When looking to adopt a new furry member to your family, you will likely be considering a variety of breeds. If you are considering adopting a French Bulldog Pug- also known colloquially as a “Frug,” this is the perfect article to help begin your research.
Different dog breeds are known to have different temperaments, and it’s a good idea to know what to expect from a specific breed. In this article, we’ll take a look at the overall temperament, appearance, and health for the average Frug, so you can see if this kind of dog is right for you.
The Origin of the French Bulldog Pug Mix
Mixed breeds such as labradoodles and puggles have captured the hearts of thousands of dog owners, but not as many people seem to be talking about French Bulldog Pugs. First, let’s dive into the history behind this mixed breed.
Surprisingly, French Bulldogs actually began in England rather than France. The breed came about in the 1800s, but as some Englanders moved to France, they ended up taking their Bulldogs with them. It is in France that the Bulldog was bred more specifically to highlight their distinctive, bat-like ears.
Meanwhile, Pugs are a much older breed, dated back to nearly 2,000 years ago in China. This breed was very popular alongside the Pekingese and Shih Tzu. In the 1500s, Dutch traders developed a fondness for Pugs themselves, and the breed later made its way to England.
Today, the French Bulldog Pug is an adorable mix between two very old breeds of dogs, combining the best of each breed’s features.
The Appearance of a French Bulldog Pug
When adopting a dog from a breed that isn’t mixed, you are likely to get the same distinctive features no matter which dog you choose to adopt. However, mixed breeds are a bit of a “mixed” bag.
It’s hard to say for sure what your puppy might look like as an adult. The best way you can learn what to expect is by studying the appearance of the parent breeds.
First, let’s look at the French Bulldog. These are small dogs, usually weighing less than 28 pounds with a height of around 11 to 13 inches. A French Bulldog can be expected to live between 10 and 12 years. They are known for their large, bat-like ears, and can come in a variety of colors, which include brindle, fawn, white, and cream.
Their coat is short and while they do shed often, they require little coat maintenance above a weekly brush. The area where they require the most maintenance is in their facial folds. You need to check these regularly to ensure that they are clean, and no infections are present.
Pugs, like French Bulldogs, are also quite small, weighing around 14 to 18 pounds with a height between 10 and 13 inches. On average, you can expect a pug to live around 13 to 15 years. Their coat, like that of a French Bulldog’s, is short, and requires only a quick brush once a week.
A pug’s most distinctive features are their flat face and their short, curly tail. They can come in silver fawn, apricot fawn, and black. Pugs whose coats are fawn also come with a black face mask.
When trying to anticipate what your French Bulldog Pug mix will look like, it is likely that the puppy will have characteristics that are shared by both parent breeds; for example, the short, low maintenance coat.
When it comes to a Pug’s curly tail or a French Bulldog’s bat ears, however, you can’t know for sure which traits your mix will inherit.
The Temperament of a French Bulldog Pug Mix
Based on the temperament of the parent breeds, French Bulldog Pugs can likely be expected to have an easygoing and adaptable personality. French Bulldogs are known for being very intelligent and alert, as well as versatile when it comes to fitting into new environments.
Pugs love attention from their owners, and while they are quite easygoing and content with a relaxed environment, they can also be quite playful.
You can’t know for sure what your dog’s personality is until they are older, as puppies are far more alert and playful than adult dogs.
Furthermore, each dog’s personality is different, and while you can categorize dog breeds into general temperaments, this can always vary when it comes to individual dogs.
The Health of a French Bulldog Pug Mix
While Frugs may look and act quite cute, it is very important to keep in mind that they are prone to a variety of serious health conditions.
Both French Bulldogs and Pugs are known for their flat faces, and while this may look cute, they often result in serious complications. Flat faces can leave these dogs prone to bulging eye sockets, narrow nostrils, obstructed airways, and difficulty breathing.
Many Frugs will likely have a lot of breathing complications, and they will also be more susceptible to heat exhaustion. These dogs are not good for active owners who want to go on lots of runs with their dogs; while playful and active pups, Frugs should not be allowed to engage in activities that are too high energy.
Alongside the health issues that come with their flat faces, Frugs may also have issues with hip dysplasia, cataracts, and cardiac conditions, among many others. Due to these extensive medical conditions, owning a Frug can result in a lot of medical bills, as well as heartache.
Overall, I would recommend rescuing a Frug from a shelter rather than buying a puppy from a breeder. Most importantly, you should be emotionally and financially prepared for any health issues that may afflict your dog.
Is a French Bulldog Mix Right for You?
There are many positive aspects of owning a Frug. They are very cute, playful little breeds that are easy to train and typically have big personalities. They are also easygoing, and get along well with children.
Unfortunately, the major health complications that come with a Frug present a major con. Owning a Frug will almost certainly result in a lot of veterinary bills, as well as the distress of watching your poor dog suffer.
In general, while Frugs are cute, I wouldn’t recommend this breed to someone who is unprepared for all of the health issues that go along with it. If you are looking for a cute, easygoing dog that does not have such a high chance of having medical issues, I’d recommend looking into healthier breeds.
