A Detailed Comparison of the Carolina Dog and the Pug.

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Carolina Dog Versus Pug: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Carolina Dog and the Pug? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Carolina Dog and the Pug better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Carolina Dog and the Pug.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Carolina Dog and the Pug is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Carolina Dog and for the Pug. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Carolina Dog and the Pug.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Carolina Dog or the Pug.

Carolina Dog versus Pug

Carolina Dog versus Pug: Overview

A very important difference between the Carolina Dog and the Pug is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Carolina Dog is a medium-sized dog while the Pug is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Carolina Dog belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

On the other hand, the Pug belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Carolina Dog versus Pug: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Carolina Dog to the Pug based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Carolina Dog and the Pug

Factor Carolina Dog Pug
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Height 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Easygoing 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Weight 33 to 55 pounds 14 to 18 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $500 $1620
Price Range $500 – $500 $1200 – $1875
Temperament Score 66.7 percent 91.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Pug Dog Club of America recommends ANNUAL screening.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Pug Dog Encephalitis
  • Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD)
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Carolina Dog in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Pug. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Carolina Dog is 73 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Pug is 80 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Pug is a better pet than the Carolina Dog. So, you should get the Pug!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Carolina Dog and the Pug so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Carolina Dog and the Pug

    Below is a list of where the Carolina Dog and the Pug are most different:

  • Carolina Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Pugs adapt well to apartment living.
  • Carolina Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Pugs are good for new dog owners.
  • Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs. However, Pugs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Carolina Dogs can tolerate hot weather. However, Pugs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Carolina Dogs are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Pugs have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • The Similarities Between the Carolina Dog and the Pug

    The Carolina Dog and the Pug are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Carolina Dog and the Pug are most similar:

  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Pug do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Pug are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Pug are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Pug do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Pug are not easy to train.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Pug are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Pug shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Pug are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Pug gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Pug have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Pug require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Pug get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Pug do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Carolina Dog versus Pug

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Carolina Dog and the Pug.

    Carolina Dogs weigh 33 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Carolina Dogs are 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Pugs weigh 14 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Pugs are 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Carolina Dog versus Pug

    The lifespan of Carolina Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Carolina Dogs is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Pugs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pugs is 13.5 years.

    Temperament of the Pug Versus the Carolina Dog

    The Pug has a better temperament than the Carolina Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Pug is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Carolina Dog is 66.7 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 66.7 percent, the Carolina Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 91.7 percent, the Pug has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Carolina Dog and the Pug by measuring the temperaments of 3 Carolina Dogs and 48 Pugs.

    Price of Carolina Dog versus Price of Pug

    The average price of the Carolina Dog puppy is $500. The price of the Carolina Dog typically ranges from $500 – $500. However, the price of a Carolina Dog can be as low as $500 and as high as $500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 6 Carolina Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Pug puppy is $1620. The price of the Pug typically ranges from $1200 – $1875. However, the price of the Pug can be as low as $300 and as high as $6525. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 654 Pug puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Pug is more expensive than the Carolina Dog.

    Carolina Dog Pug
    Average Price $500 $1620
    Price Range $500 to $500 $1200 to $1875

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Carolina Dog and Pug. For different price points, the charts show how many Carolina Dog puppies or how many Pug puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Carolina Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Carolina Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Pugs

    A breakdown of the prices of Pugs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Carolina Dog puppy or the Pug puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Adopting the Carolina Dog versus Adopting the Pug

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Carolina Dogs and many Pugs are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Carolina Dog named Vance that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Carolina Dogs like Vance on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Carolina Dogs, Pugs are also available for adoption. For example, Biggie is a Male Pug that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Pugs like Biggie that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Carolina Dog and the Pug can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Chester is the name of another Carolina Dog (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Maxwell is an adorable Male Pug on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Carolina Dogs and Pugs are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Carolina Dogs and Pugs that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Carolina Dog versus Pug

    Carolina Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Pugs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Carolina Dogs shed more than Pugs?

    Carolina Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Pugs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Carolina Dog or the Pug

    Carolina Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pugs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Carolina Dog or the Pug?

    Carolina Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Pugs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Carolina Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pug?

    Carolina Dogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Pugs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Carolina Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Pugs?

    Carolina Dogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Pugs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pugs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Carolina Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pugs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Carolina Dog vs. Pug

    Carolina Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Pugs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pugs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Carolina Dogs can tolerate hot weather.

    Pugs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Carolina Dog or the Pug?

    Carolina Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Pugs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Carolina Dogs good family dogs? What about Pugs?

    Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.

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    Pugs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Carolina Dogs and Pugs?

    Carolina Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Pugs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Carolina Dog Easier to Train than the Pug?

    Carolina Dogs are not easy to train.

    Pugs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Carolina Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Pug?

    Carolina Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pugs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Carolina Dog or the Pug?

    Carolina Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Pugs are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Carolina Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Carolina Dog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Carolina Dog:

  • Treeing Tennessee Brindle (75 percent match with Carolina Dog). Here is our comparison of the Pug vs Treeing Tennessee Brindle.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pug

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Pug that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Pug:

  • Boxer (74 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Carolina Dog vs Boxer.
  • English Toy Spaniel (73 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Carolina Dog vs English Toy Spaniel.
  • French Bulldog (83 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Carolina Dog vs French Bulldog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Carolina Dog and how the Pug compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Carolina Dog and of the Pug to other breeds:

    Carolina Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Carolina Dog versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Carolina Dog versus Affenhuahua     Carolina Dog versus Airedale Terrier     Carolina Dog versus Boerboel     Carolina Dog versus Aussiedoodle     Carolina Dog versus Stabyhoun     Carolina Dog versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Carolina Dog versus Pomeranian     Carolina Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Carolina Dog versus Border Collie     Carolina Dog versus Italian Greyhound     Carolina Dog versus Westiepoo     Carolina Dog versus Rottweiler     Carolina Dog versus Australian Kelpie     Carolina Dog versus Portuguese Pointer     Carolina Dog versus Cavapoo     Carolina Dog versus Peek A Poo     Carolina Dog versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Carolina Dog versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Carolina Dog versus Sealyham Terrier     Carolina Dog versus Fila Brasileiro     Carolina Dog versus English Cocker Spaniel     Carolina Dog versus Shichon     Carolina Dog versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Carolina Dog versus Keeshond     

    Pug Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pug versus Chi-Poo     Pug versus Black Mouth Cur     Pug versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Pug versus Pekingese     Pug versus Toy Poodle     Pug versus Italian Greyhound     Pug versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Pug versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Pug versus Brussels Griffon     Pug versus Biewer Terrier     Pug versus Kooikerhondje     Pug versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Pug versus French Bulldog     Pug versus Toy Poodle     Pug versus Sloughi     Pug versus Beagle     Pug versus Japanese Chin     Pug versus Bernedoodle     Pug versus Stabyhoun     Pug versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Pug versus Yorkshire Terrier     Pug versus Lhasapoo     Pug versus Alaskan Malamute     Pug versus Norwegian Buhund     Pug versus Basenji     

    Conclusion: Carolina Dog versus Pug. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Carolina Dog and the Pug better suits you and your family.