Pug and French Bulldog: whom to choose?

Pug and French Bulldog are similar dogs that are often confused. Most people do not know which breed is best for them, they are lost in the choice. To decide, you need to study the characteristics of character and care for each of the dogs.

Some people believe that the pug and the French bulldog are dogs with the same origin and have a lot of similarities. Some may even confuse animals, especially if they have the same color. Despite their similarity, they are different animals and each story has its own characteristics.

For the first time about this breed was mentioned in ancient China. Records about pets were found in manuscripts of the XIII – XIV centuries. They were described as square doggies with a short muzzle. In those days, the nobles lived long-haired and short-haired animals. The latter type was very popular and from it came the currently known pug. They were loved for the folds on their foreheads that looked like hieroglyphs. And also a pug was called a dog, on whose head there is an imperial sign. Only a rich man could afford such a dog.

In the XV century, the animals came to France, where the breed began to gain rapid popularity, they became known throughout Europe. The rulers of different states started pugs for themselves, and even in Russia, the Princes Golitsyns lived such a breed.

The French Bulldog is descended from the English Bulldog, which was used as a fighter in the bullring. French is a miniature copy of English, before they were also used for fighting. But the battles were banned, so the breed turned into a Pied Piper. Although the name of the dogs is French, it appeared in England, where, from time to time, they came with emigrants to France. Dogs quickly gained popularity, only very wealthy people could buy them.

Animal registration took place in France, where it got its name. Dogs were brought to Russia in the 19th century and presented at an exhibition in St. Petersburg. From the words of journalists, it became known that in those days the breed instantly gained popularity, its representatives lived with many famous people: Mayakovsky, Kustodiyev, Shalyapin.

Since the French Bulldog pug is similar in appearance, many people cannot decide which breed to buy. Despite the fact that at first glance an inexperienced person can confuse two dogs, there are a lot of differences between them.

Pugs have a large, square head. The head of a bitch is smaller than that of a dog. The upper part of the skull (if you look at it from above) should be flat between the ears. With a side view, the forehead is flat. If the dog has a rounded shape - this is the reason for disqualification. On the forehead should be noticeable folds with sufficient depth. The lower jaw has a sufficient width with a prominent chin.

The jaw is powerful and heavy.In front it is flattened, due to which the dog seems harsh. The folds in the jaw are also present and the most distinct serves as a division of the superciliary arch. This fold should not cross over the forehead. The muzzle is short, its length is half the width of the forehead. There are folds all over the face. A narrow or weak jaw is considered a vice.

The French have symmetry in the folds on the face. The muzzle must be turned up, wide and short. The muzzle of a real French bulldog is 1/6 of its length.

The pug eyes are dark and round, large in size. Looking at them you might think that the animal is sad. They have a bright shine. Dull eyes symbolize the presence of a disease. Obtude - this is a serious defect, as the slanting with the appearance of a protein.

Bulldog eyes are also round, large and have a dark brown color. Eyes low and wide. The look is always endowed with liveliness and good nature. Dark eyelids is a must.

A pug has two types of ears: roses and buttons. In the first case, the hall is located in the middle, the ears themselves are laid back. In the second case, the auricle is completely hidden. In two versions, the ears differ in small size, they should be tightly pressed to the head. In the French Bulldog, the ears are medium sized and always pointing forward. High landing with a distant location from each other is imperative. The shape is triangular with a wide base, the tip is rounded.

The pug's neck is strong, long, with a neck behind the back of the skull. Bulldogs, on the contrary, have a short neck with strong muscles. The dog should not be located under the throat ligaments.

For the pug is characterized by a powerful and dense little body. The upper part is flat, the back should be flat, the breast is wide. The bulldog has strong bones, the body itself looks compact and neat. The back also has muscles and a sufficient width. The upper torso is curved and rises smoothly to the waist, after which it sharply decreases towards the tail. The stomach with groin area is tucked up, the sides are rounded.

The limbs of the pug are not very short, straight, have muscles and are parallel. On the paws there are soft and thick pads with split fingers. The limbs of the French are short and strong. The fingers should be closed with small legs, which are slightly turned outwards. The hind limbs are longer. Hips strong, endowed with muscles.

The pug's tail is in a tight curl. Two turns is a valuable attribute that says that the dog is purebred. Landing should be high and lay to the side with the pressure against the thigh. The bulldog has a short tail, which is wide at the base and begins to taper towards the end, the landing is low. From birth, he can be knobby or broken, which means that the dog is purebred. The tail of some individuals is wrapped in a ring, but such a sign is not a mandatory one.

