Pug vs Bulldog: Difference and Comparison

What are the differences between pugs and bulldogs (pug vs bulldog)?

Although these two dog breeds may look similar, there are differences between the two and where they originated from. For dog lovers, both pugs and bulldogs are lovable and sociable and are the perfect family dogs.

Both pugs and bulldogs are considered playful dog breeds and are among the best pet, especially pugs due to their smaller size.

Pugs and bulldogs share a similar physical trait, with their stout bodies and wrinkled faces. Pugs are known for their round head, while bulldogs have broad squared-shaped heads, with medium-sized muscular bodies.

These are a few differences between the pugs and bulldogs. We will be discussing more differences between these two dog breeds and where they originated from.

What Is a Pug?

The pug is a dog breed that has been in existence for centuries.

It’s a breed of dog that originated in China centuries ago. The Pug has a physically distinctive feature of a wrinkly face and curly tail. They are known to have a variety of colours, especially fawn or black.

According to the American Kennel Club, pugs were the mischievous companions of Chinese emperors and later became popularized in Western as the mascot of the House of Orange of the Netherlands.

Pugs are adorable dog breeds, which are today owned by famous celebrities. The American Kennel Club describe pugs as a breed that lives to love and to be loved in return. They also describe the dog’s personality as “even-tempered and charming”.

According to the American Kennel Club, pugs come in three different colours: silver or apricot-fawn with a black mask, or all black.

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Origins of Pugs

Pugs have been a lovable and sociable dog breed for many centuries. They originated from China and were brought to Western Europe in the 16^th century.

The dog breed was popularized by the House of Orange of the Netherlands. Pugs were introduced to England by Dutch traders during the late 17^th century.

Queen Victoria during the 19^th century passed on this dog breed to other members of the Royal Family after she developed a passion for them.

The pugs are believed to be bred by the Chinese who tried to create vertical wrinkles on their foreheads. The wrinkled mark is often referred to as the “prince mark”, a mark that symbolizes the lucky Chinese character for a prince.

Physical Characteristics of Pugs

Pugs are adorable creatures with:

Small, rounded heads with wrinkles on their foreheads
Short snouts, flat and black: that why their faces look like it’s smashed
Smaller in size, weighing up to 14 to 18 pounds (6 to 8 kg)
Curly tail like a Q shaped
Black ears with a smooth velvety touch
Moles on their cheeks
Fluffy and fat

What Is a Bulldog?

According to the American Kennel Club, the bulldog is a kind but courageous dog breed. They are friendly, but dignified, with their muscular body type.

Bulldogs are medium-sized, muscular dogs that originated in England. They are also referred to as the British Bulldog or English Bulldog.

Unlike the pug, the bulldog is bigger in size, weighing up to 40 to 45 pounds (18 to 15 kg). They are known for their large heads with thick folds of skin and muscular shoulders.

Bulldogs appear strong with their powerful shoulder and muscular body. They have a short fine coat which is often coloured tan, reddish brown, white, brindle or piebald.

Origins of Bulldogs

Bulldogs are a dog breed that dates back to the 16^th century.

The very first reference to the word “Bulldog” dates back to the early 1630s. It was first mentioned in a letter written by a fellow named Preswick Eaton in 1631 or 1632.

During the 17^th century, bulldogs were used in a sport called bull-baiting. Bulldogs are courageous, powerful, and often vicious all thanks to their muscular body and powerful strength.

They were used in bull-baiting until 1835 when dogfighting became illegal in England. Bulldogs were considered to have outlived their usefulness as a sporting animals in England.

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Physical Characteristics of Bulldogs

Bulldogs are dog breeds with a;

Dense wrinkles on their foreheads and cheeks
They are medium-sized dogs with a muscular appearance
Have a droopy upper lip with an undershot lower lip
Massive and strong jaws

Pug vs Bulldog: Comparison Chart

Here are the key differences between pugs and bulldogs.

Characteristics	Pugs	Bulldogs
Size	Small	Comparatively large
Height	10 to 13 inches (25.5 to 33 cm)	13 to 15 inches (33 to 38 cm)
Weight	14 to 18 pounds (6 to 8 kg)	40 to 50 pounds (18 to 23 kg)
Origin	Originated from China	Originated from the British Isles, England
Eyes	Round large eyes	Pugs are considered to be very friendly and are good companions in the family
Coat colours	Fawn, apricot, white or black	White, red, brindle, piebald or fawn
Behavioural character	Pugs are considered to be very friendly and are good companions of the family	Bulldogs are friendly but sometimes can be aggressive
Life expectancy	13 to 15 years on average	10 to 12 years on average
Shredding level	Above average	Average
Drooling tendency	Low drooling tendency	Big drool
Biting potential	Pugs have a low possibility of biting others	Bulldogs can bite occasionally
Litter size	2 to 4 puppies	4 to 5 puppies
Gestation level	58-68 days	60 to 64 days
Intelligent rank	Below average (108^th/138^th)	Low (109^th/138^th)

Pug vs Bulldog: Exercise

Pugs

According to the American Kennel Club, pugs will happily spend more time each day snuggling on the sofa. This dog breed enjoys eating and they are likely to become obese.

Pugs are an adorable and playful dog breed. It’s important for owners of this dog breed to keep them fit by taking them on a daily work walk or play session.

Keep in mind that pugs are not tolerant of hot weather, and they should not engage in any strenuous exercise in such weather.

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Health

Pugs are known for their dark large eyes. However, their distinctive dark eyes are one of their vulnerable spots.

Pug’s health issues include eye problems like dry eye and corneal ulcers. They also experience breathing problems and are not fond of hot, humid, or sunny weather.

Bulldogs

Bulldogs are sociable and lovable dog breeds that enjoy relaxing close to their owner’s feet. They also love to be taken for walks and enjoy occasional romps.

For owners of bulldogs, moderate exercise will help the dog to remain trim. Bulldogs love to spend more time in front of an air conditioner on any warm day.

They are not fond of warm weather, as breathing becomes difficult in heat and humidity.

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Health

Owners of this dog breed should ensure it does not become overheated. Bulldogs don’t do well in hot weather and they should not be left in the hot sun without shade or access to water.

Avoid leaving a bulldog in an enclosed car. A bulldog’s tongue will hang out unusually when they are breathing too hard or overexcited. Applying cold water and providing ice will help to cool the dog.

Conclusion

Pugs and Bulldogs are adorable, lovable, and sociable dog breeds with similar appearance. But there are several key differences between these two dog breeds.

Pugs originated from China, while Bulldogs originated from England and both have been loved by millions of people. They both have their health concerns, and exercises to help them stay healthy.

We hope this article on pug vs bulldog was helpful.

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References

Biodifferences: Difference Between Pug and Bulldog
Pediaa: Difference Between Pug and Bulldog
Petkeen: Pug vs Bulldog: Differences Explained (With Pictures)
AmericanKennelClub: Pug
AmericanKennelClub: Bulldog
Britannica: Bulldog
Britannica: Pug

Pug vs Bulldog: Difference and Comparison