Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Carlin or Alsatian wolf dog or Bouledogue Français? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog" Compare Pug and German Shepherd. Which is better: Pug or German Shepherd or French Bulldog?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Pug	German Shepherd	French Bulldog
Origins	China	Germany	England France
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	31	2	4
Reviews	13	19	4
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Carlin Chinese Pug Dutch Bulldog Dutch Mastiff Mini Mastiff Mops	Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian	Bouledogue Français Frenchie
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Pug or German Shepherd or French Bulldog? Which is the smallest dog, Pug or German Shepherd or French Bulldog?	Small	Large	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Pug or German Shepherd or German Shepherd? Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog weight comparison:	Male: 13-20 pounds (6-9 kg), Female: 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg)	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)	18-30 pounds (8-14 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 16.5 pounds (7.5 kg), Female: 15.5 pounds (7 kg)	Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)	There are two weight classes of French Bulldog: 19 - 22 pounds (9 - 10 kg) and 22 - 28 pounds (10 - 13 kg). Over 28 pounds is a disqualification.
Height Which is taller, Pug or German Shepherd or French Bulldog? Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog height comparison:	Male: 12-14 inches (30-36 cm), Female: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm)	Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)	13–16 inches (33–40 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 13 inches (33 cm), Female: 11 inches (27.5 cm)	Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)	14.5 inches (36.5 cm)

Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Pug or German Shepherd or French Bulldog? Which is more expensive?	$300-$500	$800-$2000	$2000-$4000
Availability Which is easier to get, Pug or German Shepherd or French Bulldog?	Very frequent: The Pug is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The French Bulldog is quite easy to get.

Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog intelligence:	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog trainability comparison.	A slightly harder to train than average. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.	French Bulldog dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Pug or German Shepherd or French Bulldog?	Pug dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	French Bulldog dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Pug or German Shepherd or French Bulldog? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Pug dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	French Bulldog dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Pug or German Shepherd or French Bulldog? Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog behavior/temperament comparison:	Playful Courageous Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Cheerful	Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful	Playful Alert Affectionate Patient Lively Keen Easygoing Athletic Bright
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Pug dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	French Bulldog dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog?	High: Pug dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: French Bulldog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog social needs comparison:	Pug dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	French Bulldog dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Pug dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	French Bulldog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Pug dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.	German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	French Bulldog dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog playfulness comparison:	Average: Pugs, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	French Bulldogs are not the most playful dog breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog?	Average: The Pug barks occasionally. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. See more.	Low: The French Bulldog barks none to minimal. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Pug or German Shepherd or French Bulldog?	Very house-friendly dog the Pug breed.	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.	Very house-friendly dog the French Bulldog breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Pug dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	French Bulldog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Pug or German Shepherd or French Bulldog?	Pug dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	French Bulldog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Pug or German Shepherd or French Bulldog?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Pug bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 French Bulldog bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The Pug has a low chance of biting somebody.	High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The French Bulldog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog mouthiness comparison:	Pug dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	French Bulldog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog health comparison. Which is the healthier: Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog?	Very healthy dog breed.	German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.	The French Bulldog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Entropion Vaccination Sensitivity Demodectic Mange Distichiasis Corneal Ulcers Dry Eye Hemi-vertebrae Cheyletiella Dermatitis Nerve Degeneration Proptosis Pug Dog Encephalitis Staphylococcus Infection Yeast Infection	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Blindness Cherry Eye Elbow Dysplasia Diabetes Heart Disease Retinal Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Degenerative Myelopathy Wobbler's Syndrome Panosteitis Hemophilia B Megaesophagus Cushing's Syndrome Lens Luxation Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Digestive Problems Hemophilia A Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lupus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Paralysis Perianal Fistula Seborrhea Vitiligo	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Von Willebrand's Disease Intervertebral Disk Disease Cleft Palate Brachycephalic Syndrome Elongated Soft Palate Hemi-vertebrae
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Rare The Pug should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Average The French Bulldog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog lifespan comparison. How long do Pug, German Shepherd and French Bulldog breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Pug: 13 years	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of French Bulldog: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog?	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.

Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Pug or German Shepherd or French Bulldog? Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog energy level comparison:	Pug dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.	French Bulldog dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Pug or German Shepherd or French Bulldog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Pug dogs exercise need is minimal.	German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	French Bulldog dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Pug or German Shepherd or French Bulldog?	Pug dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.	French Bulldog dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Pug or German Shepherd or French Bulldog?	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	Recommended daily amount: 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog weight gain potential comparison:	High: The Pug breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the French Bulldog's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog coat comparison:	Fine	Fuzzy	Fine Smooth Short Close in texture
Colors What are the original Pug, German Shepherd and French Bulldog color?	Black Fawn	Black Tan Red Silver	Cream White Fawn Brindle
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Pug or German Shepherd or French Bulldog? Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog grooming comparison:	Effortless: The Pug requires minimal grooming. See more.	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.	Easy to groom: The French Bulldog doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Pug or German Shepherd or French Bulldog? Pug or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:	Pug dogs shed above average. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	French Bulldog dogs are low shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Pug or German Shepherd or French Bulldog?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Hypoallergenic Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog?	High 🔼 The Pug has a high chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The French Bulldog has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Pug is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The French Bulldog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Pug dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.	French Bulldog dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Pug or German Shepherd or French Bulldog? Which dog is more friendly?	Pug dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	French Bulldog dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Pug or German Shepherd or French Bulldog?	Pug dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	French Bulldog dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Pug or German Shepherd or French Bulldog?	Pug dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.	French Bulldog dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Pug or German Shepherd or French Bulldog?	Pug dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	French Bulldog dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog?	No Pug dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.	Yes German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes French Bulldog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Pug is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.	Yes French Bulldog is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Pugs are usually recommended for elderly people.	German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	French Bulldogs are not the best breed for elderly people.

Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Pug or German Shepherd or French Bulldog? Which is better for autism?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be a search and rescue dog?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog?	Not really Pug breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really French Bulldog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.
Litter Size How many puppies can Pug and German Shepherd and French Bulldog have?	2-4 puppies	6-10 puppies	3-5 puppies
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Pug vs German Shepherd vs French Bulldog Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1898 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section.	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club German Shepherd Dog Club Of America	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club

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