Breed Comparison: Dutch Shepherd Versus Pug

Dutch Shepherd versus Pug

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Dutch Shepherd Versus Pug: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dutch Shepherd and the Pug? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Pug.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd or the Pug

Dutch Shepherd versus Pug

Dutch Shepherd versus Pug: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Dutch Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Dutch Shepherd versus Pug: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dutch Shepherd 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.

Factor Dutch Shepherd Pug
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Height 21 to 25 inches 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 14 to 18 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1590 $1620
Price Range $900 – $2000 $1200 – $1875
Temperament Score 96.2 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
  • *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dutch Shepherd 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 a Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Pug is 80 out of 125.

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

    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 Dutch Shepherd and the Pug so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Dutch Shepherd versus Pug

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Pug

    Below is a list of where the Dutch Shepherd and the Pug are most different:

  • Dutch Shepherds are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Pugs gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather. However, Pugs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Pug

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

  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pug do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pug do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pug are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pug are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pug do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pug are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pug get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pug get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pug shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pug have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pug require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pug are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dutch Shepherd versus Pug

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dutch Shepherd and the Pug.

    Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 inches 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.

    Temperament of the Dutch Shepherd Versus the Pug

    The Dutch Shepherd has a better temperament than the Pug.

    This is because the temperament score for the Dutch Shepherd is 96.2 percent while the temperament score for the Pug is 91.7 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 they 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 96.2 percent, the Dutch Shepherd has an above-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 Dutch Shepherd and the Pug by measuring the temperaments of 26 Dutch Shepherds and 48 Pugs.

    Price of Dutch Shepherd versus Price of Pug

    The average price of the Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1590. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $900 – $2000. However, the price of a Dutch Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 116 Dutch Shepherd 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 a 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 Dutch Shepherd.

    Dutch Shepherd Pug
    Average Price $1590 $1620
    Price Range $900 to $2000 $1200 to $1875

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

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

    Dutch Shepherd versus Pug

    Adopting the Dutch Shepherd versus Adopting the Pug

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherd named Saber that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Dutch Shepherds like Saber on pefinder.com.

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

    The Dutch Shepherd and the Pug can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Guiness – Located In North Carolina is the name of another Dutch Shepherd (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

    Dutch Shepherds and Pugs are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Dutch Shepherds and Pugs that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Dutch Shepherd versus Pug

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dutch Shepherd versus Pug

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Pugs do not like to be left alone.

    Which one drools more, the Dutch Shepherd or the Pug

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pugs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Dutch Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Pugs?

    Dutch Shepherds 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dutch Shepherd vs. Pug

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

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

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Pug?

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Pugs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.

    Pugs are very good for new dog owners.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dutch Shepherd or the Pug?

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Pugs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Dutch Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pug?

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

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

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pugs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pugs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Are Dutch Shepherds good family dogs? What about Pugs?

    Dutch Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Dutch Shepherds and Pugs?

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

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

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Pugs get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Dutch Shepherds shed more than Pugs?

    Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Easier to Train than the Pug?

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Pugs are fairly easy to train.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dutch Shepherd

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd:

  • French Spaniel (80 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Pug vs French Spaniel.
  • Japanese Spitz (79 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Pug vs Japanese Spitz.
  • 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 Dutch Shepherd vs Boxer.
  • English Toy Spaniel (73 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs English Toy Spaniel.
  • French Bulldog (83 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs French Bulldog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dutch Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dutch Shepherd versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Dutch Shepherd versus Havanese     Dutch Shepherd versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Dutch Shepherd versus Brittany     Dutch Shepherd versus Aussiedoodle     Dutch Shepherd versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Dutch Shepherd versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Dutch Shepherd versus Cavachon     Dutch Shepherd versus Chow Chow     Dutch Shepherd versus Japanese Spitz     

    Pug Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pug versus English Setter     Pug versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Pug versus Bullmastiff     Pug versus Keeshond     Pug versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Pug versus Tibetan Spaniel     Pug versus Shetland Sheepdog     Pug versus Havanese     Pug versus Pomapoo     

    Conclusion: Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Pug better suits you and your family.