Pug-Like Dogs | The Smart Dog Guide

The Pug is known for its flat and wrinkly face and small size. However, for those who like the appearance of the breed but prefer something a little bit different, there are a few other options. So here are some other Pug-like dogs that may be more your style.

French Bulldog

For those who like the look of the Pug, the French Bulldog is often a natural choice. While it typically weighs a little bit more, the French Bulldog also has a wrinkled face and a body that is short and stout.

It’s actually strongly believed that during the breed’s development, the Pug was used to help make the breed smaller in size. However, while it may look similar in most other ways, one trait that stands out amongst other pug-like dog breeds is its large, upright, and bat-like ears.

Bulldog

This breed is also sometimes called the English Bulldog to help distinguish it from its cousins the French and the American Bulldog. It’s one of the most famous of all breeds and well-known for its wrinkles and short muzzle. These features make it look quite Pug-like however on a larger, heavier, and wider scale.

Because of their large head size Bulldogs often need to be delivered via C-section which does tend to make puppies more expensive to purchase than other breeds. Like the Pug it both snores and tends to put on weight quickly when it doesn’t get enough daily exercise.

Boston Terrier

Despite its terrier status, the Boston terrier is another breed that has a similar face and muzzle to the Pug; however, they’re a bit less wrinkled. And while comparable in size, the Boston terrier has a leaner and more athletic build. This American dog has upright ears and is usually black and white in color.

These distinct contrasting colors along with its markings make it seem as if the dog is wearing a tuxedo. Because it sheds minimally, it’s ideal for someone who wants a dog breed that looks like a pug but that’s also hypoallergenic.

Puggle

The Puggle is not a purebred dog. Instead, it’s a crossbreed created by mixing a Pug and Beagle. This gives it the characteristics of both of these popular small dog breeds. It’s taller and heavier than a Pug, (yet still compact) and normally is solid fawn, tan, or black in color.

The face of a Puggle does have a very Pug-like look however because of the Beagle influence the snout is typically a bit longer. This can often help with Pug-related health issues such as respiratory problems. The Puggle is a companion dog with fairly low exercise needs but does tend to bark.

Pekingese

Similar to the Pug, the Pekingese is one of the Chinese dog breeds. In fact, it’s also considered an ancient breed as well. In the past, they functioned as lapdogs for Chinese royalty. These small Pug-like dogs have flat faces, short noses, and large round eyes. And some, but not all, have a black mask similar to that of a Pug as well. However this a long-haired breed with a luxurious coat that will need daily grooming.

Brussels Griffon

Like a few other Pug-like breeds listed here, the Brussels Griffon was actually developed by crossing the Pug along with a handful of other breeds. This is of course, why it looks so similar, especially in the face.

The Yorkshire Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, and Affenpinscher were also used. And these helped to give the Brussels Griffon its tiny size, mustache, beard, and also its long coat. This little canine is known as a companion breed.

Each of these Pug-like dogs has its own unique characteristics. And these make can help you to choose which breed works best for your preferences and lifestyle, while still having that adorable Pug-like look.

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The Top Pug-Like Dogs