The pug is characterized by a short fur, which fits snugly to the body. To the touch it is soft, externally brilliant. The bulldog, on the other hand, has a short and thick coat that does not have a pronounced undercoat. Unlike the pug, the Frenchman does not shed so much and does not smell of dog.

The pug is allowed several colors: silver, yellow and pale yellow and black. French bulldogs can be white, white with spots, white-tiger, white-fawn, and tiger, fawn is allowed. With any color is a prerequisite is the presence of black eyelids.

The pug bitch reaches 8 kilograms with a height of 25–30 cm. A male can grow up to 30–35 cm with a weight category of 6–10 kg. The bitches of the French bulldog weigh 9–12 kilograms with a height of 28–35 cm. For a dog, we can say a height of 30–38 cm with a weight category of 10–15 kg.

The nature of the pug and the French Bulldog is very different. The first breed is distinguished by agility, loyal attitude to man and other pets. They get along well with children and will be a good friend even for a cat. The pug is a sensitive and gentle animal, which is characterized by obedience, love for caress and need for attention from the owner. These dogs are very well trained and quickly learn new commands.

The owner can teach his pet basic commands, but the breed will not work. By its nature, a pug will be docile, not prone to display aggression. Pet will quickly adapt to the new conditions. He is always well where his owner is. Dogs do not need long walks and will gladly spend with the owner the evening in home comfort.

The French Bulldog can not boast the pug appeasability, as they are stubborn and independent. For a Frenchman, the normal situation is when he ignores the commands of his master. However, they are also affectionate and faithful, get along well with children and other households. A bulldog is able to stand up for his master if he is in danger. He can even fight with another dog. Breed differs vigor and mobility. During the walk, you should watch your pet, as he can chase a cat or just rush off to explore new neighborhoods.

And also the dogs of this breed do not show aggression, although they are wary of strangers. However, the household he loves very much. Bulldog is easy to train and you can run with him, participate in agility. The difference in character suggests that the pug is suitable for a person who is accustomed to a quiet pastime. With him you can leisurely walk, take with him to the country or barbecue. The French will feel good next to active people who like to train.

Puppies of two breeds look charming and will not leave anyone indifferent. But you need to understand that dogs are not suitable for everyone, you should take into account the characteristics of each animal. Both the pug and the French bulldog are decorative dogs. Pug will not be active and participate in active games. They belong to the category of calm and balanced dogs. Much of their lives they are on the couch, watching from the sidelines. These are dogs for people who like to spend most of their time at home and receive guests.

Pug better than a bulldog gives in to training and with pleasure masters basic commands. For a person who is rarely at home, but dreams of a dog, it is better to pay attention to the pug. However, we must not forget that the dog is also a living being, which needs attention and communication. If he stays alone for a long time, he will be sad and may become depressed.

The French Bulldog is a kind and cheerful dog, but it is also not suitable because it wants to get an energetic companion for sports. They have weak joints that are not aimed at active loads. Since the respiratory system is also imperfect, protracted runs are not for them. Both representatives of the breeds can boast a long lifespan, which is about 12 years.

Since both dogs are brachycephalic (animals that have a short muzzle), therefore they often have problems with the respiratory system. Both breeds hardly cope with hot or very cold weather and often get sick with colds.

When choosing, you must take into account the propensity to disease.Large eyes are often injured, and owners may experience third-century loss, glaucoma, along with corneal injury and cataracts. Often the pug suffers from epilepsy, dermatitis and allergies. The French bulldog gets discopathy, stenosis of the nasal passage. Bitches often can not self-deliver, I have to resort to the help of a veterinarian.

In terms of care, dogs have the same needs. Be sure to remember the following rules:

• you need to monitor the nutrition of your animal; both breeds are prone to obesity, which is undesirable for them;
• when the cold season comes, you should wear your pet in warm clothes for a walk; due to the propensity for colds can not be allowed hypothermia;
• animals do not need bathing and combing;
• you can do water treatments once every three months or if the dog gets dirty, you should use special shampoos that are sold at the pet store;
• heat is the enemy of both breeds; Do not forget the dogs in the car, and in warm weather, you should walk early in the morning or in the evening.

See below for a video story of how the pug and the French bulldog are different.