Boston Terrier vs Pug—both flat-faced and bulky-bodied breeds may seem like brothers along with their other lookalike, the French Bulldog.
But taking a closer inspection between these 2 breeds will reveal how special and distinct they are in their own way.
Boston Terrier vs Pug: Which Dog Breed was Developed First?
The Pug came first before the Boston Terrier. He is one of the most ancient breeds whose origins date back before 400 BC. On the other hand, the Boston Terrier was created thousands of years later, in 1870.
Boston Terriers were originally bred for dog fighting. Cross-breeding English Bulldogs with White English Terriers created the breed. Early Boston Terriers were aggressive due to their harsh living conditions as dogfighters.
Fortunately, the blood sport was eventually banned. Breeders then painstakingly improved the Boston Terrier’s temperament through breeding programmes.
Today, the breed is a sweet and gentle-natured dog earning him the title of the American Gentleman.
The Pug fared better than the Boston Terrier when it comes to history. He was a Chinese lapdog that was highly prized by royalty, including the Chinese emperor himself.
The Pug toy breed became widespread outside China after he sailed together with merchants.
Pugs became a favourite of English nobles, too, including William III and his wife Mary II and Queen Victoria.
Boston Terrier vs Pug: Which Breed Is Bigger?
Both breeds are small dogs, but Boston Terriers are slightly larger compared to Pugs. The Boston Terrier measures around 30–38 centimetres (12 to 15 inches) in height and weighing anywhere from 4–11 kilos (10 to 25 pounds).
The Pug has a more compact and stockier body than the Boston Terrier. He can grow approximately 25–27 centimetres (10 to 11 inches) tall and weigh about 6–8 kilos (14 to 18 pounds).
Boston Terrier vs Pug: Which of the Two Is More Active?
Both breeds are energetic and love to play. However, the Boston Terrier has higher energy levels than the Pug. Although these 2 dogs need at least 30–40 minutes of exercise, you will find that the Boston Terrier will need more playtime.
Boston Terriers and Pugs commonly suffer breathing difficulties since both of them are brachycephalic breeds.
These short-nosed breeds do not tolerate extreme weather and excessive exercise. Therefore, their exercise activities should not be strenuous, and exposure to hot weather must be avoided as much as possible.
Both breeds will enjoy simple short walks and jogs around the neighbourhood. Off-lead Playtime in the back garden is also a good idea.
If the weather is exceedingly hot, opt for indoor exercises to prevent the risk of overheating.
Boston Terrier vs Pug: Are They Good Apartment Pets?
The Boston Terrier and the Pug are both suitable for apartment living. Although the 2 breeds are playful dogs, they are rather sedentary and prefer to stay indoors.
Boston Terriers and Pugs also have compact bodies that allow them to move around in small apartments with ease. For these reasons, they are popular choices as companion dogs for city dwellers.
If you have a small flat, it would be better to stick with a Pug. But if your apartment is of modest size, a Boston Terrier is also a good pick.
Boston Terrier vs Pug: Are They Suitable for Families?
The Boston Terrier and the Pug make great family pets. They have immense love for their human companions and spend much of their time staying close with them.
The 2 breeds share a wonderful sense of humor, which drives away the stress and worries of their loved ones.
Both breeds of dogs are deeply attached to their owners and are prone to separation anxiety. They are family dogs best suited for households that can give them enough time and attention every day.
Boston Terriers and Pugs do not enjoy being left alone for too long. They will become despondent and frustrated if their owners fail to interact with them sufficiently. And this can lead to destructive behaviours such as incessant chewing and barking.
If you spend most of your time away from home, try looking for other dog breeds choices that would suit you.
Both breeds are also great playmates for children. Whilst the Boston Terrier is fit for children of all ages because he is relatively larger, the Pug is better off with families who have older children.
Small children do not have a clear grasp on how to handle pets gently. Since Pugs are quite small dogs, the roughhousing of young children can easily injure them.
You may also like: 9 Best Small Dogs for Kids
Boston Terrier vs Pug: Which Dog Breed is Easy to Train?
Training Boston Terriers is easier to do than Pugs. They are more mild-mannered and have lesser bouts of stubbornness.
In comparison, training Pugs can be quite a challenge as these small dogs are infamous for being very obstinate.
Dog owners of the Pug breed must exercise patience and avoid using punishments as corrective methods. The same goes for owners of the Boston Terrier.
Always focus on making your training sessions with your dog a fun and exciting one by using positive reinforcement methods.
Both breeds are food-driven and love to be acknowledged by their owners. Every time your dog follows your command flawlessly, graciously reward him with praises.
If you opt to give him treats, do so moderately since the Boston Terrier and the Pug can quickly gain weight and become obese.
You may also like: Easy Homemade Dog Treats That Your Dog Will Love
Boston Terrier vs Pug: Which Breed Sheds More?
The Boston Terrier is a single-coated breed, whilst the Pug is a double-coated dog. Therefore, the Pug sheds a lot more.
If you are not keen on vacuuming your home constantly because of dog hair, pick the Boston Terrier.
Grooming both breeds is easy since they sport fine, short coats. Boston Terriers need brushing once a week. On the other hand, Pugs should be brushed 2–3 times a week. Or if possible, do it daily to control their shedding.
Other grooming needs that should be addressed are weekly ear cleaning and nail trimming.
The Boston Terrier and the Pug are brachycephalic breeds, making them highly prone to periodontal diseases because of their smushed, flat faces. Thus, both dogs’ teeth must be brushed daily or every other day.
Cleaning their facial wrinkles every day should not be forgotten. Accumulation of dirt and bacteria within the skin folds can lead to severe skin infections.
Use a damp cloth or a cotton ball to wipe them clean. Completely dry off these areas afterwards as leaving them moist heightens the risk of skin infections.
Boston Terrier vs Pug: Are Both Breeds Healthy?
The Boston Terrier and the Pug are not the healthiest breeds of dogs because of their brachycephaly. Both of them are highly prone to suffering from the brachycephalic syndrome.
It is a combination of facial deformities such as overly short snouts and elongated soft palates, which cause breathing problems and heat and exercise intolerance.
Aside from brachycephalic syndrome, the 2 breeds also have their fair share of other health problems.
Many Boston Terriers are afflicted with patella luxation, hip dysplasia, hemivertebrae, dry eye, cataracts, and glaucoma.
Pugs’ common health issues are Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, lip-fold pyoderma, Pug dog Encephalitis, arthritis, progressive retinal atrophy, and cherry eye.
The Pug breed has more serious health problems than the Boston Terrier, but he has a longer lifespan and can live around 12 to 15 years. The Boston Terrier, on the other hand, has a life expectancy of 10 to 14 years.
Potential dog owners should seriously consider the health aspects of both breeds. Before you take one of these dogs home, make sure that you are fully committed and financially able to take care of your dog’s future medical needs.
Boston Terrier vs Pug: The Final Deliberation
Which of the 2 breeds is the perfect companion dog for you: the Pug or Boston Terrier? The answer to this question is subjective as it depends on what you are looking for in a canine friend.
In general, Boston Terriers are great pets for dog owners who want a more active dog that also loves to be a couch potato.
The Boston Terrier is slightly larger than the Pug, so make sure that your home is spacious enough for him.
Pugs match well with dog owners who are looking for a sedentary four-legged friend. However, getting this breed should be thought through as he sheds moderately and is prone to health problems compared to the Boston Terrier.
