Research published by the Royal Veterinary College in the UK has suggested that pugs can no longer be considered a typical dog due to the poor health associated with the breed.
Pugs, a companion dog who date as far back to 400 BC in China, are small and stocky in stature and are beloved pets across the globe. But the breed is sadly predisposed to a range of health conditions, including obesity, respiratory difficulties and skin disorders.
Experts have warned that pugs are almost twice as likely as other breeds to experience one or more health disorders over a single year and have urged the public to consider their poor quality of life before adding them to their household.
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“Although hugely popular as pets, we now know that that several severe health issues are linked to the extreme body shape of pugs that many humans find so cute. It is time now that we focus on the health of the dog rather than the whims of the owner when we are choosing what type of dog to own,” Dr. Dan O’ Neill, lead author of the research published by the Royal Veterinary College, said in a statement.
Some of the health problems experienced by pugs stem from their visibly flattened faces, a characteristic which is shared by other dog breeds including the Cavalier King Charles’ spaniel and bulldogs. Brachycephalic breeds, a term that refers to dogs with shortened snouts or faces, tend to have narrowed nostrils and airways, which causes significant breathing difficulties.
Suzi Walsh, a dog behaviour and training expert based in Dublin, says that she was not surprised by the research’s findings.
“So many pugs that I have worked with have needed surgery just to help them breathe. I think as a breed of dog their welfare is definitely an ethical issue,” Susi says.
The issue of pug health has hit headlines on other occasions in recent years.
The breeding of pugs, alongside other brachycephalic breeds, was banned by the Dutch Kennel Club in 2020. However, a concession was later made that allowed brachycephalic dogs to mate with healthier dog breeds. Ironically, pugs were first popularised in Europe in modern day Netherlands.
Several animal advocacy groups denounced the ban, with the Irish Pug Dog Club pointing out that the move would not stop pug breeding but merely drive it underground where the practice could not be regulated.
“The end result could well be that the breed in the Netherlands becomes less healthy as ignorant underground breeders proliferate, and responsible breeders with generations of careful breeding behind them are banned,” the Irish Pug Dog Club said in a statement on their webpage.
