Dachshund vs Pug
Decision Helper
Quick Decision Guide
Dachshund might be better if you:
- Have other pets at home
- Want an easily trainable dog
- Prefer low-maintenance grooming
- Often have visitors or socialize frequently
- Want a smaller dog that's easy to carry
- Want a breed known for longevity
Pug might be better if you:
- Want a dog great with children
- Have other pets at home
- Want an easily trainable dog
- Prefer low-maintenance grooming
- Live in an apartment or prefer quiet dogs
- Often have visitors or socialize frequently
- Want a smaller dog that's easy to carry
- Want a breed known for longevity
Find Your Match
Quick Match Quiz
Question 1 of 7
What best describes your lifestyle?
Breed Overview
Dachshund
The Dachshund, also known as the 'wiener dog' or 'sausage dog,' is a small breed known for its long body and short legs. They are playful, curious, and courageous, making them popular family pets. Dachshunds come in three coat types: smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired, and they can be found in a variety of colors and patterns. Their unique appearance and lively personality make them a beloved breed worldwide.
Pug
The Pug is a small, sturdy dog known for its wrinkled face, curled tail, and compact body. They typically weigh between 14 to 18 pounds and stand about 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder. Pugs have a smooth, short coat that comes in various colors, including fawn, black, and silver. They possess a charming and playful personality, often described as affectionate and sociable. Pugs are known for their comical demeanor and love for human companionship, making them excellent family pets. They require moderate exercise and are generally adaptable to various living environments, including apartments. Their friendly disposition makes them good with children and other pets, although early socialization is beneficial.
Key Statistics
Life Expectancy
Height (Male)
Weight (Male)
Breed Characteristics
Good with Children
Good with children
Excellent with children
Good with Other Dogs
Very social with other dogs
Very social with other dogs
Shedding
Light shedding level
Heavy shedding level
Grooming Needs
Low grooming needs
Low grooming needs
Trainability
Highly trainable
Highly trainable
Energy Level
Moderately energetic breed
Moderately energetic breed
Barking Tendency
Frequent barking tendency
Minimal barking tendency
Care Requirements
Care Requirements
Dachshund
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush their coat regularly to prevent matting and reduce shedding.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet suitable for their size and age.
Health Care
Check ears weekly for dirt and wax buildup; clean as needed.
Pug
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Groom regularly to manage shedding and maintain skin health.
Feeding
Feed a high-quality dog food formulated for small breeds.
Health Care
Groom regularly to manage shedding and maintain skin health.
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush their coat regularly to prevent matting and reduce shedding.
Grooming
Groom regularly to manage shedding and maintain skin health.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet suitable for their size and age.
Feeding
Feed a high-quality dog food formulated for small breeds.
Health Care
Check ears weekly for dirt and wax buildup; clean as needed.
Health Care
Groom regularly to manage shedding and maintain skin health.
Additional Care Notes
Dachshund
- •Ensure access to fresh water at all times.
Pug
- •Brush teeth regularly to maintain dental health.
Training & Exercise
Training & Exercise Guide
Dachshund
Dachshunds respond well to positive reinforcement, so use treats and praise to reward good behavior. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down. Use short, consistent training sessions of 5-10 minutes to keep their attention. Socialization is key, so expose them to various environments, people, and other pets from a young age. Consistency is crucial; use the same commands and gestures every time.
Training Challenges
- •Separation anxiety - Gradually accustom your Dachshund to being alone by creating a safe space and using puzzle toys to keep them occupied.
- •Barking excessively - Identify triggers for the barking and train them to 'speak' and 'quiet' on command, rewarding them for the quiet behavior.
- •Stubbornness - Use patience and varied training methods to keep them engaged, and avoid repetition that leads to boredom.
Pug
Pugs require consistent and positive reinforcement training. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Short training sessions are ideal due to their short attention spans. Use treats and praise to encourage good behavior.
Training Challenges
- •stubbornness can make training difficult
- •short attention span leading to distractions
- •tendency to become overly excited during play
- •possible health issues that limit physical activity
Dachshund
Dachshunds respond well to positive reinforcement, so use treats and praise to reward good behavior. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down. Use short, consistent training sessions of 5-10 minutes to keep their attention. Socialization is key, so expose them to various environments, people, and other pets from a young age. Consistency is crucial; use the same commands and gestures every time.
Training Challenges
- •Separation anxiety - Gradually accustom your Dachshund to being alone by creating a safe space and using puzzle toys to keep them occupied.
- •Barking excessively - Identify triggers for the barking and train them to 'speak' and 'quiet' on command, rewarding them for the quiet behavior.
- •Stubbornness - Use patience and varied training methods to keep them engaged, and avoid repetition that leads to boredom.
Pug
Pugs require consistent and positive reinforcement training. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Short training sessions are ideal due to their short attention spans. Use treats and praise to encourage good behavior.
Training Challenges
- •stubbornness can make training difficult
- •short attention span leading to distractions
- •tendency to become overly excited during play
- •possible health issues that limit physical activity
Training Resources
Dachshund Training Guide
Pug Training Guide
Find Breeders
Find Dachshund Breeders
Find Pug Breeders
Local Search Tips
When looking for a reputable breeder in your area, consider these approaches:
- 1.
Contact local veterinarians for breeder recommendations - They often know reputable breeders who prioritize health testing and proper care.
- 2.
Join breed-specific clubs in your area - These communities can provide valuable connections and insights about responsible breeders.
- 3.
Attend local dog shows to meet breeders - This gives you the opportunity to see their dogs and discuss breeding practices in person.