DogExpress
As far as history is concerned, a pug is a much older breed compared to the French bulldogs. They originated in China when the country was under the Han dynasty.
It means that they could have originated between 206 BC and 200 AD. The emperors of the dynasty owned them and housed them in the most luxurious accommodation.
Soldiers were employed to guard them as well! Dutch traders brought them to Europe during the late 16th century and the early 17th century. It was when China opened its doors to Europe for trading.
In the Netherlands, they fast became the favorites of the royal family over there. The House of Orange anointed them as the official dogs. Both Josephine Bonaparte and Marie Antoinette had them as pets.
In 1861, pugs were shown for the first time in the UK (United Kingdom). They attained a high level of popularity during the Victorian Era – at this time, they figured commonly on figurines and paintings.
The French bulldog, also known lovingly as “Frenchies” was bred for the first time in England just across the English Channel from the Netherlands.
At the time of the Industrial Revolution, the toy-like bulldogs of England were taken to Normandy for work by the lace makers of England. In the beginning, these furballs were rather famous as ratters.
In France, pugs crossbred with the French terriers, and the result was the French bulldogs. The women of Paris were especially enamored with the breed and particularly so with their bat-like ears.
The difference in terms of appearance
Both Frenchies and pugs are of the same sort of size. However, the Frenchies have more muscular bodies and are heavier. On the contrary, the pugs have more of a rounded body.
Pugs – both female and male – weigh in the region of 6 to 8 kg, and their height is between 25 and 35 cm. The French bulldogs, on the other hand, have more of a stocky frame. Hence, they are within 30 and 33 cm in height, and they are between 8 and 15 kg in terms of weight.
The snouts of the Frenchies are short and tails minimal. Their eyes resemble bugs. The nose is short, while the nostrils are broader with a clear line between them.
On the other hand, pugs have large, round, and flatheads. Their faces are full of deep wrinkles and bulging round eyes. It is the wrinkles that endeared the pugs the most to the Chinese, who bred them.
Hence, these wrinkles represented good luck symbols in their script. Pugs are also known to have beauty marks or little moles on their cheeks. They have black and short snouts. Their foreheads look like a clear thumb mark imprinted on them.
The difference in terms of personality
Pugs are the comedians of the canine world. They would always amuse and entertain you. They also love cuddling. They are lovers in the truest sense of the word, given how much they are longing for constant companionship.
Does your pug wish to sleep with you in your bed? If yes, this should not come as a surprise to you. Please remember that they do not require plenty of exercises, and hot weather tends to get them overheated.
It is not that the Frenchies would be upstaged by their pug friends. They are loving and friendly, and this is why they make for such excellent companions.
Since they have a heavier build, they are not that agile – they tend to be more relaxed. They do not run around or jump as much. If you want to keep them lean and healthy, let them take part in moderate exercise regularly.
The most prominent examples, in this case, are hikes and long walks. The French bulldogs do not need a lot of workouts. So, like the pugs, they are happy staying indoors with you.
The difference in terms of training
Pugs are rather intelligent but are just stubborn. It is a reason why it can be so hard to train them. However, they are also easy-going.
As individuals, both are sedentary and loving. Hence, they are great options for older people and those getting a furry companion for the first time in their lives.
The French bulldogs are rather stubborn and bullish as individuals. So, as an owner, it is significant that early on, you express your authority.
Also, do not pamper or protect them too much just because they are small. That way, they may become stubborn. If you do not train them properly, they can become aggressive towards other dogs as well.
In the end, both these dog breeds are immensely loving breeds, and they are great pets to have for families. French bulldogs tend to be protective when they are around small children. Hence, you must make sure to socialize them at a young age with humans and other dogs.
Read Also: What Makes A French Bulldog A Popular Breed?
The difference in terms of health
Pugs have an average lifespan of twelve to fifteen years, and the French bulldogs, their average lifespan is around ten years. However, compared to the French bulldogs, the pugs suffer from more health issues.
Both dog breeds tend to suffer from respiratory complications. They have short muzzles. Apart from that, if you feed them more than what would be healthy, they would become obese.
They cannot also bear hot weather. The Frenchies tend to suffer from issues with their eyes, back, and heart.
The pugs tend to suffer from eye issues because of how bulging and large they are. Both of them are known to snore loudly, but this is not a health issue per se. Frenchies also tend to fart a lot, which can be bad for the people around them.
in Chandigarh, India. 
