Pug vs Border Collie
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Pug
Toy Group
Border Collie
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Border Collie Overview
Border Collies showcase a medium-sized, athletic build with distinctive black and white coat patterns, though other colors exist. Their almond-shaped eyes possess an intense, intelligent gaze that reflects their keen herding instinct. A graceful, agile frame supports their remarkable working ability, complemented by a deep chest and strong legs built for endurance.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Pugs are less energetic than Border Collies, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Pugs require less grooming attention compared to Border Collies.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Pugs tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Border Collies.
- 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 Border Collies typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Pug and Border Collie, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Pug | Border Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Pug | Border Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-13 inches 25-33 cm | 18-22 inches 46-56 cm |
| Weight | 14-18 lbs 6-8 kg | 30-55 lbs 14-25 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Pug | Border Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Charming, Mischievous, Loving | Affectionate, Smart, Energetic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Pug | Border Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Pug Temperament
The Pug is known for being charming, mischievous, loving, 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.
Border Collie Temperament
The Border Collie is characterized by being affectionate, smart, energetic, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Pug and Border Collie, 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
Pug
Rating: 5/5
Border Collie
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Pug
Rating: 4/5
Border Collie
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Pug
Rating: 3/5
Border Collie
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Pug
Rating: 2/5
Border Collie
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Pug
Rating: 3/5
Border Collie
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Pug Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pugs 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, Pugs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Border Collie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Border Collies need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Border Collies require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Pug Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Eye Problems
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Spinal Issues
Border Collie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- CEA
- MDR1
- TNS
- CL
Pros & Cons
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
Border Collie
Pros
- Extremely intelligent
- Highly trainable
- Athletic and agile
- Loyal and devoted
- Excellent working dog
Cons
- Requires extensive exercise
- May be too intense for novice owners
- Strong herding instinct
- Needs constant mental stimulation
- Can be overly sensitive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Pug and Border Collie, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.