11 Dogs That Are Similar to Pugs (With Pictures)
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Pugs make excellent pets and are part of a classification of dogs known as brachycephalic breeds—AKA flat-faced dogs. Many of these dogs were purposely bred to be companions for royalty and nobility. There’s just something about a short nose and flat face that some find appealing.
While brachycephalic dogs tend to have enhanced health complications, we still can’t help but love them. If you love Pugs but are interested in another breed, check out the Pug-like dogs below.
The 11 Dogs That Look Like Pugs
1. Boston Terriers
Boston Terriers are among the most laid-back of all Terriers. They love nothing more than hanging out around the house with you or participating in outdoor adventures. Boston Terriers aren’t entirely reliant on you, either. They can be independent and do well when left alone for extended periods.
2. Brussels Griffon
If you’ve ever wanted an Ewok as a friend, this is about as close as you can get. They were initially bred by crossbreeding English Toy Spaniels and Pugs, which explains the long hair and flat face. They can suffer from a Napoleon complex; they’re a big dominant personality trapped in a smaller dog’s body.
3. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is the most popular purebred canine in the United States. It may have something to do with their adorable, bat-like ears or mild-mannered personality. Either way, they’re not denying their superstardom. When French Bulldogs aren’t capturing the hearts of celebrities and other fans, they love spending the day snuggling up with their owners.
4. English Bulldog
If you adopt an English Bulldog, they’ll snort, snore, and drool their way straight to your heart. Bulldogs also have the signature underbite that makes them more adorable. They’re known for being laid-back couch potatoes as well. So, if you’re looking for a great companion who prefers to relax than run around, adopt a Bulldog.
5. Chinese Shar-Pei
The Chinese Shar-Pei is one of the most easily recognized dog breeds worldwide due to the skin folds and wrinkles covering their body. They have a history of being watchdogs to royalty and the ruling elite. They’re not too keen on strangers so be cautious when approaching a new Shar-Pei.
6. Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is not only the largest dog on this list but also the oldest of the French dog breeds. They’re also known as the French Mastiff, and like other Mastiff breeds, they can grow to enormous sizes, weighing up to 140 pounds!
They are very strong, independent dogs that you should take seriously. They are very gentle toward their families but intensely loyal. When trained properly, the Dogue de Bordeaux can become a guard dog that is second to none.
7. Japanese Chin
Don’t let this pup’s small stature fool you. They have one of the biggest personalities of any dog breed. They’re lovable lap dogs but can be goofy and mischievous. While they can be trained, Japanese Chins will create their own routine if they don’t agree with the repetitiveness or structure you’ve laid out for them.
8. Shih Tzu
If you look up lapdog in the dictionary, you’ll find a picture of the Shih Tzu. They want nothing more than to be worshipped and coddled by their masters every day. When you come across a Shih Tzu owner, they’re likely to explain how much their little pup rules their household through their demand for love and attention.
9. Pekingese
The Pekingese is very closely related to the Shih Tzu and shares a similar temperament. However, they are more prone to independent streaks and personality quirks. Pekingese hold themselves with a higher air of nobility than other toy dogs. But that’s understandable. They’ve been bred for centuries to be the companions of choice for the imperial families of China.
10. Daug
The first designer dog on our list is the Daug, a cross between the Pug and the Dachshund. They have an elongated, stout body similar to the Dachshund and similar facial features to the Pug. They don’t have completely flat faces but instead have a very short muzzle. They’re loyal, affectionate, laid-back, and ideal for anyone looking for a small-to-medium-sized dog.
11. Muggin
The Muggin is the second designer dog that looks like a Pug on our list. This time, the breed is created by crossbreeding Pugs with Miniature Pinschers. They’re also referred to as Pin Pugs. They are a happy, energetic, bouncy bundle of fur who loves to play and cuddle at a moment’s notice. However, their willful nature doesn’t make them the easiest dogs to train.
Conclusion
If you’re absolutely in love with flat-faced dogs like the Pug, you have quite a few options. Just remember that adopting a brachycephalic breed requires extra care and attention. Their flat faces and muzzles carry many extra potential complications—primarily affecting their respiratory tracts.
But if you’re prepared for the challenges they can bring and are ready for a lifetime of your dog snoring, adopting a flat-faced dog is a great reward.