Which lives longer, the Boxer or the Pug?

The Pug has the longer median lifespan: Boxer 11.3 years versus Pug 11.6 years (McMillan 2024).

Which is healthier, the Boxer or the Pug?

On the Breed Health Score the Boxer scores 47/100 and the Pug scores 55/100. The Pug scores higher.

Boxer vs Pug

The Boxer has a median lifespan of 11.3 years and a Breed Health Score of 47/100 (grade D); the Pug lives a median of 11.6 years with a score of 55/100 (grade C). On the overall index the Pug scores higher. The Pug has the longer median lifespan.

Boxer

47grade D

Pug

55grade C

Median lifespan

11.3 yr

11.6 yr

Size

large · 25-32 kg

toy · 6-8 kg

Flat-faced

Yes

Longevity

Conformation

Hereditary burden

Health Score

47D

55C

Conditions

ARVC (cardiomyopathy)Aortic stenosis Mast cell tumours BOAS Degenerative myelopathy

BOAS Pug dog encephalitis Corneal ulcers Skin fold dermatitis Obesity

Full profiles

More comparisons

How to read this. The Breed Health Score combines longevity (65%), conformation (20%) and hereditary burden (15%); see the methodology. Median lifespan is from McMillan, K.M. et al. (2024) "Longevity of companion dog breeds", Scientific Reports (584,734 UK dogs). Data CC-BY 4.0. These are independent estimates for comparing breeds, not veterinary advice. Build your own with the interactive compare tool.