Boston Terrier vs Pug
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Boston Terrier
Nicknamed 'The American Gentleman' for their tuxedo-like markings, Boston Terriers are friendly, lively, and endlessly entertaining. They are compact, well-mannered city dogs.
VS
Pug
A charming, mischievous companion with an expressive wrinkled face. Pugs are natural comedians who live to love and be loved, making them perfect lap dogs for anyone.
Quick Answer
Choose Boston Terrier if you want easier to train and less shedding. Choose Pug if you want a great companion.
Quick Comparison
Boston Terrier
Attribute
Pug
small
Size
small
5–11 kg (11–24 lbs)
Weight
6–8 kg (13–18 lbs)
38–43 cm (15–17 in)
Height
25–33 cm (10–13 in)
11–15 yrs
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Better4/5
Trainability
3/5
3/5
Energy
2/5
5/5
Good with Kids
5/5
Better2/5
Shedding
4/5
Better1/5
Grooming
2/5
5/5
Apartment
5/5
Better3/5
Health
2/5
$600–$2,000
Price
$600–$2,000
Attribute Comparison
Boston Terrier vs Pug: Grooming Routine and Shedding
Pug sheds more; Boston Terrier is easier to maintain.
Boston Terrier
Pug
Shedding
Better2/5
vs4/5
Grooming Needs
Better1/5
vs2/5
Shedding is a major differentiator. The Pug is a prolific shedder (4/5) — expect fur on your clothes, furniture, and car seats year-round.
Boston Terrier vs Pug: Common Health Issues
Boston Terrier tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Boston Terrier
Pug
Lifespan (years)
11–15
vs12–15
Health Robustness
Better3/5
vs2/5
Both breeds have comparable lifespans — 11–15 years for the Boston Terrier and 12–15 years for the Pug. You can expect a similar length of companionship from either breed, all else being equal.
How Much Exercise Do Boston Terriers vs Pugs Need?
Boston Terrier needs more exercise; Pug is lower-maintenance.
Boston Terrier
Pug
Energy Level
3/5
vs2/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
5/5
vs5/5
The Boston Terrier needs slightly more exercise (3/5) than the Pug (2/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have moderate to low energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Boston Terrier.
Training: Boston Terrier vs Pug
Boston Terrier is generally easier to train.
Boston Terrier
Pug
Trainability
Better4/5
vs3/5
Intelligence
Better4/5
vs3/5
The Boston Terrier has a slight training edge (4/5 vs 3/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Boston Terrier tends to catch on a bit faster.
Temperament Differences: Boston Terrier and Pug
Pug is calmer; Boston Terrier is more energetic.
Boston Terrier
Pug
Playfulness
4/5
vs4/5
Barking Level
2/5
vs2/5
Energy
3/5
vs2/5
The Boston Terrier and Pug bring very different personalities to the table. Boston Terriers are friendly, lively and intelligent, while Pugs tend to be charming, mischievous and loving.
Cost to Own: Boston Terrier vs Pug
Boston Terrier is less expensive to own annually.
Boston Terrier
Avg. Purchase$1,300
Annual Food$420
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,020 ✓
Pug
Avg. Purchase$1,300
Annual Food$420
Annual Vet$600
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,120
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $600–$2,000 for a Boston Terrier versus $600–$2,000 for a Pug. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Size & Build: Boston Terrier vs Pug
Both breeds are similar in size.
Boston Terrier
Pug
Weight (kg)
5–11
vs6–8
Height (cm)
38–43
vs25–33
These breeds are near-identical in stature. The Boston Terrier weighs 5–11 kg (11–24 lbs) and the Pug weighs 6–8 kg (13–18 lbs) — close enough that size alone won't drive your decision.
Boston Terrier or Pug for Your Family?
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Boston Terrier
Pug
Good with Kids
5/5
vs5/5
Good with Dogs
4/5
vs4/5
Strangers
5/5
vs5/5
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Summary — Boston Terrier or Pug: Which Is Right for You?
The Boston Terrier comes out ahead in most categories — it's easier to train (4/5 vs 3/5), less shedding (2/5), better health profile (3/5). If you can meet its moderate exercise needs and don't mind its quirks, the Boston Terrier is the more versatile choice for most households.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Boston Terrier and Pug are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Pug sheds considerably more. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Boston Terrier if...
- ✓You hate vacuuming or have allergies — Boston Terriers shed dramatically less (2/5 vs 4/5 shedding score).
Choose Pug if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Pugs tend to get along well with other dogs (4/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Boston Terrier or Pug?
The Boston Terrier scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Pug at 5/5. The Boston Terrier is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Boston Terrier or Pug easier to train?
The Boston Terrier is easier to train with a score of 4/5, compared to the Pug's 3/5. The Boston Terrier is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a Boston Terrier or Pug?
A Boston Terrier puppy costs $600–$2,000 while a Pug costs $600–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,020 for the Boston Terrier and $1,120 for the Pug. The Pug costs more to maintain annually.
Do Boston Terriers or Pugs live longer?
The Boston Terrier lives 11–15 years on average, while the Pug lives 12–15 years. The Pug tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Boston Terrier or Pug live in an apartment?
The Boston Terrier is equally suited for apartments (5/5) as the Pug (5/5). The Boston Terrier is one of our top picks for apartment living.