Hi there! My name is Jess, and I have been a dog lover for my entire life. I currently reside with my Cockapoo, Jimmy, and we love to play, rest, and eat together.
Sometimes I am not able to play as often, such as when I am working or out of the house, so I have always considered getting Jimmy a furry little brother or sister to accompany him in my absence.
Two of the breeds I have considered bringing into our home are Boston Terriers and Pugs.
Each have their own unique characteristics and tendencies that make them special dogs, and great additions to a home!
Boston Terrier vs Pug: A Brief Overview
Boston Terriers and Pugs are both cute, small, companion dogs who are playful and loving.
Both are popular among families and singular dog owners, and each breed has specific traits that make them special.
In this article we’re going to take a look at similarities and differences between the two dog breeds, to help you decide which is the better suited dog for you!
What to Consider When Getting a Dog?
When pondering whether to get a dog, there are a few considerations that are vital to account for.
One of the most important considerations is the time commitment. Dogs require a certain level of attention and need to be let outside to relieve themselves at least a few times a day.
If you have a busy schedule or spend a lot of time away from home, it might not be the right time to get a dog.
Some people in these instances hire a dedicated dog walker, but the financial liability might not be reasonable for everyone.
Other considerations include added expenses, wear and tear to living space, and family members.
If you are still unsure, check out this quiz from the American Kennel Club to help you decide!
Overview of Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers, also known as “The Little American Gentlemen,” have been around as early as the 1800s, originating in Boston, Massachusetts.
Back then, they were known for holding their ground on their territory when being invaded by other breeds.
They were bred by wealthy families to create a new dog-fighting breed (Bulldog and English White Terrier mix).
They are short and muscular, usually small enough to be picked up if needed.
Boston Terriers are very popular among families and do well with children and people of all ages.
They are very intelligent, which can backfire from time to time, but they are also affectionate and loving.
Overview of Pug
Pugs originated in China back in the 1600s, and spread to Europe through traveling with Dutch traders.
It is said that Queen Victoria had a passion for pugs which extended throughout her family.
Pugs are adorable little dogs that have scrunched up faces and fun personalities.
They are known as clowns because they have senses of humor and love showing off.
Because of this, and a few other characteristics, they are very popular among dog owners.
Boston Terrier vs Pug Size: Which is bigger?
Boston Terriers are typically slightly bigger than pugs, standing as tall as 1 foot 3 inches, weighing anywhere from 10-25 pounds.
Pugs can be as tall as 1 foot, 2 inches and weigh 14-18 pounds.
If you have a smaller living space or if you are not looking for a larger dog, either breed is a great choice.
Boston Terrier vs Pug Temperament: How do They Behave?
Boston Terriers are intelligent and energetic with a gentle temperament.
They are known to be stubborn, which is good to be aware of, especially for training purposes.
Pugs were bred to act as companions, which is what they enjoy the most.
They need affection and enjoy sitting on laps, and they express unhappiness if their attention is not reciprocated.
Pugs tend to be less active and are okay living a sedentary lifestyle, but they do enjoy being playful every so often.
The Boston Terriers can also go either way, thriving in a less active household as well as a very active setting.
Boston Terrier vs Pug Life Span: What’s Their Life Expectancy
Boston Terriers have a lifespan of 13-15 years while Pugs have 12-15 years.
These ranges are standard for many dogs and both are quite comparable.
Both breeds are generally healthy, with the exception of certain conditions they are prone to.
Boston Terrier vs Pug Health: Are They Prone to Health Conditions
Speaking of conditions they could be prone to, here are a few:
Boston Terriers are known to suffer from conditions such as cataracts, heart murmurs, deafness, and brain tumors.
Pugs are known to face epilepsy, nerve degeneration, dry eye, and other various eye issues because of the way their eyes bulge.
It is important to find a reputable breeder when selecting either dog to bring into your home.
He or she will be able to provide more information about potential conditions your dog could be pre-disposed to and signs to watch out for.
Boston Terrier vs Pug Appearance: What do They Look Like?
