The French Bulldog Pug mix is a small mixed-breed dog with an adorable face and disposition. They generally have a relaxed nature and are portable enough to pick up and carry for the average person. What the “Frug” lacks in size, it makes up for in personality! These dogs are known to be expressive, with a zest for life and quite affection. They’re also crafty and conniving, so keep a close eye on yours!
French Bulldog Pitbull Mix – At a Glance
| Weight: | 14–28 pounds |
| Height: | 10–13 inches |
| Lifespan: | 9–15 years |
| Coat colours: | Fawn, black, brindle, white, cream, or a mixture. |
| Temperament: | Friendly, affectionate, playful, intelligent, loyal. |
| Suitable for: | Families with or without children, single individuals and the elderly. |
What Does a French Bulldog Pug Mix Look Like?
As with any designer breed, you can expect your Frenchie Pug to adopt its physical appearance from both parent breeds. Given that there’s not a lot of difference between a French Bulldog and a Pug, at least in terms of shape, average size, and facial features, you might be forgiven for not noticing the differences!
Photo: Instagram
Your French Bulldog Pug mix will likely have short to medium-length fur; they may also have a flat nose, like their Pug ancestors. Their coat color can range from cream to brindle coat. You can expect your Frenchie Pug to be short-statured and have a round belly. “Tubby,” might be a word you’d use to describe the Frenchie Pug.
They may also have either ears that stand up, like their Bulldog parent, or ears that are cropped and set-back, like their Pug parent.
The History of the French Bulldog Pug Mix
Like most mixed-breed dogs, the French Bulldog Pug mix has obscure origins, though is thought to have originated in the United States sometime between 1990 and 2000, when the mixed-breed dog craze was at its peak.
The “Frenchie Pug” is a cross between the French Bulldog and Pug mix – to learn more about it, we’ll examine the history, temperaments, and popularity of its parent breeds to understand why anyone would create a Frenchie Pug!
The History of the Pug
The Pug is an ancient dog breed that dates back to the Chinese Dynasties, where Pugs were bred as companion pets for Chinese Emperors and nobility. The brachycephalic breed dates back to 400 B.C., spending the next 1200 years as companions for various strata of Chinese society.
In the 16th century, Pugs were brought to Europe as part of newly-established trade routes between Asia and Europe. Once again, Pugs found favor with regal households, with the Pug becoming one of the most popular breeds with the House of Orange.
In 1688, a Pug would follow the House of Orange’s Mary III and William III as they left the Netherlands to take the English throne. It is thought to have been crossbred with a King Charles Spaniel during this time, giving it its pug-like appearance.
The humble pug would soon become a firm family pet in England in the latter centuries before arriving in America in the late 19th century.
How Popular Are Pugs?
The Pug would first be a show dog in the United States and a faithful companion pet. Pugs are often seen as exotic breeds because of their unique appearance. They’re a very popular dog breed in the United States and ranked 33rd in the American Kennel Club’s popularity rankings in 2021.
Who Are Pugs a Good Dog For?
Pugs have long been a firm favorite among almost any family unit. This is due to their size and low-maintenance nature – Pugs tend to have low energy levels and minimal exercise requirements. Though they can present health issues – namely breathing issues – they tend to live long lives and are faithful and loving companions throughout.
How Did Pugs Come About?
Pugs have been a part of canine history since 400 B.C., making them one of the world’s oldest dog breeds. The small, short-haired tubby dog has a long history as a companion pet of the wealthy – from the Chinese emperors of their origins to the royal courts of Europe.
Since the 19th century, Pugs have been a hit among North American families, making waves and growing in popularity. Cute, flat-faced dogs (like the Pug) with calm dispositions are a hot commodity in America’s small-dog market.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Pug?
The crossbreeding history of the Pug can be said to have begun with its crossbreeding with a King Charles Spaniel, as mentioned above. However, its modern crossbreeding history is a little few and far between. Due to the Pug’s health issues, many will avoid crossing the Pug with other dogs.
However, those who have crossbred the Pug, like those who bred the Bulldog Pug, generally create an adorable little dog. It’s thought that this crossbreeding began in the 1990s and early 2000s, as crossbreeding peaked in popularity in the U.S.
The History of the French Bulldog
The French Bulldog did not originate in France! Despite the name, the French Bulldog was originally bred in England from miniature Bulldogs. Some people who owned these Miniature Bulldogs from the town of Nottingham worked in lace factories and left England for France in the mid-19th century. They settled in Paris and brought their dogs with them.
This Miniature Bulldog soon became crossed with Parisian Ratters. This cross was thought of as a breed of its own and earned the name “Bouledogue Francais” – or “French Bulldog.”
The French Bulldog would only appear in America in 1885, and was mostly used to set up an American-based breeding program to proliferate the French Bulldog in the New World.
How Popular Are French Bulldogs?
The French Bulldog gained huge popularity in the United States only 20 years after its introduction. In 1906, the American Kennel Club formally recognized the French Bulldog and ranked it as America’s fifth most-popular dog.
