11 Dogs Like Pugs: Small, Loving Breeds to Adopt

Pugs have a way of winning people over quickly. Their wrinkly faces, goofy personalities, and affectionate nature make them hard to resist. But while Pugs are a great fit for some households, they’re not right for everyone. Taking the time to research Pugs — as well as other breeds — before adopting them can help you find a dog who truly fits your lifestyle and expectations. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up several breeds similar to Pugs.

These dogs — and plenty of mixed-breed pups in shelters — offer many of the same lovable traits. But they do offer meaningful differences in energy level, care needs, or health considerations that may make them a better match for your lifestyle.

Find your new best friend by browsing Adopt a Pet or visiting local shelters and rescues to meet adoptable pups.

Main takeaways

• Although the French Bulldog and Boston Terrier are the most well-known look-alikes, breeds such as the Japanese Chin and Brussels Griffon share the Pug’s intense Velcro dog loyalty.

• Most Pug-like breeds are brachycephalic (flat-faced), meaning they require specific care in hot weather and a careful eye on their respiratory health.

• Adopting an adult Pug mix is a great way to find a dog with a predictable, calm personality while potentially avoiding some of the health extremes of purebred lines.

• These breeds are often affectionately referred to as “clowns” or “shadows” because they thrive on human interaction and have joyful, fun-loving approaches to family life.

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What makes a dog Pug-like?

Pugs were originally bred in ancient China as companion animals and lapdogs for emperors and noble families. Today, that companion role still defines them, except now, they’re happily curled up in the laps of everyday pet parents.

Here are some basics about Pugs.

• Height: 10 to 13 inches

• Weight: 14 to 18 pounds

• Coat: Short and smooth, with low grooming needs but relatively high shedding

• Temperament: Playful, goofy, mischievous, friendly, and affectionate

• Lifespan: 13 to 15 years

So what makes a dog “Pug-like”? It’s usually a combination of appearance and personality. Here are the top traits. 

Small and compact

Pug-like dogs are typically toy to small in size, with sturdy, compact builds. Their smaller size makes them well-suited for apartments or homes with limited space.

Affectionate temperament

These dogs are naturally warm, loving, and people-oriented. They usually enjoy cuddling, attention, and being part of everyday activities.

Velcro-dog personality

Many Pug-like breeds are quintessential Velcro dogs, forming very strong attachments with their people and following them from room to room. Because they bond deeply with their people, they don’t enjoy being left alone for long periods.

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Looking for a devoted dog? These breeds and mixes won’t let you out of their sight.

Playful and expressive

Pug-like dogs are often described as goofy, clownish, charming, and full of personality. They bring a light, fun-loving energy to the home and tend to be very expressive.

Low to moderate energy needs

These dogs generally have low to moderate energy. Although they don’t need intense exercise, they still require short daily walks, playtime, and mental engagement to stay happy and healthy. 

Good with children and other dogs 

Many Pug-like breeds are gentle, social, and patient with children and other dogs, making them great fits for families with kids. 

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Flat-faced features

Pugs (and many similar breeds) are brachycephalic, meaning they have shortened, flat-faced skulls. While this gives them their signature “smooshed face” appearance, it can cause breathing issues (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) and heat sensitivity. Because of this, flat-faced dogs should be kept cool and avoid strenuous activity, especially in warm weather.

Brachycephalic breeds also tend to have facial wrinkles that must be kept clean and dry. Otherwise, moisture and debris can become trapped in the folds, leading to irritation or infection. 

For some pet parents, managing these issues is a small price to pay for a wonderful dog. Others may prefer a dog without a flat face or with less extreme features. 

Dog breeds similar to Pugs

Let’s take a look at several dog breeds who share one or more of the Pug’s key traits.

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1. French Bulldog

Pugs and French Bulldogs (aka Frenchies) have a lot in common, including their small size, affectionate personalities, and flat faces, which put them at higher risk for breathing issues.

In terms of differences, Frenchies typically have fewer facial wrinkles, which means less maintenance. Frenchie mixes also tend to be bigger, have more muscle, shed less, and be a bit more laid-back.

