French Bulldog Pug Mix (Frenchie Pug): Info, Pictures & Facts

If you are torn between taking home a French Bulldog and a Pug, you might want to consider having a French Bulldog and Pug mix instead to get the best of both worlds.

This hybrid inherits the best traits of both of its parent breeds. It is a small dog breed with a big personality, which explains why they have captured the hearts of so many dog lovers.

If this is your first time hearing about this mixed breed, you should stick around! This guide will discuss everything you need to know about this interesting dog you might want to take home with you.

Breed Overview

What Is a French Bulldog Pug Mix?

The French Bulldog Pug mix, also known as Frenchie Pug or Frug, is a hybrid between two well-known dog breeds — the French Bulldog and Pug. This combination produces a small yet very lively dog breed that is guaranteed to make your home more vibrant and happier.

Since both of its parent breeds were bred for companionship, potential owners can expect nothing less than an excellent home companion from these adorable Frenchie Pugs.

This dog breed is also a great choice for families looking for an apartment-friendly dog. Due to its size and lower exercise needs, you will likely have no problem living with this dog in a smaller space.

Although Frenchies and Pugs are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Frug dog is not. The same is true with other French Bulldog mixes and Pug mixes.

Despite their adorable and attractive looks, they are not allowed to compete in dog shows and conformation events set by major kennel clubs.

French Bulldog Pug Mix Origin and History

It is believed that the Frug originated in the early 1900s when the population of Pug dogs in the United States was rapidly expanding.

While this is the only story we can get about this mixed breed, its parent breeds have a long and interesting history. That said, we can somehow understand this breed by looking into the histories of its parents.

The French Bulldog was created in England as a toy-sized version of the popular Bulldog breed. When the lacemakers emigrated to France, they brought these companion dogs and immediately gained popularity.

Due to the looks and size of Frenchies, wealthy American tourists visiting France soon began to take an interest in bringing this dog breed to the United States of America.

Pugs, on the other hand, are natives of China. The history of these ancient dog breeds can be traced back almost 2,000 years ago. These dogs were very popular among royal families and Asian elites during that time.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Pugs were taken to Europe through the Dutch trade routes, where they were eventually owned by wealthy families and individuals.

It was after the Civil War that Pugs were imported to North America, where they have since become a popular pet among American households.

Given the backgrounds of both dog breeds, it is reasonable to infer that breeders combined the Frenchie and Pug to create a dog that is even more suited for human companionship.

French Bulldog Pug Mix Appearance

A French Bulldog Pug’s appearance, like any other mixed-breed dog, can be difficult to predict. Often, these dogs have a combination of their parent breeds’ features.

However, the majority of Frugs will have wrinkled faces, particularly on the forehead and the area in front of their eyes. They will also have a small muzzle and snout, and their ears will be mostly erect or upright.

Most Frugs flaunt a fine, short, and smooth coat. While this is what you will often see in these mixes, finding a Frenchie Pug with long and wavy hair is not entirely impossible.

This is because there is another variation of its Frenchie parent with medium-length hair, known as the fluffy Frenchie.

As with their coat color, this dog can come in an array of different colors. Frugs could be either merle, blue, cream, brown, or white like its Frenchie parent. They could also come in black and fawn, like the Pug.

To visualize what a Frug looks like, watch this video featuring a fawn Frenchie and Pug mix:

French Bulldog Pug Mix Size and Weight

The Frug is a small dog with a compact body. When fully grown, this mixed-breed dog will grow to about 10 to 12 inches in height and weigh between 15 and 20 pounds.

On average, these dogs stop growing at around 6 to 8 months old. However, as with any other dog breed, their general health and nutrition greatly impact their final size.

That said, you must provide for your dog’s overall health and nutrition, as this could affect their growth.

Checking both of the mixed breed’s parents would also be highly beneficial in determining your dog’s final size. This is because genetics heavily influence your dog’s size.

Note that there are teacup French Bulldogs and teacup Pugs. If your Frug’s parents are teacups, expect your mixed breed to be smaller than the sizes mentioned above.

French Bulldog Pug Mix Temperament and Personality

Frenchie Pugs inherited the amazing temperaments of both their Frenchie and Pug parents. These mixed-breed dogs are attention seekers that adore being around their family members.

You should not be surprised to see your Frug follow you everywhere, as this is a characteristic they got from both of their parents.

Frugs also get along really well with kids of all ages due to their laid-back personalities. These dogs will enjoy playing with kids; however, parents should always keep an eye on them.

Due to their small size, Frugs can be prone to injuries and accidents when playing with kids. The same is true when these dogs are playing with both canine and non-canine pets.

