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Pug Vs. Chihuahua

Pugs were introduced to Europe from China in the sixteenth century. Similarly, the smallest breed recognized by the kennel club, the Chihuahuas are native American canines that arrived in North America from Siberia some 10,000 years ago. These two breeds are renowned for being kind. There are some distinctions between the two, including their weight, longevity, and rate of shedding. Keep reading to get a detailed comparison between Pug and Chihuahua.

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Pug

The Pug is a breed of dog that originated in China and is distinguished by its curled tail and wrinkled, short-muzzled face. The breed has a compact, square physique with powerful, well-developed muscles all over the body and a beautiful, glossy coat that occurs in a range of hues, most frequently light brown (fawn) or black. They might have fawn, apricot fawn, silver fawn, or black coats that are silky and lustrous. There is a faint black line seen running from the occiput to the tail, and the markings are distinct. Normally, the tail forms a tight curl over the hip.

Pugs’ ears come in two varieties: “rose” and “button.” “Rose” ears are folded with the front edge on the side of the head and are smaller than the typical design of “button” ears. Breeders like ears with “button” shapes.

Pugs have strong, straight legs that have a good length and are well-set beneath. They have somewhat lowered shoulders. Their toes are evenly spaced apart, their feet are little, and their nails are dark. Their ankles are robust. An underbite is often caused by the lower teeth sticking out more than the uppers.

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Chihuahua

Chihuahua looking up at the camera

Early nineteenth-century colonial accounts mention little, virtually hairless dogs; one says conquistadors in the sixteenth century discovered them in great numbers in the area that would be known as Chihuahua. Chihuahua was a rare breed up until the early 20th century when they spread throughout Mexico.

Chihuahuas come in a wide range of color combinations, including solid, marked, and splashed. Apple-dome Chihuahuas have high, dramatically rounded skulls with huge, round eyes and enormous, upright ears. The muzzle meets the skull at the stop, which is well-defined and forms a nearly 90-degree angle.

Dogs of the earlier “deer” type, which have a flat-topped head, wider eyes, broader ears, and longer, more slender legs, may still be registered, but the deer head is not recognized as a distinct type in competition, and a deer-head dog’s departure from the breed standard is viewed as a defect.

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Differences Between a Pug and a Chihuahua

Portrait of a pug standing outdoors

The following table shows some differences between pugs and chihuahuas.

CharacteristicsPugChihuahua
Lifespan12 -15 years15-20 years
Weight13-20 pounds3-6 pounds
Height10-14 inches6-9 inches
TemperamentPlayful and affectionateFriendly
Shedding RateHighMedium
Energy LevelLowHigh
OriginChinaMexico

Similarities Between a Pug and a Chihuahua

Brown and white Chihuahua standing outdoors in grass

The following are some similarities between pugs and chihuahuas.

Purebred – Both breeds are purebred.

Temperament – Both Pug and Chihuahua are friendly and playful and like to be around people and socialize.

Training – Both dogs like the sense of achievement and get excited they are easy to train.

Intelligence – Both breeds are known for their intelligence. They are smart and can also be used as watchdogs.

What is Better About a Pug?

Side view portrait of a pug

They tend to be expressive and frequently funny as a breed. They want to play and will very much follow you wherever. Pugs typically sleep more than other dogs (around 14 hours per day), which makes them a lot like cats. They are hence snoozers despite their reputation as ardent people-pleasers.

Pugs are renowned for being wonderful family pets who are friendly and lively around young people. Additionally, pugs struggle to administer an aggressive bite due to their mouth shape, which is why they are viewed as being on the more kid-safe end of the breed range.

What is Better about a Chihuahua?

Brown and white chihuahua outdoors

The Chihuahua, a little dog breed with a huge personality, has won the hearts of dog lovers from Mexico to Manitoba. The American Kennel Club describes the Chihuahua dog as charming, elegant, and one of the oldest breeds in the Americas. In the right circumstances, chihuahuas’ high energy levels may translate into excellent training outcomes, and their drive to please and learn can help you grow a superb companion dog. Positive reinforcement helps calm some of the most prevalent problems Chihuahua owners describe, such as barking, hostility, and resource guarding. Chihuahuas thrive on it.

Who Should Get a Pug?

Tan pug puppy and a black pug puppy with front paws on a log outdoors

Pugs are a well-liked breed among owners because they are bright tiny dogs that are also highly loving. They enjoy social interaction and company; thus, they find any period spent alone intolerable. Pugs are the ideal home dog. They are kind and have little hostility, so they may work with families with children.

Pugs will adapt if you are a single dog parent or have other pets. Pugs are renowned for being friendly in addition to being naughty. These canines are funny. Pugs are great companions if you’re looking for a way to de-stress.

Who Should Get a Chihuahua?

Chihuahua puppy laying under a blue blanket

Since they don’t need a lot of exercises and are frequently kept indoors, chihuahuas are good choices for older owners, single people, and families with busy schedules. However, they do need a lot of love and care. Since pups are so little and vulnerable to injury, some breeders are hesitant to sell them to families with young children. They don’t require a large backyard and are content to live close to their neighbors. They might, however, get active in the garden to occupy themselves if left outside and neglected.

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