12 Dog Breeds That Look Like Pugs

With their wrinkled faces, compact bodies and lively personalities, pugs are one of the most distinctive and popular dog breeds today. Currently ranked as the 28th most popular breed by the American Kennel Club, these "shadows" of Chinese emperors have charmed owners for centuries with their big hearts in small bodies.

But pugs aren‘t the only breed with an adorably squashed face and fun-loving nature. If you adore the pug look but are open to exploring some similar breeds, you‘re in luck! Here are 12 dogs that share some key traits with pugs, each with their own unique charms.

Pug-Sized Pals

These petite pooches all weigh under 20 pounds, making them great picks for apartment dwellers or those wanting a compact canine companion.

French Bulldog

The ever-popular Frenchie shares the pug‘s smushed face, compact body, and affectionate nature. However, their signature "bat ears" and range of coat colors set them apart. Frenchies currently rank as the 2nd most popular breed in the US.

Brussels Griffon

These pint-sized pals have flatter faces than pugs, with a beard and mustache adding to their old man appearance. But don‘t let looks fool you – they are lively and full of personality. Brussels Griffons come in smooth or rough coated varieties.

Pekingese

Another Chinese breed, the Pekingese was also a royal lapdog. They have a longer, shaggier coat than the pug and a flatter face, but share a solid, heavy-boned body. Pekingese are dignified and can be aloof with strangers.

Japanese Chin

Believed to have been gifted to Japanese nobility from Korea, these silky-coated charmers share the pug‘s large eyes and lively nature. However, they are slighter in build and have a more moderate muzzle. Japanese Chins are known for their catlike agility.

Shih Tzu

The "Lion Dog" of China has a longer, silkier coat than the pug but shares their soulful expression and solid body. Shih Tzu are slightly lighter-boned and longer in body. They are known for their friendly, trusting nature.

Medium-Sized Pug Lookalikes

For those wanting a somewhat larger dog with pug-like features, these 20-50 pound pooches may be the perfect fit.

Boston Terrier

Nicknamed "The American Gentleman", the Boston Terrier shares the pug‘s tuxedo markings, smushed face and fun-loving nature in a slightly taller, more athletic package. They are known for their intelligence and eager-to-please attitude.

English Bulldog

The bigger bulldog cousin of the pug, English Bulldogs have the same wrinkled brows and pushed-in nose. But they are heavier-boned and more muscular, with a broader chest. English Bulldogs are known for their calm, courageous demeanor.

French Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux)

One of the largest pug-like breeds at up to 150 pounds, the French Mastiff shares their wrinkled brow, short muzzle and stocky build on a much more massive scale. They are powerful yet affectionate dogs known for their guarding abilities.

Pug Personality in Other Packages

While they may not be wrinkly or brachycephalic, these breeds share some of the pug‘s most endearing personality traits, including their playfulness and love of people.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The gentle, graceful Cavalier is a good choice for those drawn to the pug‘s affectionate nature but wanting a longer-nosed lapdog. These silky spaniels share the pug‘s adaptability and eagerness to please. Cavaliers are known for their sweet, friendly expression.

Bichon Frise

This merry, fluffy white breed shares the pug‘s comedic personality and love of attention. However, they are lighter-boned and have a more moderate muzzle. Bichons are hypoallergenic and don‘t shed, making them popular with allergy sufferers.

Havanese

Cuba‘s only native breed is another cheerful charmer who shares the pug‘s adaptability and affinity for clowning around. But Havanese have longer noses, a silkier coat, and are less prone to weight gain than pugs. They are known for their springy gait and love of performing tricks.

Tibetan Spaniel

Dubbed the "Little Lions" by Tibetan monks, Tibetan Spaniels share the pug‘s keen alertness and loyal attachment to their owners in a longer-nosed, less wrinkled package. They can be aloof with strangers but are playful and affectionate at home.

Choosing the Right Pug-Like Dog For You

As you can see, there are many delightful breeds that share key pug traits while also having their own unique characteristics. To pick the best match, consider your lifestyle and what you value most in a canine companion.

Do you adore the pug‘s wrinkles and want a dog that will be mistaken for one? Compact Frenchies, Pekingese or Brussels Griffons may be your best bet. Is it the pug‘s clownish, outgoing personality that most appeals to you? Look into merry, less brachycephalic breeds like the Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Havanese.

Of course, all of the breeds covered here can make wonderful companions for the right owner. Whichever adorable face you choose, you‘ll be sure to enjoy many fun, affectionate moments together. Just remember that like pugs, many of these breeds have some special grooming, training and veterinary needs. Be sure to research breeders carefully and find a canine partner that will thrive with your family for years to come.