Note that a slight difference in temperament between a male and female Frenchie Pug is normal. This is also true for male and female French Bulldogs and Pugs. 

Regardless, you should expect no less from your Frugs. These natural charmers will amuse and please you with their fantastic humor and wit.

French Bulldog Pug Mix Lifespan and Health Issues

The Frenchie Pug is a generally healthy breed that lives between 10 and 15 years. This mixed breed lives as long as its French Bulldog and Pug parents’ lifespans.

However, since both of its parents are predisposed to various health issues, Frugs are also at risk of developing or acquiring some of them.

Here are some of the most common health problems seen in Frenchie Pugs:

• Brachycephalic Syndrome: Small dog breeds with short or squashed noses, such as the Frug, are most commonly affected by the brachycephalic syndrome. This health problem affects these animals’ upper airways causing them to struggle to breathe during exercise.
• Patellar Luxation: Patellar luxation is a hereditary disorder that may affect Frenchie Pugs. This is associated with multiple hindlimb deformities involving the hip joint, femur, and tibia. Often, surgical correction is needed for the treatment of this health problem.
• Entropion: Entropion is the turning in of the edges of the eyelid, causing the eyelashes and fur to rub against the eye surface. It is the most frequently inherited eyelid defect in many dog breeds, including Frugs.

As with any other pet, you must routinely have your Frug examined by a qualified veterinarian to ensure they are in good condition. By doing this, you can detect early signs of serious health conditions.

How to Take Care of Your Frenchie Pug

As a pet parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that your dog’s needs are met. In return, when your dogs are well taken care of, they become even better companions to the family.

Read along to learn the specifics of caring for your Frenchie Pug.

Food and Diet

The dietary requirements of Frenchie Pugs are pretty straightforward. Depending on your Frug’s energy level, these dogs will typically consume between 1 and 1 ½ cups of dog food each day.

While you can give any type of dog food according to your preference and budget, it is highly recommended to give your Frug grain-free food, especially when your dog suffers from skin sensitivity.

Additionally, giving your dog a reasonable amount of dog treats each day is okay. However, it is important that you do not overindulge them, as this may result in obesity.

Since Frenchie Pug mixes are of the same size as their parents, their nutritional needs should be almost the same.

As always, it is still best to contact your veterinarian so they can accurately assess the needs of your dog and guide you better regarding your Frug’s food intake.

Cleaning and Grooming

Luckily, Frugs have short coats, which means these dogs have relatively minimal grooming needs. Brushing its coat once a week will do in getting rid of dead hair from its coat.

Bathing should be done every month, as this will help keep your Frug’s skin and coat healthy. By bathing them too often, you strip their coat of their natural oil.

To prevent infection, make sure to keep your dog’s skin folds and facial creases clean and dry by cleaning them regularly.

Be sure to also clean your dog’s ears and trim its nails. Weekly brushing of your Frug’s teeth will also be very helpful in avoiding tartar buildup and gum disease.

Training and Exercise

Frenchie Pugs are considered energetic for their size. That is why they must be taken for regular, leisurely walks and have ample playtime.

Do note, however, that these dogs cannot tolerate intense workouts, so make sure to keep activity to a minimum intensity.

Since some Frenchie Pugs enjoy lounging on couches, it will be helpful to provide them with activities to keep them moving.

Training-wise, these small creatures are not the easiest to train. Frugs are intelligent dogs, which means they may have stubborn tendencies.

However, as with any other dog breed, the key is to start training them while they are still young and always have treats handy.

Owners must ensure that these dogs receive proper socialization as puppies to mature into well-behaved adults that get along with other animals.

How Much Does a Frenchie Pug Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

A Frug puppy typically costs between $1,000 and $2,000. Given that both parents are popular and in-demand dog breeds, it is only understandable why this mixed breed’s price tag is quite expensive.

Unfortunately, your expenses do not end the moment you buy your Frug from the breeder, as you also need funds for your dog’s supplies and vaccines.

The costs of owning a Frug are summarized in the table below:

In addition to the puppy’s price, potential Frug owners must have a budget of $525 to $1,995. This will cover the initial cost associated with rehoming your Frug.

Similarly, you must set aside funds for your puppy’s ongoing expenses. Purchasing pet insurance is also highly encouraged, as this will help protect your finances in case of medical emergencies.

Places to Find French Bulldog Pug Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Finding reputable breeders of this designer dog breed can be quite challenging. The good news is that you don’t have to start your search from scratch.

