Key Differences Between Pugs, Frenchies & Boston Terriers

Learn the key differences between these three breeds.

Many people often confuse Pugs, Frenchies, and Boston Terriers with one another. Although these small breeds may seem similar, there are a few key differences between them.

If you’re in the market for a new canine companion and are deciding which of these three breeds would be the best match for you, you’ll need to know the nuances of each. To learn more about the differences between these breeds, read on below.

The Pug

Pugs are small but muscular dogs that come in primarily two colors: fawn and black. And of course, many variations including silver, apricot-fawn with a black face mask, or pure black. They tend to have a large round head, big eyes, and wrinkled brows.

Pugs are flexible house dogs that are happy in the city or in the country; they’re good with kids or with older people; and as an only pet or with other pets.

Pugs (like their flat faced counterparts) thrive in moderate climates. They live well where it’s not too hot or too cold.

Pugs tend to be smaller than a Frenchie or Boston Terrier. Pugs tend to be a little chunkier, Frenchie’s a little more muscular and Boston’s are a little lankier. There is of course variation from pug to pug, etc., but in general, those statements tend to hold pretty well.

If you’re looking for a breeder, Pugs (and Boston Terriers) tend to be cheaper than Frenchies.

In my personal experience, pugs are quite sensitive to allergens, and though they’re not picky with the food they eat, they can be quite sensitive to certain types of dog food (I found Benji to be sensitive to beef and chicken, but he did well with salmon).

The Frenchie

The French Bulldog – or Frenchie, for short – is one of the world’s most popular small-dog breeds. With their large bat-like ears, Frenchies tend to be adaptable, alert, and playful.

While the French Bulldog does resemble the traditional Bulldog, they set themselves apart with their signature erect bat ears. Frenchies have a large square-shaped head and heavy wrinkles above their short nose.

Although Frenchies don’t bark much, their innate alertness makes them excellent watchdogs. Moreover, they can quickly adapt to life with couples or families and don’t need too much outdoor exercise.

The Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are small and compact dogs with big round eyes. They have well-balanced bodies and typically weigh no more than 25 pounds. Most people say they have a “tuxedo” coat due to their fur pattern.

Boston Terriers are alert canines and move with rhythmic strides. They make great urban companions since they’re portable and people-oriented.

Health

Pug

Although the Pug’s dark-colored eyes make it one of the most adorable breeds out there, it’s also one of the Pug’s weaknesses. Pugs are more susceptible to eye problems than other breeds.

Since the Pug is a flat-faced breed, they may experience breathing problems and may have trouble cooling down in hot, sunny, or humid weather.

Frenchie

Due to their front-heavy build, Frenchies can’t swim. It would be best if you didn’t leave them unattended near a pool, tub, or any body of water.

Like Pugs, Frenchies are flat-faced breeds that may experience breathing problems and may have trouble cooling down in warmer conditions.

Frenchies may also develop eye conditions like juvenile cataracts or cherry eye.

Boston Terrier

A flat-faced breed like Frenchies and Pugs, Boston Terriers also should be given adequate shelter and protection from excessive heat due to their difficulty breathing in warmer conditions.

Boston Terriers are especially prone to eye problems. So much so that some owners carry saline eye drops with them to flush out dust or debris from their dogs’ eyes. If you adopt a Boston Terrier, you’ll need to check their eyes daily for irritation or redness.

Grooming

Pug

Luckily, the Pug has a short, smooth, and glossy coat that requires little maintenance effort from you; however, the Pug does shed a little.

If you adopt a Pug, you’ll need to brush them weekly using a bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt, or a hound glove. Doing so will help remove loose fur and help them look their best.

Their short coat also means you won’t need to bathe your Pug frequently. Of course, you’ll want to bathe your Pug if they happen to get into a messy situation or if they start smelling odd.

Frenchie

Like the Pug, the Frenchie’s short coat doesn’t shed much. Weekly brushing to promote new hair growth and distribute skin oils throughout their coat should be enough to manage shedding fur.

Frenchies’ facial folds tend to be a spot that accumulates lots of gunk quickly. So, you’re going to want to pay extra attention to these folds and ensure they’re clean and dry.

Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier’s fine coat sheds a little bit more than that of the Pug or the Frenchie. However, weekly brushing should help manage the shedding fur.

Like the Pug, you only need to bathe your Boston Terrier occasionally. Of course, you’ll want to bathe them after they play in the mud or if they get into some foul situation.

When left unclipped, a Boston Terrier’s nails can cause problems when walking and running. So, you’re going to want to trim their nails a little bit more often compared to Pugs and Frenchies.

Exercise

Pug

Pugs are more than happy to spend most of the day on your sofa or on your bed. Couple that with their love for eating, and obesity in pugs becomes a real possibility. Luckily, the Pug is playful and lively. They’d be willing to engage in moderate exercise with you, such as play sessions in your garden or walks in the park.

As mentioned earlier, the short-faced nature of Pugs makes them intolerant to hot weather. So, it would help if you avoided physical activities with them when it’s warm or humid outside.

Frenchie

A short walk or a play session outdoors every day will give Frenchies enough exercise to keep them in shape.

Compared to Pugs, Frenchies find canine sports more enjoyable. They may partake in activities such as obedience sports, agility sports, and rally sports.

Boston Terrier

For Boston Terriers, the need for exercise varies widely from dog to dog. A brisk walk one or two times a day is enough for some dogs. Other Boston Terriers will need more time to run around and play each day to expend excess energy. It’s up to you to decide whether your Boston Terrier needs more or less exercise.

Regardless of whether your Boston Terrier is more or less active, it would be best if you didn’t leave them alone for long periods. They require some physical activity at least once a day; otherwise, they may become frustrated and develop undesirable behaviors.

Training

Pug

The modern-day Pug was bred to be a companion to their owners. Most pugs have a stable temperament and an outgoing and friendly disposition. Because of their easygoing personality, they’re one of the breeds that are easier to train. And because they’re food motivated, potty training should be a breeze!

Pugs are social dogs that want to be with their family and will end up unhappy if you leave them alone regularly for extended periods; thus, early socialization and puppy training classes would do wonders for a young Pug.

Frenchie

Compared to Boston Terriers and Pugs, Frenchies tend to have more intense personalities; thus, you may need to put in more effort into training a Frenchie to become a well-adjusted companion.

Although they’re stubborn, you can train them more easily with the help of proper motivation – such as treats.

Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers tend to have a more sensitive personality. When training a Boston Terrier, you should be extra careful not to be too harsh. Instead, offer gentle corrections followed by praise when your Boston Terrier does something right.

Final Thoughts

Pugs, Frenchies, Boston Terriers – any one of these three breeds can make a fine canine companion.

In this article, I’ve shown you the subtle key differences that set Pugs, Frenchies, and Boston Terriers apart from one another. Regardless of which breed you choose to adopt, you’ll need to put in the time and effort to ensure your dog is healthy, well-trained, and fit.

Remember, if one dog isn’t enough, you’ll be happy to know that you can get a Pug, Frenchie, and a Boston Terrier, and they’ll have no problem living together harmoniously in your home.