Traits

• Height: 11 to 13 inches

• Weight: 16 to 28 pounds

• Best for: Pet parents looking for a Pug-like dog who sheds less and is a bit more laid-back

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2. Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers share the Pug’s compact size and affectionate, loyal, and social nature. However, they tend to be bigger, more athletic, and energetic. Although Boston Terriers are also a flat-faced breed, their features are less extreme, so they typically have fewer breathing issues.

Traits

• Height: 15 to 17 inches

• Weight: 12 to 25 pounds

• Best for: Pet parents who want a Pug-like dog with a bit more energy and athleticism, with fewer breathing concerns

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3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Both Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Pugs are affectionate, social breeds of similar size who love the lapdog life. As with Pugs, Cavaliers are flat-faced — however, their less extreme facial structure reduces their risks of breathing issues. That said, Cavaliers are at high risk for heart disease (specifically, mitral valve disease).

Cavaliers’ long, silky coats need regular grooming, while Pugs’ coats are short and easy to care for. Cavaliers are generally more laid-back, while Pugs are more playful and mischievous.

Traits

• Height: 12 to 13 inches

• Weight: 13 to 18 pounds

• Best for: Pet parents seeking a Pug-like dog with a more laid-back temperament and a longer coat

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4. Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon and Pug are related breeds with similar traits. Both form strong bonds with people, have big personalities, and are known for large, expressive eyes. While also flat-faced, Brussels Griffons have less extreme features and usually fewer breathing issues.

Brussels Griffons are also typically shorter, lighter, and less wrinkled than Pugs. They may have either a wiry or smooth coat — ranging from short to medium in length.

Traits

• Height: 7 to 10 inches

• Weight: 8 to 12 pounds

• Best for: Pet parents who want a Pug-like dog with fewer breathing issues

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5. Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin is another small, affectionate, flat-faced breed from ancient Asia. As with Pugs, the majority experience breathing concerns to some degree. 

Compared to Pugs, Japanese Chins tend to be smaller, have soft, medium-length coats, and fewer facial wrinkles. They’re often quieter and more cat-like in their behavior, preferring to lounge and observe. Chins are also typically a bit less trainable than Pugs and may not be as tolerant of children.

Traits

• Height: 8 to 11 inches

• Weight: 7 to 11 pounds

• Best for: Pet parents looking for a smaller, more independent Pug-like dog with a longer coat

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6. Pekingese

As with Pugs, Pekingese were originally bred as companion animals for China’s ruling class. These affectionate, loyal dogs also have a high risk of breathing issues due to their flat faces.

In terms of differences, Pekingese have long, double coats that require regular grooming. They also tend to be more independent, dignified, and less tolerant of children and other dogs.

Traits

• Height: 6 to 9 inches

• Weight: Up to 14 pounds

• Best for: Pet parents seeking a smaller, more independent Pug-like dog with a longer coat

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7. English Bulldog

Pugs and English Bulldogs are both affectionate, flat-faced breeds with lots of facial wrinkles, requiring careful heat management and regular cleaning. Pugs are considerably smaller, more energetic, and more mischievous, while English Bulldogs are larger, more muscular, and notoriously laid-back.

Traits

• Height: 14 to 15 inches

• Weight: 40 to 50 pounds

• Best for: Pet parents looking for a Pug-like dog who is larger and exceptionally easygoing

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8. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus and Pugs are affectionate, people-loving dogs. Although they both get along with most people, they differ in several ways. Shih Tzus have less extreme flat faces, so they usually have fewer breathing problems. They are also typically more refined, calm, and lower shedding. But they do require frequent grooming for their long, double coat.

Traits

• Height: 9 to 10.5 inches

• Weight: 9 to 16 pounds

• Best for: Pet parents who want a long-haired, Pug-like dog who’s a bit calmer and more refined

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9. Affenpinscher

Originally bred to hunt rats and mice in stables, Affenpinschers eventually charmed their way into homes thanks to their playful antics and big personalities. Like Pugs, they’re small, flat-faced dogs. However, they tend to have a lower risk of breathing issues. Affenpinschers are also typically more fearless and active than Pugs, and are often described as human-like in their expressions and behavior. 

