Bearded Collie vs Pug
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Bearded Collie
Herding Group
Pug
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Bearded Collie Overview
Bearded Collies captivate with their shaggy, flowing coats and bright, inquisitive expressions. Their medium-sized, lean bodies carry them with agile grace, while their distinctive beard and long eyebrows frame expressive eyes. Known for their bouncy, charismatic personalities, these herding dogs combine intelligence with a playful spirit, making them both capable workers and affectionate companions.
Pug Overview
Pugs captivate with their distinctive wrinkled faces, compact square bodies, and curled tails. Their large round eyes, deep facial folds, and flat black muzzles create an endearing expression that's uniquely charming. Standing 10-13 inches tall with a muscular build, these companion dogs showcase a fine, glossy coat that comes in fawn or black, complemented by their signature black mask and velvety ears.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bearded Collies are less energetic than Pugs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bearded Collies require more grooming attention compared to Pugs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bearded Collies tend to be more reserved with strangers than Pugs.
- Trainability: Pugs may be slightly easier to train due to their Pug's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Pugs adapt better to apartment living, while Bearded Collies typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Bearded Collie and Pug, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Pug |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Pug |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 20-22 inches 51-56 cm | 10-13 inches 25-33 cm |
| Weight | 45-55 lbs 20-25 kg | 14-18 lbs 6-8 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Pug |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Smart, Bouncy, Charismatic | Charming, Mischievous, Loving |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Pug |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Bearded Collie Temperament
The Bearded Collie is known for being smart, bouncy, charismatic, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Pug Temperament
The Pug is characterized by being charming, mischievous, loving, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Bearded Collie and Pug, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
Pug
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
Pug
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bearded Collie
Rating: 3/5
Pug
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bearded Collie
Rating: 2/5
Pug
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
Pug
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Bearded Collie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bearded Collies require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bearded Collies require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Pug Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pugs need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Pugs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Bearded Collie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Allergies
Pug Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Eye Problems
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Spinal Issues
Pros & Cons
Bearded Collie
Pros
- Intelligent and trainable
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Frequent barking
Pug
Pros
- Excellent companion dogs
- Good with children
- Adaptable to small spaces
- Low exercise needs
- Affectionate personality
Cons
- Breathing difficulties
- Multiple health issues
- Heavy shedding
- Heat sensitive
- Stubborn streak
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bearded Collie and Pug, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.