Breed Comparison: Goldendoodle Versus Pug

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Goldendoodle Versus Pug: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle and the Pug.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle or the Pug.

Goldendoodle versus Pug

Goldendoodle versus Pug: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Goldendoodle belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

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.

Goldendoodle versus Pug: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle and the Pug

Factor Goldendoodle Pug
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Height 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
General Health 3/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Weight 50 to 90 pounds 14 to 18 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $2170 $1620
Price Range $1500 – $2500 $1200 – $1875
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 Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle is 90 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Pug is 80 out of 125.

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

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

    Goldendoodle versus Pug

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Goldendoodle and the Pug

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

  • Goldendoodles do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Pugs adapt well to apartment living.
  • Goldendoodles do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Pugs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Goldendoodles are highly intelligent. However, Pugs not very intelligent.
  • The Similarities Between the Goldendoodle and the Pug

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

  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Pug do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Pug are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Pug are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Pug are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Pug are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Pug are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Pug are very easy to train.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Pug have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Pug are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Pug get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Pug get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Pug are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Goldendoodle versus Pug

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

    Goldendoodles weigh 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Goldendoodles are 20 to 24 inches tall 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 Goldendoodle versus Pug

    The lifespan of Goldendoodles is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Goldendoodles is 12.5 years.

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

    Pugs live longer than Goldendoodles.

    Goldendoodle versus Pug

    Price of Goldendoodle versus Price of Pug

    The average price of the Goldendoodle puppy is $2170. The price of the Goldendoodle typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Goldendoodle can be as low as $300 and as high as $32500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 4239 Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle is more expensive than the Pug.

    Goldendoodle Pug
    Average Price $2170 $1620
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $1200 to $1875

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Goldendoodles. 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 Goldendoodle 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.

    Goldendoodle versus Pug

    Adopting the Goldendoodle versus Adopting the Pug

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

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

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

    Sammy is the name of another Goldendoodle (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Goldendoodle versus Pug

    Goldendoodles can be left alone only for a short time.

    Pugs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Goldendoodles shed more than Pugs?

    Goldendoodles do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Goldendoodle or the Pug

    Goldendoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pugs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Goldendoodle or the Pug?

    Goldendoodles are very easy to groom.

    Pugs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Goldendoodle Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pug?

    Goldendoodles have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

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

    Do Goldendoodles Bark and Howl? What about Pugs?

    Goldendoodles bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Goldendoodles Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pugs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Goldendoodles can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Goldendoodle vs. Pug

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodles Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pugs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Goldendoodles can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

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

    Goldendoodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Pugs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Goldendoodles good family dogs? What about Pugs?

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodles and Pugs?

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

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

    Is the Goldendoodle Easier to Train than the Pug?

    Goldendoodles are very easy to train.

    Pugs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Goldendoodle Better for Apartment Owners than the Pug?

    Goldendoodles do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pugs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Goldendoodles are very good for new dog owners.

    Pugs are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Goldendoodle

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

  • Labradoodle (78 percent match with Goldendoodle). Here is our comparison of the Pug vs Labradoodle.
  • French Spaniel (77 percent match with Goldendoodle). Here is our comparison of the Pug vs French Spaniel.
  • 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 Goldendoodle vs Boxer.
  • English Toy Spaniel (73 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Goldendoodle vs English Toy Spaniel.
  • French Bulldog (83 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Goldendoodle vs French Bulldog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Goldendoodle Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Goldendoodle versus Affenhuahua     Goldendoodle versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Goldendoodle versus Aussiedoodle     Goldendoodle versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Goldendoodle versus Miniature Schnauzer     Goldendoodle versus Irish Wolfhound     Goldendoodle versus Bedlington Terrier     Goldendoodle versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Goldendoodle versus Bedlington Terrier     Goldendoodle versus Portuguese Pointer     Goldendoodle versus Saint Bernard     Goldendoodle versus Lhasa Apso     Goldendoodle versus Mudi     Goldendoodle versus Silky Terrier     Goldendoodle versus Bull Terrier     Goldendoodle versus Standard Poodle     Goldendoodle versus Italian Greyhound     Goldendoodle versus Sheepadoodle     Goldendoodle versus Bichon Frise     Goldendoodle versus Keeshond     Goldendoodle versus Beagle     Goldendoodle versus Dutch Shepherd     Goldendoodle versus Alaskan Malamute     Goldendoodle versus Papillon     Goldendoodle versus Kooikerhondje     

    Pug Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pug versus Bloodhound     Pug versus Belgian Tervuren     Pug versus Doberman Pinscher     Pug versus Afador     Pug versus Canaan Dog     Pug versus Cairn Terrier     Pug versus Bulldog     Pug versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Pug versus Maltese     Pug versus Yorkshire Terrier     Pug versus Spanish Mastiff     Pug versus Cavapoo     Pug versus Boykin Spaniel     Pug versus Yorkipoo     Pug versus Beagle     Pug versus Chi-Poo     Pug versus Sussex Spaniel     Pug versus Aussiedoodle     Pug versus Chi-Poo     Pug versus Giant Schnauzer     Pug versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Pug versus Manchester Terrier     Pug versus Miniature Pinscher     Pug versus Greyhound     Pug versus Bull Terrier     

    Conclusion: Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle and the Pug better suits you and your family.