WOULD PUG BE BAD BUY?

PAMPERED PETS

- DR DAVID GRANT

My daughter wants to buy a pug. From what I have read the breed seems to have a lot of problems, especially with breathing. I think she should be cautious. Have you advice on what the breathing problems are?

It’s easy to understand why these friendly, family-orientated dogs are popular. But I agree, your daughter should think carefully before acquiring a brachycephalic (flat faced) breed.

Brachycephalic dogs, like pugs, are prone to serious wide ranging health problems including difficulty with breathing. This is brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).

Several features contribute to this. They include narrow nostrils, an elongated soft palate that partially obstructs the windpipe, and laryngeal problems among others.