A Detailed Comparison of the Komondor and the Pug.

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Komondor Versus Pug: Introduction

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

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

Komondor versus Pug

Komondor versus Pug: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Komondor belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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.

Komondor versus Pug: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Komondor 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 Komondor and the Pug

Factor Komondor Pug
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 3/5
Height 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds 14 to 18 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $840 $1620
Price Range $550 – $800 $1200 – $1875
Temperament Score 90.0 percent 91.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- min age 9 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 170 31

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Komondor 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 Komondor is 70 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 Komondor. 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 Komondor and the Pug so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Komondor and the Pug

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

  • Komondors are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Pugs are good for new dog owners.
  • Komondors do not get along well with other dogs. However, Pugs get along well with other dogs.
  • Komondors are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Pugs are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Komondors do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Pugs do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Komondors do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Pugs adapt well to apartment living.
  • Komondors require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Pugs are very easy to groom.
  • Komondors are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Pugs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • The Similarities Between the Komondor and the Pug

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

  • Both the Komondor and the Pug do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Komondor and the Pug do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Komondor and the Pug have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Komondor and the Pug have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Komondor and the Pug have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Both the Komondor 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 Komondor and the Pug are very easy to train.
  • Both the Komondor and the Pug require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Komondor and the Pug are very playful.
  • Both the Komondor and the Pug are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Komondor versus Pug

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

    Komondors weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Komondors are 25 to 27 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 Komondor versus Pug

    The lifespan of Komondors is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Komondors is 11.0 years.

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

    Pugs live longer than Komondors.

    Temperament of the Komondor Versus the Pug

    The Pug has a better temperament than the Komondor.

    This is because the temperament score for the Pug is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Komondor is 90.0 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 90.0 percent, the Komondor 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 Komondor and the Pug by measuring the temperaments of 10 Komondors and 48 Pugs.

    Price of Komondor versus Price of Pug

    The average price of the Komondor puppy is $840. The price of the Komondor typically ranges from $550 – $800. However, the price of a Komondor can be as low as $500 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 17 Komondor 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 Komondor.

    Komondor Pug
    Average Price $840 $1620
    Price Range $550 to $800 $1200 to $1875

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Komondors. 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 Komondor 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.

    The Popularity of Komondor versus Popularity of Pug

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Komondor and the Pug over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Pug is more popular with dog owners than the Komondor. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Pug is 31 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Komondor is 170 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Komondor

    Popularity of Komondor

    Popularity of Pug

    Popularity of Pug

    Year Komondor Popularity Rank Pug Popularity Rank
    2013 159 31
    2014 168 33
    2015 163 33
    2016 177 32
    2017 163 31
    2018 173 28
    2019 181 31
    2020 178 29

    Health Problems of Komondor versus Health Problems of Pug

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Komondor and the Pug are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Pug is prone to more genetic health problems than the Komondor.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Pug than for the Komondor.

    3 health tests are recommended for Komondor while 7 tests are recommended for the Pug.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Komondors and in Pugs.

    Komondor Health Problems

    Komondors are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Komondor puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Komondor puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Komondor breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Komondors for:

  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- min age 9 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Komondors here.

    Pug Health Problems

    Pugs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pug puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Pug puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pug breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Pugs for:

  • 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
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pugs here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Komondors and Pugs

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Komondor Breed is Eyes problems.

    This is because the Komondor ranks 19 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 54 Komondors, 1 of them had Eyes problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Komondors, and how common these diseases are in Komondors relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Eyes problems: Rank 19 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 30 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 90 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Pug Breed is Hips problems.

    This is because the Pug ranks 1 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 942 Pugs, 676 of them had Hips problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pugs, and how common these diseases are in Pugs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Hips problems: Rank 1 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Necrotizing Meningoencephalitis problems: Rank 1 out of 1 Dog Breeds
  • Tracheal Hypoplasia problems: Rank 1 out of 4 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 2 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 14 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes problems: Rank 14 out of 40 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 32 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 60 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Komondor and in Pug and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Komondor and the Pug:

    Disease Komondor Rank Pug Rank
    Eyes problems 19 out of 182 dog breeds 60 out of 182 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 30 out of 70 dog breeds 14 out of 70 dog breeds
    Hips problems 90 out of 198 dog breeds 1 out of 198 dog breeds
    Necrotizing Meningoencephalitis problems Not Common 1 out of 1 dog breeds
    Tracheal Hypoplasia problems Not Common 1 out of 4 dog breeds
    Elbow problems Not Common 2 out of 144 dog breeds
    Legg-Calve-Perthes problems Not Common 14 out of 40 dog breeds
    Patella problems Not Common 32 out of 145 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Komondor versus Pug

    Komondors do not like to be left alone.

    Pugs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Komondors shed more than Pugs?

    Komondors shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Komondor or the Pug

    Komondors do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pugs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Komondors require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Pugs are very easy to groom.

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

    Komondors 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 Komondors Bark and Howl? What about Pugs?

    Komondors are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

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

    Komondors can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Komondor vs. Pug

    Komondors have a high tendency to wander. They are easily 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 Komondors Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pugs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Komondors 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 Komondor or the Pug?

    Komondors do not get along well with other dogs.

    Pugs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Komondors good family dogs? What about Pugs?

    Komondors 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 Komondors and Pugs?

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

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

    Is the Komondor Easier to Train than the Pug?

    Komondors are very easy to train.

    Pugs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Komondor Better for Apartment Owners than the Pug?

    Komondors do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pugs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Komondors 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 Komondor

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

  • Belgian Tervuren (70 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Pug vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Black Russian Terrier (70 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Pug vs Black Russian Terrier.
  • Giant Schnauzer (72 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Pug vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • 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 Komondor vs Boxer.
  • English Toy Spaniel (73 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Komondor vs English Toy Spaniel.
  • French Bulldog (83 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Komondor vs French Bulldog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Komondor Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Komondor versus Dachshund     Komondor versus Basset Hound     Komondor versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Komondor versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Komondor versus Norwich Terrier     Komondor versus Norfolk Terrier     Komondor versus Belgian Malinois     Komondor versus Akita     Komondor versus Cavachon     Komondor versus Clumber Spaniel     Komondor versus Kishu Ken     Komondor versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Komondor versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Komondor versus Dachshund     Komondor versus Labrador Retriever     Komondor versus American Foxhound     Komondor versus Labrador Retriever     Komondor versus Goldendoodle     Komondor versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Komondor versus Belgian Sheepdog     Komondor versus Portuguese Pointer     Komondor versus Pug     Komondor versus Shih Tzu     Komondor versus Dogo Argentino     Komondor versus Flat-Coated Retriever     

    Pug Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pug versus Norwich Terrier     Pug versus Bolognese     Pug versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Pug versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Pug versus Yorkipoo     Pug versus Bordoodle     Pug versus Lhasapoo     Pug versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Pug versus Black Russian Terrier     Pug versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Pug versus English Setter     Pug versus Maremma Sheepdog     Pug versus Valley Bulldog     Pug versus Pyredoodle     Pug versus Carolina Dog     Pug versus Dutch Shepherd     Pug versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Pug versus American Hairless Terrier     Pug versus Coton de Tulear     Pug versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Pug versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Pug versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Pug versus Sloughi     Pug versus Boxerdoodle     Pug versus Sheepadoodle     

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