Traits

• Height: 9 to 11.5 inches

• Weight: 7 to 10 pounds

• Best for: Pet parents who want a fearless Pug-like dog with a lower risk of breathing issues

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10. Tibetan Spaniel

Like Pugs, Tibetan Spaniels are affectionate companion dogs who form close bonds with their people. They’re known for their silky, medium-length coats and a distinctive “lion’s mane” around their necks. Compared to Pugs, they tend to be more alert, agile, and independent, often acting on their own whims.

Traits

• Height: 10 inches

• Weight: 9 to 15 pounds

• Best for: Pet parents who want a Pug-like dog who is more agile and a bit more independent 

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11. Pug mixes

Many Pug mixes can be found in shelters and rescues. Common examples include “Puggles” (a Pug and Beagle mix) and Chugs (a Pug and Chihuahua mix). Puggles tend to be more athletic and active than purebred Pugs, while Chugs are often smaller and more energetic. With mixed-breed dogs, you may also see fewer breathing issues than in purebred Pugs, if they inherit a slightly longer muzzle.

Because mixed-breed dogs make up the majority of shelter populations, visiting them in person gives you the chance to meet several dogs and get a sense of their personalities. You might be surprised to find a Pug mix (or another mixed-breed dog) who offers that classic Pug charm, but with a temperament, activity level, or care needs that are a better fit for your lifestyle.

Traits

• Height: Varies

• Weight: Varies

• Best for: Anyone open to finding the right personality match

Lifestyle fit: What to know about Pug-like breeds

Before bringing one of these adorable dogs home, it’s important to understand their care needs and daily lifestyle requirements.

• Exercise needs: Most Pug-like breeds need about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily. Because many are brachycephalic (flat-faced), this is best achieved through low-impact, consistent activity, such as two or three 15- to 20-minute walks, rather than intense or long exercise.

• Heat tolerance: Their flat faces make them sensitive to heat and humidity. So they should be kept cool and avoid strenuous activity, especially in warm weather.

• Breathing quirks: Snoring, snorting, and other breathing-related quirks are common due to their flat faces. 

• Social needs: Many of these dogs do best in homes where someone is around most of the time to provide care and attention.

Why Pug-type dogs end up in shelters and rescues

Pug-type dogs are sometimes surrendered to shelters and rescues (or rehomed) due to mismatched expectations. Although they’re affectionate and charming, their health needs or attachment levels can be more than some pet parents anticipate. In other cases, lifestyle changes or medical costs make it difficult to continue caring for them.

The upside is that many of these same traits — loyalty, affection, and a love of people — make them incredibly rewarding to adopt. Many thrive quickly once they’re in a stable, loving home and will become your best buddy. 

Finding your Pug-type companion for adoption

To find a Pug or similar breed, start with a search of Adopt a Pet’s database using breed filters. This will show you dogs available for adoption from shelters, rescues, and individuals in your area. Keep an open mind about mixed-breed dogs, who can offer many of the same positive personality traits as a purebred dog. 

If you don’t see the pup you’re looking for, set up a New Pet Alert to be notified whenever new pets who match your criteria are listed on Adopt a Pet.

Commonly asked questions

What dog breed is most like a Pug?

French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers are often considered the closest matches in both appearance and personality.

Are there “healthier” breeds who look like Pugs?

Some breeds — like Boston Terriers, Affenpinschers, Shih Tzus, and certain mixed breeds — may have less extreme brachycephalic traits, and consequently, a lower risk of breathing problems. But all flat-faced dogs require special care and monitoring. 

Do all Pug-like breeds shed as much as Pugs?

No, shedding varies widely. Some breeds shed heavily, while others (such as Shih Tzus) require more grooming but shed less.

References 

“Pug” Adopt a Pet, www.adoptapet.com/dog-breeds/pug. 

“Pug.” VCA Animal Hospitals, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dog-breeds/pug.

Young, Amy, et. al. “Brachycephalic (Short-Nosed) Dogs.” UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine - Animal Health Topics, 25 Sept. 2023, healthtopics.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/brachycephalic-short-nosed-dogs.