Last Updated on September 20, 2023
. It is an important decision in your life. The Labrador Retriever and the Pug are two of the most important family pets. They do have some commonalities, particularly in their love for their human owners.
If your dog’s size is important and you are looking for a smaller breed, there is no comparison. If you don’t care about size but are more concerned about the right temperament for your lifestyle, these two purebred dogs can be great family members and offer different traits.
Neither breed is suitable for all lifestyles. Labs need to be paired up with an active family while Pug families may be more relaxed in their daily routine. which dog breed is better to suit your needs? Let’s look at these dogs from every angle to answer this question.
Breed History
Breeding history is more important than people realize when it comes to learning about a breed. It will tell you about their breed purpose and any other characteristics. But it can also tell what .type of family they require. It’s also a great way to learn all about your four-legged friend!
Labrador
The Labrador Retriever is a relatively old canine breed, and he dates back to the 1700s. He was the waterdog of choice for fishermen and duck hunters from Newfoundland.
It is not known what dogs were used in creating him. However, it is believed that the St. John’s waterdog played a major role in his genetics. A Newfoundland was also added to the mix. His job was to hunt fish and retrieve birds from his master.
Every year, the American Kennel Club lists dog breeds in alphabetical order. The most loved dog breed in America . has been the Labrador for over 30 years. This family favourite is also a popular choice for assistance dogs, rescue and search and rescue and other therapy settings.
Pug
The Pug, an ancient dog breed, is believed to be thousands years old. His origins are from China where royalty was attracted to small, flat-faced breeds. Pugs have always been companion dogs and never had to lift a finger. For centuries, he was considered a sacred dog. Visitors from Holland saw him and fell in love with him. They took him back to Europe.
He is known by many different names, including Mophond in Holland, Mopsi, in Finland, Doguillo, in Spanish-speaking countries, and Mophond in the Netherlands. Because of his similar appearance, color and stocky shape to a Mastiff ,, you might have heard him called the Dutch Mastiff. According to the AKC, Pugs consistently rank in the top 30 dog breeds in America.
Appearance
These two dog breeds are completely different-looking canines. They have four legs, two irresistible eyes and a dry nose.
Let’s begin with the obvious their . difference. Labradors are the larger of the two breeds. He measures up to 24 1/2 inches and weighs up to 80 pounds. He is a large-sized dog. Pugs measure up to 13 inches and weighs up to 18 pounds. He is a small-sized dog.
Their size can often determine which breed is best suited for your lifestyle. Labs prefer larger homes or apartments with a yard. The Pug is more comfortable living in smaller apartments , with and without a yard than the Labrador, who is happy. Pugs make a great choice for city dwellers, as they are very popular in the country.
Surprisingly both breeds have similar lengths and appearances to their coats. Both have thick double coats that are dense and straight. They can be short or medium in length. The Pug has a smoother, silkier coat than the Labrador’s which is slightly coarser in texture.
Labs can choose from three coat colors: yellow, brown, or black. Labs may be fox-red or have other unusual coat colors that aren’t recognized by AKC. Two coat colors are available for Pugs: black and fawn. a white-colored Pug , is rare, but they are often suffering from albinism and leucism.
The Lab’s tail has a long, straight, thick tail. His tail is his secret weapon for steering himself in water. The Pug’s tail curls and sits high up on his back. If he has a double curl it is considered the perfect Pug tail. Both are stocky dogs and Pugs have extra skin rolls that dog lovers simply can’t resist. Both have large, irresistible puppy eyes . The eyes of a Pug appear larger and protrude from the face.
We couldn’t compare the Pugs appearance without mentioning their adorable flat faces . This is called being brachycephalic in the dog world. It is cute, but it can also lead to serious health problems. It can also mean that he snuffs loudly and snores loudly. While some dog owners may be able to ignore his snuffles and it can drive some people crazy, others are unable to. This is something you should take into account. The Lab’s muzzle is square and proportionate.
Temperament
Both dog breeds love humans. Pugs have been the first companion dog and Labs have always worked alongside their masters. Both are top dogs for dog lovers looking for the best companionship. They are able to settle in well to family life because of their love for humans .
Both dogs are outgoing, confident pups that are the life and soul for any party. Because he is America’s top dog, the Lab is confident. The Pug and his small stature are always proving something to the people. Both are comical dogs who love to make people smile. Both canine companions find it easy to get along with other dogs, both four-legged and two-legged.
They both love to have fun . Labs need to have fun because they don’t take themselves too seriously. Both dogs love to sleep throughout the day, as they both have a lazy side. Pugs are typically lower energy, and make better cuddling companions if you are looking for a low energy breed.
Pugs are louder than Labs when it comes to noise. The Pug is an excellent choice if you are looking for a watchdog. Because of their watchdog capabilities ., Pugs were loved by royalty. The Pug is the most loved dog in the world. Labs, on the other hand, will wave their tails and invite everyone to dinner without you knowing.
Labradors love to be with their owners, but they can also enjoy being alone. When you return home, you’ll find him sitting on the couch. He will be happy to see your , but he won’t worry while you are away Comparable to the anxious and sensitive Pug who is averse to being left alone. Labradors make a great choice if you’re looking for a more relaxed dog that is less dependent.
Exercise
This is the biggest difference between these two breeds. Labradors are athletic dogs with lots of energy. He needs at least 60 minutes of exercise every day to be healthy and happy. But Pugs only need around 30 minutes of exercise a day.
The Lab’s exercise should be more intense in order to get his heart rate up. To avoid him being overexercised, the Pug should exercise in a steady pace. You should be aware of his flat face as it can lead to breathing problems and excessive heat.
