10 Dogs That Look Like Pugs (With Cute Pictures)
Pugs are a really popular little breed and are loved by city dwellers around the world. They’re cute, affectionate, don’t need that much exercise, and are very clever (although sometimes a little ditsy too).
These pups were bred for Chinese royalty and, unfortunately, lots of breeding for appearance has left these amazing dogs suffering from many health problems. Pugs are a brachycephalic dog breed, meaning they have shorter snouts that appear flatter than other dog breeds. This can lead to all kinds of health problems including breathing problems, eye issues, and dental disease. These breeds are also more likely to suffer from skin diseases such as skin cancer.
Some breeders are making an effort to breed healthier pups. They do this by crossing them with other dogs to elongate the snout. Three examples of such Pug mixes are the Chug, Puggle, and Retro Pug.
Whilst these are all dogs that look like Pugs, there are some other purebred pups that definitely have some Pug-like features. Here are ten of our favorites!
10 Dogs That Look Like Pugs
Some of these pups may be a little bigger than pugs, but all have something definitely Puggish about them. Remember to thoroughly research any breed before adopting them so you know they’d fit in with your lifestyle and experience.
#1 Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is an alert, active little dog that looks a lot like a Pug. These charming dogs, also known as the American Gentleman thanks to their standout tuxedo markings, can be white with black, brindle, or seal markings.
Bostons are a good choice for those living in cities. Their exercise needs differ from dog to dog. Some will be happy with a quick walk around the block or time jogging around a dog park whilst others will need a little more. Yes, they’re terriers, but they’re not as demanding as other Terrier breeds.
Because these gorgeous dogs are also a brachycephalic breed, they too may suffer from some respiratory and eye conditions. It’s important to check their eyes daily for signs of redness or infection.
#2 French Bulldog
Frenchies look a lot like Pugs and, actually, there are lots of similarities between Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs too. Both French Bulldogs and Pugs are compact and muscular and both have quite flat faces. Frenchies, however, are accepted with more coat colors and patterns.
French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dogs in America and arguably the most popular small breed. They’re playful, charming, alert, and completely adorable. Just look at those huge bat ears!
Frenchies are very adaptable and make great companion dogs for couples, families, and singles. They can live in apartments as well as homes with a backyard. They’re alert, but don’t tend to bark much – which your neighbors with appreciate. Even so, they’re great watch dogs.
#3 English Bulldog
English Bulldogs are iconic pups that are recognized in several different colors and patterns. These rolly-polly dogs are courageous and sweet-natured. They were originally bred to participate in blood sports such as bull baiting. Over decades, breeding efforts have resulted in a much more predictable pup that’s kind and docile.
These pups need regular, moderate exercise. They may like lounging around the house but they’re not actually lazy. Weight gain can be an issue for these pups, mainly because they love their food and would prefer to curl up next to you than run around a dog park. It’s therefore important to not overfeed them. Fresh dog food may be a good choice as many brands pre-portion the meals according to your dog’s profile.
#4 Dogue De Bordeaux
Whilst Pugs grow to be 13 inches tall and weigh 18 pounds, Dogues de Bordeaux can be 27 inches tall and weigh 110 pounds! So just a little bigger!
The Dogue de Bordeaux is also known as the French Mastiff and, as one of the Mastiff breeds, is powerful, strong, and surprisingly nimble and quick. These dogs are loyal and very sweet-natured.
They need lots of early socialization and training from puppyhood as they can become stubborn. Although loving and with a balanced nature, Dogues de Bordeaux are not for first-time owners. They need an owner with big breed experience.
Even though you can’t pick them up like a Pug, there’s something distinctly Pug-like about their wrinkled and seriously cute faces!
#5 Japanese Chin
Japanese Chin are the ultimate regal lapdog. These charming dogs are very beautiful and are easily recognized thanks to their endearing eyes, plumed tail and legs, and short snout.
The American Kennel Club recognizes them in 6 different colors and allows cute red markings too.
This toy dog breed doesn’t need much exercise but they are active little dogs. They’re perfect for apartments and won’t mind getting most of their daily exercise chasing after a toy indoors. It’s still important to take your pup out so they can socialize with other dogs and humans.
