Male vs Female Pug: 7 Key Differences

Pugs are a popular small dog breed, originating from China. They feature iconic smushed faces and coloring that is generally tan and black. Pugs have adorable, curly tails and generally charming temperaments.

They’re one of the most popular dog breeds adopted in the United States, and for good reason! Pugs are playful and affectionate, making them a fun and energetic household pet. However, pugs have a wide variety of breed-specific health issues, so if you’re thinking of adopting a pug, be sure to do your research so that you can provide the best care possible to your little four-legged friend.

When you’re picking out a pup to bring home, one important determining factor is the sex of the pug. Male and female pugs have several key differences, including size, cost, and temperament. Read on to learn the differences between these dogs so you can make the right choice for your household.

Male vs Female: Size

Both genders of pugs are classified as small dogs. Generally, male and female pugs don’t have a substantial difference in size. Female pugs, are on average, slightly smaller, but there is a lot of overlap in the ranges of the size of the pups.

Male pugs can be 10-14 inches in height and weigh between 20-30 lbs. Female pugs, on the other hand, are generally 10-12 inches in height with a weight that falls between 18-28 lbs. So while the pugs may be slightly different in size based on sex, it’s not a very large difference. It certainly depends on the dog.

Male vs Female: Appearance

Male and female pugs also don’t have a very substantial difference in appearance. If they have any appearance differential, it’s mostly due to their size differences. Males can be stockier and more muscular, due to their larger weight. Females, on the other hand, tend to have a slimmer build.

There’s no sex difference between female and male pugs when it comes to coloration or any other appearance indicator. Any difference in appearance will be build-related. All pugs have the recognizable smushed face and curly tail regardless of their sex.

Male vs Female: Lifespan

While there isn’t a huge difference between the lifespans of male and female pugs, there is a slight one. Like with many dog breeds, female pugs live slightly longer than males. The average pug lifespan is between 12-14 years, and females live to be 13.2 years on average. Male pugs, however, generally live to be somewhere around 12.8 years of age.

One important thing to note when it comes to the age of a pug is that pugs, in general, live longer than the average dog. When you’re adopting a pug, you’re making a commitment that is more than likely to last well over a decade. Regardless of whether you take home a male or a female pug, expect a long commitment of care and love. In return, you’ll have the dog’s friendship for many, many years!

Male vs Female: Cost

There can be a cost difference between male pugs and female pugs that relates to their reproductive systems. It’s recommended that all dogs not intended for breeding are spayed and neutered while young, to avoid excessive pregnancies, the spread of disease, and ovarian and testicular cancer. With that in mind, if you do not intend to breed your pup, be sure to promptly get them spayed or neutered.

A cost differential exists between the two procedures. Spaying a female pug is typically more expensive than neutering a male pug. A neutering procedure for males costs between $45-$150, while spaying a female will cost anywhere between $50-$250. It’s vital that companion animals be spayed or neutered, but the cost difference could be something to consider when selecting your male or female pug.

There aren’t any other substantial cost differences between the two. Both sexes typically cost around the same to adopt, so the only real cost difference relates to spaying and neutering. That being said, if you are adopting a female pug with intention to breed, there may be medical costs associated with pregnancy and birth. But in general, the two sexes will cost around the same.

Male vs Female: Health

Pugs face a lot of unique health issues as a breed. They are prone to physical issues relating to their structural build, such as knee problems and leg injuries. Pugs also frequently suffer from allergies and breathing issues related to their smushed faces. Regardless of whether you take home a male or a female pug, know that it’s likely you’ll have to manage some breed-specific health issues.

In terms of health issues that differ between the two sexes, there’s not a substantial list. The primary health difference is, again, related to their reproductive systems. Male pugs that aren’t neutered can display aggressive mating behavior, such as humping. If they’re not intended to be bred, it’s vital that they get neutered. The same is true for females. Spaying is a necessity if the pug isn’t intended to reproduce.

Spaying and neutering not only prevents pregnancy but also prevents ovarian and testicular cancer. Therefore, reproductive system surgeries are important to the continued health of the animal. Once you take home your pug, head to the veterinarian’s office and discuss scheduling the spay or neutering procedure. As always, you’ll want to check to make sure your pup is up-to-date on any vaccines, as well!

Male vs Female: Temperament

A primary difference between male and female pugs is temperament. Male pugs are generally a bit more energetic, playful, and mischievous. Female pugs, on the other hand, are lower energy and more shy. They can also demonstrate protective or dominant characteristics due to their motherly instincts.

Pugs, in general, are a very affectionate breed. You can expect your pug, regardless of sex, to love giving kisses and receiving snuggles. Males can be a bit harder to wrangle than females, but both breeds are full of love for their owners.

Male vs Female: Training

Another big difference between the two sexes of pugs comes in relation to training. While pugs are generally thought to be fairly intelligent, female pugs are usually slightly smarter. They are also typically more obedient and enjoy the process of training.

Male pugs, on the other hand, are so energetic and play-oriented that training can be a more difficult task. Training a male pug is not impossible, however, but you can expect a more high-energy experience.

That being said, training and temperament are highly personal traits. Each pug will differ from the other when it comes to ease in training. While there are some gendered differences, there is substantial variation within each individual dog.

Male vs Female: Conclusion

Overall, the differences between male and female pugs are fairly minor. Male pugs are slightly larger with a stockier build, and female pugs can be a bit more expensive. Males are more playful, while females are more obedient and a bit smarter. But, again, each dog varies significantly from one another, so it’s important to get to know the specific dog you are seeking to adopt.

Whether to adopt a male or female dog is a highly personal decision. For folks with less dog experience, a female dog may be a better option due to ease in training. However, if there are households looking for a playful pup who won’t leave their side, a male pug could be a great option. Take time to consider what option is best for your household.