Pug
- Exuberant
- Sociable
- Loyal
- Affectionate
- Playful
Pug History
Pugs are one of the oldest breeds and originated in East China before 400 B.C.
Thereafter they appeared in Japan and Europe where they became very popular with monarchs and the affluent and became known as the ‘dogs of aristocrats’.
They were first registered in America and Britain in the late 19th Century.
Pug Characteristics
Pugs are a small short haired brachycephalic (short muzzled) breed.
Thanks to their vivacious, affectionate and rarely aggressive nature these dogs make great family pets.
However, Pugs are prone to particular health issues listed over and they require special management to minimise problems and ensure longevity.
- Control weight
- Clean and dry all skin folds daily
- Keep cool and do not over-exercise
- Beaware of bulging eyes and protect them from injury.
- Regular veterinary check ups
Pug Health Issues
Pugs have an average lifespan of 10 -12 years
Common Illnesses include;
- Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS) - A combination of anatomical features including narrow nostrils elongated soft palate and deformed throat result in breathing difficulties and require special management and sometimes surgery.
- Skin fold dermatitis – Where two skin surfaces rub together. The warm moist environment makes the area prone to infection. Keeping these areas clean and dry is imperative to avoid bacterial infection.
- Luxating Patella - Partial to full dislocation of one or both kneecaps.
- Hip Dysplasia – Abnormal formation of the hip joints causing early onset degenerative joint disease.
- Hemivertebrae – Congenital incomplete fusion of vertebrae.
- Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) – Inherited neurological disease which is progressive and fatal.
- Hydrocephalus – Excessive accumulation of spinal fluid around the brain causing seizures, blindness and eventual death.
Their large protruding eyes are prone to problems including;
- Proptosis - Their shallow sockets can allow abnormal protrusion of the eye. It can become entrapped in front of the eyelids.
- Dry Eye – Painful condition resulting from inadequate tear production causing irritated painful eyes and potentially blindness.
- Entropion – Excess eyelid tissue causing the eyelashes to turn inward and rub against the surface of the eye resulting in corneal ulceration.
- Corneal Ulcers - Large eyes are easily injured, damage to the cornea causes extreme pain and symptoms such as tearing, squinting, pawing at the eye and sensitivity to light.