Poodle vs Pug
Compare two breeds
Pick two breeds to see them compared side by side.
Poodle
Though the Poodle is now linked with French elegance, the breed actually started as a water retriever, sent to fetch downed waterfowl from lakes in Germany and France. The trademark pom-poms left on the joints and chest were never purely decorative: they protected vital areas from cold water while the rest of the coat was clipped short for easier swimming. The dense, curly coat sheds very little, but it mats quickly without regular clipping, so upkeep takes more time than most breeds demand. Poodles rank among the most trainable dogs around and pick up complex commands fast, which is why they turn up so often in circus acts and obedience rings. The breed comes in several sizes, so adult weight varies considerably depending on the variety. Life expectancy runs 12 to 15 years.
Pug
The Pug originated in China, where it was kept as a favored companion in the imperial court more than two thousand years ago, before Dutch traders brought it to Europe in the 16th century, where it became a symbol of the House of Orange. The flattened face that defines the breed causes real breathing difficulty in heat and during exertion, so the dog tolerates hot weather and long summer walks poorly. Weighing around 8 kilograms, it is compact and muscular but prone to rapid weight gain if feeding isn't controlled. The short, smooth coat sheds heavily year round. Temperamentally it is playful and affectionate, and tends to bond very closely with its owner. Life expectancy runs 12 to 15 years.
At a glance
| Poodle | Pug | |
|---|---|---|
| Height (male) | not specified | not specified |
| Weight (male) | not specified | 6.3–8.1 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 yrs | 12–15 yrs |
| Coat | curly, dense, non-shedding | fine, smooth, short, glossy coat |
Temperament & Family Life
| Poodle | Pug | |
|---|---|---|
| Family friendly | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Trainability |
Exercise, Energy & Space
| Poodle | Pug | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy level | ||
| Exercise need | ||
| Apartment friendly | ||
| Prey drive | ||
| Hunting instinct |
Guarding & Alertness
| Poodle | Pug | |
|---|---|---|
| Guarding instinct | ||
| Watchfulness | ||
| Barking level |
Grooming & Care
| Poodle | Pug | |
|---|---|---|
| Shedding | ||
| Drooling | ||
| Grooming need |
Temperament and care scores (1-5) are a general guide based on the breed standard — every individual dog is different.