Pugs have become one of the most beloved dogs in the world. Their cute squished faces and lopsided grins melt our hearts when we see these dogs.
While Pugs are unique in their appearance, there are some dogs that look similar to them. We will explore these dog breeds and help you understand how they compare to adorable Pugs.
Key takeaways
Here is a list of dogs that are similar to pugs.
- French Bulldog
- Boston Terriers
- Small Brabants
- Miniature Shar-Pei
- English Bulldogs
- Pekingnese
- Tibetan Spaniel
- Japanese Chin
- Pomeranians
- Affenpinscher
French Bulldogs
When examining dogs that look like Pugs, French Bulldogs win the top prize. French Bulldogs have the same overall shape as Pugs, and they also have a similar face with cute skin folds that almost mimic the Pug’s face.
French Bulldogs are also similar in weight but can weigh up to 28 pounds, while Pugs usually weigh up to 18 pounds. These dogs are also close in height to Pugs. Pugs get as tall as 14 inches, and French Bulldogs grow up to 12 inches.
Boston Terriers
Boston Terriers are practically identical to Pugs in their weight and height. These dogs weigh up to 25 pounds, while Pugs weigh up to 18 pounds. Pugs grow to 14 inches tall, and Boston Terriers grow to 15 inches.
Boston Terriers also remind us of us Pugs because of their big, inquisitive eyes.
These dogs are also stubby-nosed, just like Pugs.
One major difference between Boston Terriers and Pugs is that Boston Terriers are much livelier. Pugs do not like a lot of exercise, but Boston Terriers are ready to play at all times.
Small Brabant
If you love Pugs because of their cute little faces, you will adore Small Brabants. While these dogs are rarer than Pugs, their little upturned faces will draw you in right away.
Though these dogs have similar faces to Pugs, they are smaller. Small Brabants can be up to six inches shorter than Pugs and about 7 pounds lighter.
You will also find the Small Brabant has a similar tail to Pugs. Pugs have an adorably curled tail, and the tail of the Small Brabant is the same quirky shape.
One main difference between the Pug and Small Brabant is their personalities. Pugs are more laid-back, while the Small Brabant has a stronger will and requires more training.
Miniature Shar-Pei
What is it about wrinkled, squish-faced dogs that we love so much? The Miniature Shar-Pei is similar to the Pug because it has adorable skin folds that mimic a Pug’s face.
If you love Pugs, you are going to find Miniature Shar-Peis to be appealing because these dogs are even more wrinkly than Pugs in the face.
Best of all, the wrinkles do not stop at the dog’s face. You will find Shar-Peis are wrinkled all over their bodies, from head to tail.
Miniature Shar-Peis also differ from Pugs slightly because they are not as short and chubby, but they can weigh up to 12 pounds more than Pugs.
English Bulldogs
Although English Bulldogs are heftier than Pugs, that wrinkled face is there, making us love these dogs almost as much as Pugs.
English Bulldogs are a bit stubborn, with Pugs being the more tolerant of the two breeds. English Bulldogs can grow up to 10 inches taller than Pugs and weigh over twice as much.
If you are more concerned with the dog’s appearance being the same as a Pug and are not overly worried about the size differences, check out the English Bulldog as a nice alternative to the Pug.
Pekingese
Are you interested in learning about another squishy-faced dog? The Pekingese has that sweet little face with a blunt nose. Some Pekingnese dogs have a more wrinkled face than others.
These sweet dogs are a little smaller than the average Pug, but not by much.
You can expect Pekingnese dogs to be about 5-6 inches shorter, though their weights are comparable.
Many people are surprised to learn that Pekingnese dogs and Pugs are both originally from China.
Tibetan Spaniel
If you have ever seen a Tibetan Spaniel, you would think they are cousins to the beloved Pug. These dogs have the same diminutive features, but they have longer hair than Pugs.
Tibetan Spaniels are practically the same weight as Pugs, but they are slightly shorter, by about four inches. Tibetan Spaniels also have the same temperament as Pugs, making them a perfect pair.
Japanese Chins
When considering dogs similar to Pugs, the Japanese Chin deserves an honorable mention. This is another dog that is almost identical in height and weight as the Pug.
The head structure of the Japanese Chin is very close to the Pug.
You will also find the Japanese Chin’s eyes are strikingly familiar.
Both of these dogs also have calm temperaments and love family. The Japanese Chin and the Pug are lap dogs that love attention.
Pomeranians
Pomeranians are little balls of fur. Although these dogs are much furrier than Pugs, they have similar facial features.
Pomeranians are just about the same height as Pugs, but they weigh about 11 pounds less. These dogs are just as loveable as Pugs, but they are more energetic.
Affenpinschers
The Affenpinscher is one of those dog breeds most people do not recognize by name alone, but their cute, drawn faces are distinguishable.
Many people who love Pugs also enjoy these little dogs because of their similar facial structure.
The Affenpinscher is around the same height and weight as the Pug. The main difference between the Affenpinscher and Pug is that the Affenpinscher is much more energetic than the Pug, which can be quite lazy.
So Many Breeds to Choose From!
While no dog can beat the Pug when it comes to zany cuteness and personality, the above breeds come close. No matter which dog you select, adopt from a reputable breeder who can show you the lineage and health reports of the parents.