Here are some places you can contact to begin your search for a Frenchie Pug for sale:

• AKC Marketplace – AKC Marketplace exclusively lists American Kennel Club registered litters. That said, you are assured that you are getting a dog from a trustworthy breeder. Although the site mostly has purebred dog breeds, you can contact Pug and Frenchie breeders to see if they have available Frugs.
• Frenchie-Pugs – This Kansas City-based dog breeder has been breeding dogs for over 20 years. They strive to produce the highest-quality care for the Frenchie Pugs they breed by providing them premium food, early socialization, and regular vaccination before rehoming.
• NextDayPets – NextDayPets has a massive directory of dog breeders that caters to purebred and designer dogs like Frugs. They have a few Frug puppies available on their website, so it’s best to check them out from time to time.

Aside from buying straight from the breeder, you may also opt to adopt. Not only will it cost you less, but you also get to help a pet in need and provide it with the life it deserves.

Here are some places where you can find a Frug for adoption:

• Tiny Paws Pug Rescue – This non-profit organization is dedicated to helping Pugs and Pug mixes, including Frugs that need a home and medical attention. Before finding them a forever home, they ensure to provide the support and care that the dog needs.
• French Bulldog Village Rescue – This rescue group is comprised of volunteers from all over the United States. Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome Frenchies and their mixes. They may have Frenchie Pugs available for adoption every now and then, so it’s best to check their website regularly.
• Austin Pug Rescue – This all-volunteer, non-profit organization rescues unwanted, abused, and neglected Pugs and Pug mixes, including Frugs. Be prepared to go through an intensive background check when planning to take home a pup from them, as they want to ensure that their dogs end up in loving homes.

For more chances of finding this mixed breed dog, you can also check out social networking sites as most breeders and rescues use these platforms to reach more pet owners.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Pug French Bulldog Mix

After learning the essential facts about Frugs, it’s crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of owning one to determine whether it’s the right choice for you.

Here are the pros of owning a Frug:

• Low maintenance: Frugs are generally low maintenance in terms of grooming and dietary requirements. Due to their short coats, they do not need frequent grooming. In addition, they do not need a lot of food, and their diet is quite simple because of their small stature.
• Great companions: Regardless if you are a newbie dog owner or a seasoned one, Frenchie Pugs will surely be excellent options for those looking for companions. These dogs are very loyal, intelligent, and affectionate — the perfect companion to be with!
• Great with kids and other animals: Frenchie Pugs get along with kids and other animals well, especially when trained and socialized from an early age. Just remember to always keep an eye on them since accidents may happen anytime.

Meanwhile, here are some cons of having a Frug:

• Very expensive: The price tag of a Frug is higher than the average price of a designer breed. This may come off as a disadvantage for people wanting to buy a dog but are on a budget.
• Prone to separation anxiety: Since Frugs were bred to be companion dogs, they may not do well when they are left alone for long periods. These dogs may experience separation anxiety, so you may need to hire someone to look after them when you’re away.
• Can be stubborn: If you are someone who does not have patience, especially in training dogs, the Frug might not be the best option for you. Like other intelligent dog breeds, this mixed breed can get stubborn at times and may tend to do things on its own.

The information above should help you decide whether the Frug is the right breed for you. This should also help reduce the chance of you ending up with a dog that does not match your lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Frenchie Pugs Bark a Lot?

No, Frenchie Pugs are generally very quiet and bark rarely. They are quite friendly, too, lessening the chance of these dogs barking unnecessarily at people.

Nonetheless, this dog will warn its owners when an intruder enters the house.

Do French Pugs Shed?

French Pugs do shed regularly. However, these dogs generally do not shed as much as their parents, and their sheddings can oftentimes be unnoticeable, especially if managed with daily brushing.

People with allergies wanting to take home this dog must still think twice, as this dog’s fur can still trigger allergic reactions even though they shed minimally.

Are French Bulldog Pug Mixes Hypoallergenic?

Frugs are not hypoallergenic dogs. Although these dogs rarely shed, it can still be risky for people with allergies to live with them. To avoid possible reactions, they shouldn’t get this dog breed.

Are Frenchie Pug Mixes Lazy Dogs?

Frugs are not lazy dogs. The energy level of these dogs is in between the energy level of their parents — more laid back than a Pug but more active than the typical Frenchie.

That said, expect a good amount of playtime from your Frug but also do not be surprised to see that your dog will spend its free time napping on the couch.

Final Thoughts

Needless to say, the Frenchie Pug is an adorable dog that makes a great companion to any family. With its affectionate and gentle nature, anyone would be very happy to own this dog.

This dog may be suitable for everyone, but not everyone can be the right owner for this dog. Frugs need an owner who can provide love, attention, and a lifetime commitment.

That is why it is important for people wanting to take home this breed to know what they’re getting into before they decide to take home a Frug.

Are you ready to take home a Frenchie Pug? Let us know in the comments!