Over a hundred years removed from its introduction, the French Bulldog still pulls in fantastic popularity figures. It’s a breed with tons of fans, as illustrated by placing second in the AKC’s popularity rankings for 2021.
Who Are French Bulldogs a Good Dog For?
Like their short-legged compatriots, the French Bulldog is a great dog for almost any family. They’re a slightly more active dog breed than the Pug, though they don’t tend to suffer from Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), which causes the Pug to have noisy breathing and can affect its quality of life.
French Bulldogs have been favored as pets among many people, from single individuals to elderly couples and families, mostly due to their size and low-maintenance nature.
How Did French Bulldogs Come About?
French Bulldogs were originally bred in England but were transported to France during the Industrial Revolution by lacemakers in Nottingham, who moved and settled in Paris. Over time, the Miniature Bulldog was crossbred with Parisian Ratters, and became the “Bouledogue Francais” or “French Bulldog.”
When Did First Cross-Breed The French Bulldog?
The initial crossbreeding of the French Bulldog happened almost immediately upon its arrival in Paris with Nottingham’s finest lacemakers. The Parisians bred the Miniature Bulldog to the Parisian Ratters, likely attempting to take some of the French Bulldog’s physical attributes and incorporate them into their existing Parisian rat dogs.
Other crossbreeds of the French Bulldog may happen by accident or by popular design. Given the popularity of the French Bulldog, it’s not hard to see the appeal of a French Bulldog combination. Mixing the French Bulldog with another breed may be seen as an antidote to some medical issues or behavioral issues that some pet parents experience.
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
One of the most important elements of owning a dog is understanding its temperament. Before you consider purchasing or adopting a dog, understand that dogs have a wide range of temperaments, and mixed breeds, in particular, can be difficult to understand their likely temperament.
Doing adequate research for extended periods of time is the best way to prepare yourself to adopt a dog. While you cannot guarantee success, understanding your dog’s temperament can go a long way in forming a meaningful bond.
What is the Temperament of the French Bulldog Pug Mix?
Luckily for most owners, the French Bulldog Pug mix is a very even-tempered dog. Both French Bulldogs and Pugs are very affectionate and loyal to their owners, with a slight standoffishness toward strangers. They’re also a very intelligent crossbreed with a playful nature. Expect the unexpected from your full-grown Frenchie Pug.
Is The French Bulldog Pug Mix Friendly?
In general, you’ll find that the French Bulldog Pug mix is very friendly! They can be attention seekers, and their standoffishness can sometimes come from a guard dog instinct.
Is The French Bulldog Pug Mix Easy to Train?
Despite their sometimes stubborn Pug genes, you may find your Bulldog Pug easier to train than you’d think! Positive reinforcement via treats and persistence go a long way.
How Much Can A French Bulldog Pug Mix Weigh?
The Bulldog Pug can weigh between 14 and 28 pounds.
How Tall Can A French Bulldog Pug Mix Get?
The average height of a French Bulldog Pug mix is between 10 and 13 inches tall.
Similar Sized Breeds
There are a few similar sized breeds to the French Bulldog Pug. These include the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, the Bichon Frise, the Beagle and the Boston Terrier.
Does the French Bulldog Pug Mix Shed?
While being a short haired dog, the French Bulldog Pug mix is a low-shedding, though they are not hypoallergenic and aren’t suitable for owners with allergies.
How Much Exercise Does A French Bulldog Pug Mix Require?
While your French Bulldog Pug can’t be expected to run a marathon, it will still require about 45 minutes of exercise each day. Though beware of the breathing difficulties sometimes experienced by Pug mixes.
How Long Can a French Bulldog Pug Mix Live?
The average lifespan of a French Bulldog Pug mix is between 9 and 15 years.
What Health Conditions Could the French Bulldog Pug Mix Have?
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS – Causes breathing difficulties)
- Atopic dermatitis (skin allergies)
- Entropion (eye condition)
- Obesity
How Can You Find a French Bulldog Pug Mix Puppy For Sale?
Finding a French Bulldog Pug mix isn’t very difficult – luckily these two breeds are often a popular cross, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find a Bulldog Pug mix for sale. However, before you go down the route of purchasing a dog – have you considered adoption?
Thousands of dogs languish in shelters for months and years. We strongly suggest that you consider adopting a Frenchie Pug, before you go through a breeder.
You can check your local vet clinic, or animal shelter. You can also look locally online, at AdoptAPet.com.
How Much Does a French Bulldog Pug Mix Puppy Cost?
The average cost of a French Bulldog Pug mix puppy is between $1000 and $2000! Another reason to consider adoption first.
If all else fails, and you’d prefer to buy your Frenchie Pug, be sure to read our article on breeders before venturing down that road.
Is the French Bulldog Pug Mix the Right Breed For You?
The French Bulldog Pug mix is a wonderful choice for anyone looking for a small companion dog, who’s lovable and cheeky, with a bright and happy personality – and a funny face – to either become a part of a family unit, or as a pet for their elderly relatives.