WOULD PUG BE BAD BUY?

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?

- DR DAVID GRANT

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.

Signs may include any or all of the following. Snoring and snuffling at rest or slight exercise (which is abnormal and an early sign of problems), difficulty with breathing or swallowing, poor exercise tolerance and panting.