals can always include a primary meat like chicken, fish, beef or lamb. The meals should have healthy fats and carbohydrates. Keep away from soy, as some are prone to soy allergies. You can avoid other foods like raw or under-cooked meat, chocolates, bones, bread, and salty food among others to keep the weight at a check. Additionally, avoid indulging them in treats and only provide it when earned.
Like Bulldogs, a Pug older than 12 months should only be fed 1 to 2 times in the day. Between 8 to 12 weeks, ¼ to ½ cups of quality food has to be given at least 4 times in the day. This meal frequency decreases to 3 times a day between 3 to 6 months. Between 8 to 12 months, feed a Pug at least 2 times in the day. Since Pugs are also prone to becoming obese, it is essential that you keep them away from human food and give them no more than 200g in one day. Older Pugs have a slower metabolism, in such scenarios, substitute fat with protein rich foods like chicken. Additionally, do away with foods rich in starch like biscuits and rice.
Exercise
Based on everything you have read this far, we are certain you’ve realized that Bulldogs love lounging on the couch as opposed to long walks outdoors. These tiny dogs only require moderate amounts of exercise to keep them from becoming obese. Of course, they do enjoy occasional walks, but are prone to overheating when it’s hot or humid. Consequently, never leave Bulldogs out alone, without water or shade. Taking them for a swim in waters that are deep is also not recommended.
Given the opportunity, a Pug will happily spend much of the day snuggling on the sofa, which combined with the breed’s fondness for eating, makes obesity a real possibility. But the Pug is playful, sturdy, and lively too. You definitely can keep the breed fit with daily opportunities for moderate exercise, such as walks or play sessions in the yard. It’s vital to remember that as a short-faced breed, Pugs aren’t tolerant of hot weather, and they shouldn’t do strenuous exercise when it’s warm or humid out. Better to be in air-conditioning.
Training
Both Pugs and Bulldogs are intelligent and love to please their owners. Early socialization is recommended for both dogs to avoid behavioral problems in later years. However, Bulldogs can be extremely stubborn. Being firm and patient while training them is key. They are also notorious for chewing, which they might continue to do all their life. In such scenarios, puppy training classes will help. Similarly, Pugs are highly distracted dogs that make training difficult. Additionally, they are sensitive by nature and using harsh reprimands while training will only hurt their feelings and make them aloof. Because of their loving disposition, both Pugs and Bulldogs should be trained by using positive reinforcement and taught basic obedience commands.
Conclusion
Both Bulldogs and Pugs are extremely similar looking dogs with numerous overlapping characteristics. However, they have their unique individual differences that should not be overlooked. We recommend you understand everything you can about these tiny adorable dogs before making them a part of your family!
To know more about these two breeds, read these detailed articles on Bulldog and Pug.
Also read: Popular Bulldog Breeds
