Which is better, a Beagle or a Pug? Let's compare these breeds’ temperament, physical traits, health issues, and other essential factors to help you decide. With this in-depth article, you can choose the best pet for you and your family.
Which is better, Beagle or Pug? Both dogs are small breeds and make great family companions. Whichever breed you choose, you will get a loveable and friendly pet. Other than these traits, these two breeds are quite different.
The Pug has its origin in China. Eventually, it was brought to Europe in the 1500s when trade between the two began. Pugs were introduced to America after the Civil War. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885.
Beagles have their origin in England. They were initially meant to track small game animals like hares. However, they are bred today in America as family companions, not necessarily as scent hounds.
Here is a comparison that puts the Beagle vs Pug to rest and helps you decide which breed suits your needs.
| Beagles | Pugs | |
|---|---|---|
| Origins | England | China |
| Lifespan | 10 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Height | 12 to 18 inches | 12 to 14 inches |
| Weight | 25 pounds | 20 pounds |
| Physical Traits | Muscular, elongated ears, pointy nose | Deeply wrinkled face, short curly tail, snub nose |
| Coat | Black, white, tan | Fawn, apricot, black |
| Brushing | Sheds more in spring | Sheds more in summer |
| Bathing | 2 - 3 times a month | 2 - 3 times a month |
| Ears and Wrinkles | Check and dry after every bath | Clean or wipe whenever they get wet |
| Dental Care | Requires regular brushing | Requires regular brushing |
| Costs | $800+ | $600+$1500 |
| Maintenance | Requires more maintenance | Requires less maintenance |
| Barking | Barks a lot | Doesn't bark much |
| Temperament | Highly energetic | Lazy |
| Activity Level | At least one hour of exercise daily | At least 30 minutes of exercise daily |
| Training | Stubborn | Takes time to learn |
| Intelligence | Not very intelligent | Not very intelligent |
| Guard Dog | Below average | Below average |
Who wants to lose their animal friend early in life? Any dog lover dreads the day their dog leaves the world. Lifespan is an essential factor when trying to choose between two breeds. Whether you opt for a Beagle or a Pug, the lifespan of either of these two incredible dogs is more than a decade.
If you want a dog with a longer life span, then the Beagle is your best option.
Some factors can contribute to your dog dying before its time, including poor nutrition, lifestyle, and genetics. A Pug will live for 12 to 15 years on average. A Beagle’s life span is more prolonged at an average of 10 to 15 years.
Do you like large dogs that you can cuddle up to or pocket-sized dogs that are easier to handle?
While adult Beagles can weigh up to 25 pounds, adult Pugs only weigh a maximum of 20 pounds. Pugs can further reach up to 10 to 14 inches in height. Beagles can grow up to 12 to 18 inches tall.
When comparing Beagle vs Pug, a Pug is smaller in terms of its height and weight.
Size is quite a determinant in choosing a pet, especially if you live in an apartment or condo. The sizes of either of these two animals should not be a problem.
You can easily tell these two dogs apart. Both pets are cute and have signature looks that make them favorites among pet owners.
Beagles are a bit more muscular with domed skulls. The ears are extended while the nose is pointier than that of a Pug.
Beagles have big brown eyes that are nothing short of adorable. A Beagle will carry its long tail high with a lot of pride.
The Pug’s face is deeply wrinkled, especially around its big dark eyes. It is often said to resemble a human fist. Pugs are said to be “a lot of animal occupying a small space” due to their stocky bodies and large, round heads.
They also possess short, curly tails and a snub nose. A Pug’s ears are smaller than a Beagle’s and not as dangly.
It’s up to you to decide which you prefer: the floppy ears of a Beagle or the smooshy face of a Pug.
Pugs come mostly in fawn, apricot, or black. These dogs usually have a uniformly colored coat, with darker noses and ears. Beagles have earth-toned hounding colors; black, white, and tan. These colors usually come together in a striking pattern.
Both animals have double coats with short fur. However, they have different markings and colors.
Which do you think looks better, the tri-colored Beagle or the more predictably colored Pug?
In a Beagle vs Pug comparison, Pugs shed more profusely in summer while Beagles shed more in spring. Brushing around these seasons should be done daily to control shedding.
You need to invest in an excellent brush to maintain the coats of either of these two breeds. A good vacuum cleaner is also a must-have for your home. Introduce brushing when your pet is young.
Depending on your lifestyle, bathing can be done twice or thrice a month.
However, if you compare Beagle vs Pug, Beagles may need more frequent baths as they are more active than Pugs. Since both Beagles and Pugs are small, you can comfortably bathe them in a sink.
A wise pet owner knows that owning a pet comes with grooming responsibilities.
Check the inside of your Beagle’s ears regularly, ensure that you dry them up after every bath.
While a Beagle’s ears require special attention, a Pug’s facial wrinkles also need special care since they are bacterial hotspots.
Clean your Pug’s folds thoroughly and dry them up after every bath or whenever it gets wet.
You can use cotton balls or wipes to clean the wrinkles when your pet is not scheduled to have a bath.
Dental hygiene is vital for the two pets. Brush the teeth of your Beagle or Pug regularly with dog toothpaste to reduce the chances of gum diseases.
Both Pugs and Beagles are relatively economical. The cost may vary depending on the breeder and the location. Let’s do a Beagle vs. Pug cost comparison.
On the higher side, a Beagle with a superior lineage can go for $1,500. Beagles with exceptional breed lines can go for up to $5,000. Do not be alarmed. On average, a purebred Beagle goes for $800 or more. The price varies depending on the location and breeder.
Pugs are cheaper than Beagles. The price is not standard as it varies from place to place. Expect to pay between $600 and $1,500 for this breed. A Pug with superior lineage will cost you anything between $1,900 and $5,000.