Labradors are intelligent dogs and require more mental stimulation during the day. He’ll be frustrated and destructive otherwise. You should provide lots of interactive toys for your Pugs and challenging dog toys! Pugs require mental stimulation all day but are happy to spend most of their day in your lap.
Training
Training is another big difference between them. The Lab is a popular choice for assistance dogs. It’s partly because the Lab is affectionate and loving. But, it’s also because he’s intelligent and well-balanced. The Lab is a great dog trainer . He will make your pet a loyal and happy pooch in no time. This makes him a great choice for dog owners who are just starting out.
And then there’s the Pug. This little chap is an independent (ahem, stubborn!) This dog likes to believe he knows best. training a Pug can be difficult , for new dog owners. The Pug is not the best choice if you are looking for a dog that will be completely obedient. You will need to be able to train them and have some knowledge about dog training. Although some would describe him as a dumb breed, he’s more stubborn than he is dumb.
All dogs must be socialized as well as puppies ,. This applies to both breeds. They’ll become withdrawn and unconfident dogs. It’s a great way to socialize them, take them to the local dog park and let them interact with other dogs. Make sure your Pug isn’t too big for his boots!
Both breeds respond well to positive reinforcement . Both breeds are motivated by tasty treats so make sure to use them to your advantage in training. You shouldn’t do too much, as their eyes are bigger than their stomachs. If you think the Pug is winning the contest for your next pup, you need to do a little research into small dog syndrome. You should reward the Pug for good behavior and not for bad behavior. This will cause problems.
Health
The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed. He will have his share of health issues, as with all dog breeds. Pugs are more likely to have health issues that Labs. Poorer health can be a difficult thing for all members of the family. It can also lead to more expensive problems. If you’re thinking of getting a Pug, this should be taken into consideration.
Like many large dogs, the Labrador is predisposed hip or elbow dysplasia .. This is often caused by rapid bone growth and/or genetic inheritance. Eye conditions are the second most frequent concern for Lab personnel. Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) are the most common. Lab breeders are also concerned about exercise-induced collapse. Many of them perform a DNA test to confirm this.
Pugs can also be prone to patella luxation and hip dysplasia. Pugs are susceptible to many eye problems ,, including PRA and cataracts. They may also be susceptible to dry eyes and corneal ulcers. Because his eyes protrude from the face, they are also more susceptible to eye injuries. Pug dog encephalitis is a neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system, which is eventually fatal.
Finally, the flat-faced brachycephalic syndrome plays a key difference between the health of these two breeds. The flat face can cause breathing problems in the Pug. This is why Pug owners should have a harness. It can also cause heat regulation problems, so he should not exercise as much and avoid hot climates .. This is not a problem for the Lab.
Nutrition
Another important difference between the two breeds are their dietary habits. The Pug, a smaller pup, needs less food than the Lab. The monthly food bill will therefore be lower.
Pugs can eat approximately one-to one-and-a half cups of food each day. The Lab will consume between two to four cups per day, depending on their size. The Pug will eat dog food designed for small breeds, and the Lab will need dog food for large breeds.
Both dog breeds are equally greedy ,, so make sure to not over-feed them. Also, keep toxic and human foods away from them. If you find that they are piling on the weight more than they should be, switch them to a weight management kibble. Get them moving! These guys are very obese so don’t let that get to you.
Grooming
Both dogs have high-maintenance grooming ,, but Pugs are more meticulous. The Labrador is a heavy shedder. The Labrador needs to be brushed two to three times per week throughout the year, and daily during shedding seasons. The best tool for Lab work is a de-shedding brush. The Lab has more hair than normal, so it will take longer to groom him.
The Pug also sheds, but not quite as much as the Lab, plus there’s less hair to deal with. He requires brushing at least once a week, and perhaps more during shedding seasons. The Pug’s skin can be more sensitive than that of Labs and his skin may need extra, sometimes daily, brushing. Because the Pug has a smaller mouth, he requires more frequent brushing than Labs. Because he isn’t as active, his nails will also need to be trimmed more often.
The Lab is a water baby so bath time is something he will enjoy more than Pugs. However, Pugs also love being pampered. Both should be bathed once a month . When bathing the Pug, always use a shampoo designed for dogs with sensitive skin. Concentrated doggy shampoos will penetrate the Lab’s thicker coat.
Puppy Price
Prices for both purebred dogs starts at right around $1,000. Because pugs are less common than Labradors there are fewer reliable breeders. Pugs can be hard to breed, so it is important to give extra attention and care.
It is important to work with a responsible and reputable breeder These dogs are purebred and AKC registered breeders make a great choice. You should never work with unreliable breeders or people you don’t trust because you could end up with a sick pup.
The lifetime costs of both breeds are not significantly different. The Lab is larger, requires more food and has a higher price for products. However, the Pug’s health issues often increase the cost.
Final Thoughts
These two dogs are quite different breeds. While they share some similarities, both breeds need to have the right families to meet their individual needs HTML1. Labradors need to be paired with active families who have a bigger home. Because he is so small, the Pug does not require as much exercise as Labradors and can live happily in smaller apartments.
They both enjoy snuggling with their families and are confident dogs that command attention. The Pug is a great watchdog. He can easily fit on your lap . The Lab can also be laid on your lap but is more independent and will not need to be supervised. You need to be aware of the Pug’s health. They are both wonderful canines that are well-suited for family life. It’s up to you to decide whether Team Pug or Team Lab.