Even though these dogs have wonderful silky coats, they’re not that difficult to maintain. They require weekly brushing and will need to have their nails trimmed regularly.
#6 Pekingese
These really are dogs that look like Pugs apart from one quite obvious difference – their long coats! Whilst pugs have short coats, Pekingese have long coats that can be 11 standard colors. Their coats are longest around their necks, giving them a distinct lion-like look.
Similarly to the Pug, Pekingese dogs were first bred in China to roam palace halls and sit on the laps of royals. They’re charming, loyal, and good-natured pups but can be independent. They don’t mind entertaining themselves.
They can get along well with other dogs they know and that they’ve been socialized with, but won’t always want to play. They also get on with kids but won’t like boisterous play or very young children.
They’re alert little pups and make great watch dogs.
#7 Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffon can have two types of coat – smooth and rough. Dogs with rough coats look a lot like mini Schnauzers, whereas smooth-coat pups are very Pug-like. These dogs have short muzzles, large human-like eyes, and the most adorable button noses.
They’re very intelligent dogs and need to use their brains daily. They’ll enjoy puzzle toys as well as time playing in a fenced-in backyard or park. They’re highly trainable so excel in canine classes and events such as agility and obedience.
Because they are a flat-faced breed, these pups may suffer from breathing difficulties. They shouldn’t overexert themselves with too much running and should always be kept cool in warmer weather.
#8 Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are amazing and very popular dogs. They’re affectionate, loyal, silly, and get on really well with other dogs and kids. They’re very sweet-natured and love nothing more than to be the center of attention. They need lots of love and time on your lap.
Shih Tzus are roughly the same size as Pugs, although some may be smaller. There are lots of amazing Shih Tzu colors and these dogs can have either long or short coats. Whilst their body structure is very similar to a Pug, dogs with puppy-cut coats look more like Pugs.
A Shih Tzu with a long coat requires daily brushing to keep it looking sleek and knot-free. Dogs with shorter coats need less grooming.
Like some other dog breeds on this list of dogs that look like Pugs, Shih Tzus are perfect apartment dogs. They need very little exercise and will get most of it chasing after their favorite toy. They’re also a good choice for the elderly.
#9 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are amazing dogs that have been popular for many years. These adorable pooches can be four different colors and have beautiful, often curly coats. Of course, one of the biggest differences between these pups and Pugs is the Spaniel’s beautiful, hairy ears that frame their face.
They are, however, similar in size and stature (although you may not see it under a Cavalier’s coat). They have wonderful, expressive eyes like a pug, a short muzzle, and an inquisitive expression.
These dogs are really a wonderful mix of a toy breed and an athletic Spaniel. That means that they’re loving, gentle, and very sweet lap dogs, but they do need moderate daily exercise to keep physically and mentally stimulated.
They’re eager to please and learn new tricks meaning they excel in canine classes and events.
#10 Chinese Shar-Pei
Chinese Shar-Pei are like large pugs with a couple more wrinkles. They’re also not so fond of strangers. These iconic guard dogs are fiercely loyal to their owners but that does mean they can be standoffish around strangers and other dogs they don’t know. They really need an experienced owner who has the time to train them well.
As well as training, these hippopotamus-nosed dogs need lots of socialization. They need to be exposed to new sights, sounds, dogs, and people so they don’t grow up to be frightened or nervous.
Shar-Peis are accepted in many different coat colors including sable and dilute versions. As well as the cream, black, and fawn common in Pugs, these dogs also have adorable neck rolls, small ears, and wrinkly foreheads. A big difference, however, is that Chinese Shar-Pei have blue tongues!
Final Thoughts
There are lots of amazing dogs that look like pugs. Some are much bigger, some have a little more fur, and some even have blue tongues! The personalities and requirements for these breeds are very different, so it’s important you research them well before adopting them. Some need more exercise than others and others need daily brushing.
A couple of the dog breeds on this list are a little healthier than others. It’s always really important to find an ethical breeder who cares about the welfare of their dogs. Breeders shouldn’t be breeding for appearance but for the health and temperament of a pup. That way you can ensure you’re getting the healthiest and happiest puppy possible!