You can, however, adopt a Pug from a shelter at a lower price. The same goes for the Beagle. You will not only be saving money but offering a home, love, and protection to a beautiful animal that is in need.
Owning a puppy means making financial decisions about its care.
When it comes to maintenance, it is pretty easy to take care of either of these pets. It is easy to groom them as it doesn’t require expensive brushes. The brushes are also readily available.
Both are not high-maintenance dogs.
You will need to buy toys for your Beagle. It is active and can’t stand boredom. On the other hand, Pugs are known to sleep a lot, and even when they are awake, they keep a low profile.
Size-wise, both pets will fit into your apartment. However, a Beagle will need a lot of attention, from daily walks to playing time. In contrast, a Pug cannot be outdoors for long.
If we compare our two pets, Beagles need higher maintenance when compared to pugs.
You should never get a Beagle if you are not comfortable with noises. If you live in an apartment, a Beagle will give you problems with the neighbors.
For starters, Beagles can be quite loud. They bark, bay, and howl. When they are bored, hungry, or need attention, Beagles will bark at the top of their voices.
On the other hand, Pugs are quieter. They are best suited for apartments. If barking determines your choice, go ahead and get a Pug.
Pugs bark less. Even they do, they are not loud.
There is a clear difference between these two animals when it comes to how they vocalize.
Temperament can be a significant determining factor for two pets that are bred for different reasons and purposes.
If you are a family that enjoys chilling, a lap dog like a Pug is what you need. If your family is the active one, let a Beagle complete you.
Beagles were initially hounding animals. Today, they are kept as companions but remain full of energy. They are loveable and sociable. A Beagle always wants to play, go out, and chase scents. If you lock it up, it will attempt to escape. They make great family pets.
Pugs are lap dogs. This means that they crave being petted. A Pug will sit on your lap for as long as you want. The cute little pet does not ask for much. Your Pug will also follow you through the house because it loves to be around people. They are meek unless provoked.
Beagle vs Pug, who is healthier? A Beagle is healthier than a Pug.
Beagles are prone to a unique condition called Chinese Beagle Syndrome, where the skull grows bigger than average. Other health conditions include glaucoma, cherry eye, and hip dysplasia.
Pugs are brachycephalic. They have short snouts that make them prone to breathing problems. For this reason, ensure your Pug is not exerting itself for too long. This is especially true in the summer when the heat makes it more difficult for Pugs to breathe.
This breed is also known for a neurological condition called Pug Dog Encephalitis, which causes seizures, blindness, and death. Some Pugs are also epileptic.
Both Beagles and Pugs are generally healthy, but they may be vulnerable to breed-specific illnesses. If you devote yourself to taking care of your pet, you will avoid a lot of health issues.
Conduct regular checkups with the vet. Make sure you know the medical history of your animal friend after you have picked it up from the breeder.
Beagle vs Pug, who is more active?
Go for a Pug if you are the sedentary and indoors type. Go for a Beagle dog if you love the outdoors.
Beagles need at least an hour of exercise daily. They love to be outside, and when bored, they won’t give you peace until you let them out. Why? They are bred to be out there chasing scents.
Pugs are the less active type. You should, however, take them out daily and give them exercises for at least 30 minutes for their well-being. A Pug will not ask you to take it outside the house. Your pet will comfortably tuck into your couch for hours.
However, don’t let your Pug stay out for long. Remember its small snout? You don’t want to rush it to the vet shortly after an intense walk.
Keep in mind that both breeds are stubborn. They won’t give you an easy time when trying to train them to adopt a particular behavior. But if you start training your dogs young, they turn out great.
With patience and persistence, both Beagles and Pugs respond well to training.
Remember also always to reward good behavior as a training mechanism. Use treats and praises.
When it comes to Beagle vs Pug, both aren’t extremely intelligent. However, they can both understand simple commands and gestures.
If you need a guard dog, skip both breeds.
Both the Pug and the Beagle are too friendly and small to intimidate an intruder.
They will alert you if they sense someone entering your home, but those noises may be happy barks of welcome. Don’t expect either pet to issue threatening growls that will drive off a potential thief.
Puggles are popular because of their good looks and cute personalities. They enjoy barking but do get along with their caregivers well.
A cross between a Pug and a Beagle is called a Puggle.
From a Pug parent, a Puggle will mostly take after the wrinkles. From a Beagle parent, a Puggle will take after the ears, long nose, and a long tail.
Puggles are mostly bred to achieve the best of both worlds. Imagine a Pug and a Beagle in one pet. Puggles are active and playful. They also crave attention and get along with humans and other dogs alike.
Fun Fact: Around 1740, Roman Catholics formed a secret organization and named it “The Order of the Pug.” Pugs are loyal and trustworthy, and for this, they chose Pug as their symbol.
Pugs were treated like royalty for the longest time. In China, emperors bestowed luxury mini palaces and guards to their pet Pugs. A line of Pugs called Morrison was founded upon the royal dogs of Queen Charlotte of England.
Beagle vs Pug, which is better?
Both can be great options, depending on your lifestyle preference. You can choose between an active Beagle or a laidback Pug.
This side-by-side Beagle vs. Pug comparison should help you select the best option for your family. A pet is like a child. It takes time, energy, effort, care, and finances for a pet to be happy and live right.
Are Beagles good with Pugs? If you decide to go for both pets, be assured that they will get along just fine.
A digital marketing expert by profession, Andrews is a gifted writer and animal lover at heart. A self-confessed "pawrent", Andrews is well-versed in all things dogs. He uses his years of experience of raising puppies into show-quality dogs to help guide first-time pet parents. He believes in spreading the joy that comes with being a dog dad and advocates more families to adopt pets.
