Pug vs Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Carlin or Chrysanthemum Dog or Bouledogue Français? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Pug vs Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog" Compare Pug and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Pug or Shih Tzu 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	Shih Tzu	French Bulldog
Origins	China	China	England France
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	31	20	4
Reviews	13	19	7
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog breeds.	Carlin Chinese Pug Dutch Bulldog Dutch Mastiff Mini Mastiff Mops	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	Bouledogue Français Frenchie
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Pug vs Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 13-20 pounds (6-9 kg), Female: 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg)	9–16 pounds (4-7 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)	9–16 pounds (5.5 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 Shih Tzu or French Bulldog? Pug vs Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog height comparison:	Male: 12-14 inches (30-36 cm), Female: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm)	8-11 inches (20-28 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)	9.5 inches (24 cm)	14.5 inches (36.5 cm)

Pug vs Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Find price differences between these breeds.	$300-$500	$800-$1200	$2000-$4000
Availability Which is easier to get, Pug or Shih Tzu or French Bulldog?	Very frequent: The Pug is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The French Bulldog is quite easy to get.

Pug vs Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which breed ranks highest?	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which is easiest to train?	A slightly harder to train than average. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite 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 Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which breed is most alert?	Pug dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	French Bulldog dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which breed is most protective?	Pug dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	French Bulldog dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Pug vs Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog? Compare temperaments.	Playful Courageous Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Cheerful	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	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.	Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. 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 Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog?	High: Pug dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog social needs comparison:	Pug dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. 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.	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. 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.	Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which breed is most vocal?	Average: The Pug barks occasionally. See more.	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. 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
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Pugs, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	French Bulldogs are not the most playful dog breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Pug breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the French Bulldog breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Pug vs Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which breed is most flexible?	Pug dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Shih Tzu 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.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Pug or Shih Tzu 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.	Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	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 Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Pug has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The French Bulldog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which uses mouth most during play?	Pug dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	French Bulldog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Pug bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 French Bulldog bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Pug vs Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which breed lives longest?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Pug: 13 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of French Bulldog: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which handles climate changes best?	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.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which has fewer health issues?	Very healthy dog breed.	The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The French Bulldog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency 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).	Average The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The French Bulldog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Pug vs Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Pug vs Shih Tzu 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	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Umbilical Hernias Ear Infections Distichiasis Portosystemic Liver Shunt Bladder Stones Ectopic Cilia Reverse Sneezing Dry Eye Proptosis Juvenile Renal Dysplasia Keratitis Retained Baby Teeth Snuffles	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Von Willebrand's Disease Intervertebral Disk Disease Cleft Palate Brachycephalic Syndrome Elongated Soft Palate Hemi-vertebrae

Pug vs Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which breed is most active?	Pug dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other 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 Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Pug or Shih Tzu or French Bulldog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Pug dogs exercise need is minimal.	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.	French Bulldog dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Pug or Shih Tzu or French Bulldog?	Pug dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	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 Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which is most prone to obesity?	High: The Pug breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. 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
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which needs most food?	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.	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

Pug vs Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. What colors are available?	Black Fawn	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	Cream White Fawn Brindle
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which requires most maintenance?	Effortless: The Pug requires minimal grooming. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. 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
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which drools least?	The Pug is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Shih Tzu 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.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which has least natural smell?	High 🔼 The Pug has a high chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The French Bulldog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Fine	Dense	Fine Smooth Short Close in texture
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which requires most frequent baths?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Pug or Shih Tzu or French Bulldog? Pug or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:	Pug dogs shed above average. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	French Bulldog dogs are low shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Pug vs Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which is best with kids?	Pug dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	French Bulldog dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Pug dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	French Bulldog dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Pug or Shih Tzu or French Bulldog? Which dog is more friendly?	Pug dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	French Bulldog dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Pug or Shih Tzu or French Bulldog?	Pug dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	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 Shih Tzu or French Bulldog?	Pug dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very 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 Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog?	No Pug dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.	Yes Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu 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.	Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.	French Bulldogs are not the best breed for elderly people.

Pug vs Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which is best suited for service work?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used 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 Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which excels in therapy work?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which has best nose work ability?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which is best for SAR work?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Pug breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Shih Tzu 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.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which is best for draft work?	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.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which has most military use?	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Pug vs Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which has most puppies?	2-4 puppies	2-5 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. What's recommended?	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.

Pug vs Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1898 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Pug, Shih Tzu, and French Bulldog. Which has most recognition?	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 Canadian Canine Registry	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

Popular Dog Compares

Despite the best intentions, there may be errors. If you find one, please let us know and we will fix it as soon as possible. Contact us here.

Rate This Comparsion - Pug vs Shih Tzu vs French Bulldog

Reviews