Boston Terriers are stout and muscular, sporting a “fancier” look because their coats resemble a tuxedo.
They have pointy ears that stand up on their heads and some even have a white stripe that runs up their face in between their eyes.
Pugs have scrunched up faces, dark coloring around their eyes and snouts, and small ears that droop downward.
Their bodies continue the scrunching pattern, and they have short tails that fold up on their backs.
Both dogs are adorable and have undeniably precious “puppy faces,” which come in handy if their antics go too far.
Boston Terrier vs Pug Shedding: What Kind of Coats do They Have?
Although Pugs may be lacking muscle in comparison to Boston Terriers, they have a double-coat to help compensate!
Their coats are short and are typically black or a shade of tan.
Boston Terriers have smooth, fine coats that are typically black or a variation of the color.
They are never entirely one color, and as mentioned previously, their white muzzle, multi-colored face and chest create the look of wearing a tuxedo.
Boston Terrier vs Pug Grooming: How Much do They Require?
Pugs require regular brushing, a monthly bath, and regular nail trimming.
They especially need attention on their face wrinkles to ensure that they are not getting damp or dirty, ultimately causing infection.
Some owners will take dry cotton balls and run them in between to make sure their faces are clean and dry.
Boston Terriers require less grooming, which is ideal for a dog owner like myself who tends to occasionally forget about this important aspect of owning a dog!
It is recommended that they are brushed weekly and bathed when needed.
Boston Terrier vs Pug Training: Can They be Trained Easily?
Both Boston Terriers and Pugs are moderately easy to train.
Boston Terriers tend to be stubborn and might need extra reinforcement, while Pugs are not as quick to be trained and require a lot of patience.
Crate training is an option for both dogs, which is usually a preference depending on the household.
Since both breeds are small, there would be no need for a large crate and even if you choose not to crate train, neither dog would take up a lot of space.
If you are struggling to train your Boston Terrier or Pug we have created a great article which reviews Brain Training 4 Dogs an amazing programme that can teach your dog amazing tricks!
If you would like to see our review of this click here!
Boston Terrier vs Pug Diet: What do They Eat?
It is recommended that Boston Terriers are fed .5 to 1.5 cups of high quality dry food each day, split into two meals.
This is the same rule of thumb with Pugs, except a smaller range of .5 to 1 cups per day.
Every dog is different, so if you are unsure of what type of food to feed your furry friend, make sure to consult with your dog’s veterinarian.
For my dog, Jimmy, we went through a few different foods before finally deciding to consult with the vet for his recommendation.
After implementing the new food, we saw an increase in Jimmy’s energy and even a decrease in his weight (he was a few pounds over)!
Boston Terrier vs Pug Family Dog: Are They Good With Children?
Both Boston Terriers and Pugs love children, and are sturdy enough to be unfazed in case of any accidental knock-overs.
If your children are looking for a dog who will play fetch or chase a ball around the yard, you may want to consider the Boston Terrier over the Pug.
Although the Pug will be right there in the moment, he or she will be more apt to sit down than participate.
Boston Terrier vs Pug Environment: Where Are They Best Suited?
Boston Terriers are best suited in families, and thrive in houses or apartments.
Pugs can also live in either type of home, but are better suited for apartments than many other breeds because of their size and low levels of activity.
Rural or urban environments work for both breeds and they can live in hot or cold environments.
Boston Terrier vs Pug Running Costs: Are They Expensive to Look After?
Neither breed is particularly expensive to look after, especially since both are small and are not picky when it comes to food.
Between the two, Pugs require slightly more money each month due to their grooming requirements.
If you’re anything like I am as a dog owner, you may also spend extra money on dog sweaters during the holidays and other costumes throughout the year.
Especially with a Pug or a Boston Terrier, they would look so adorable, you would not be able to resist!
Final Thoughts: Boston Terrier vs Pug
No matter which breed you decide on, you can’t go wrong!
Each of these little dogs brings special characteristics to the home.
They are each ready to play, hang out, and most importantly, brighten your day!
If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them below!
