The pug dogsalso known as pugsThey are a seemingly lovable breed. However, that appeal is precisely its condemnation. Just as it happens with the toy dogs, is a breed that was obtained to please, without taking into account the consequences that some characteristics could have on their health. And these are so serious that, according to a study recently published in Canine Medicine and Genetics, they can hardly be considered typical dogs.
The health problems of the Pugs keep them away from the statistics of the rest of the races. They suffer from breathing problems, skin infections and many other conditions that make their existence a torment. But they are very cute dogs, of course.
It is clear that something must be done to solve this problem, starting with the awareness. As they point out in an article by BBC about this theme, do not demonize those who dream of buying a pugbut they should be made to see that this purchase empowers the breed to continue breeding, exposing more dogs to suffering. For those who already have one, it is important that they are aware of the health problems to which they are exposed and pay special attention to them. In general, pugs or not, it is best to adopt dogs instead of buying them, because behind the breeding of animals with pedigrees there are often stories like this, unknown to those who only want the love of a furry friend, but very tragic for they.
From the domestication of the wolf to the pug
The first fossil evidence of a domestic dog were found in bonnGermany, and date from more than 14,000 years. It was no longer a wolf, but a domestic animal that gradually evolved into the dogs we know today. Selective breeding led to the appearance of breeds with certain useful qualities for humans, such as hunting or herding. Although over time some were obtained whose only use was, in a certain way, ornamental.
This is what happened with the pugs. These began to breed 2,000 years agoapproximately, so that the chinese emperors had refined pets, different from those of the common people. Later, 1,500 years ago, Dutch merchants began to bring some specimens to Europe, where they also became famous in high places. They were practically decorative dogs, with their small heads, their wrinkled skin and their tongues sticking out in a grin.
Today pugs are not dogs of refined people. Anyone can have them, although it is more common to buy them than to adopt them. Are pets caprice and, as such, that pedigree that is guaranteed in certain kennels is highly valued. But now we know that these characteristics, so specific and so desired by some people, cause serious health problems for these animals. To the point that they would not enter the standards of normal health of dogs.
The health problems that keep them away from other dogs
In a study conducted by scientists from the Royal Veterinary College of the United Kingdom Several factors are concluded for which Pugs are very far from other dogs in terms of health.
Specifically, they have 1.9 times more likely than other dogs of developing one or more disorders in a single year. Year after year.
This is due to several factors. On the one hand, his little head, adorable on the outside, is nothing more than a very reduced skull in which the brain is practically crushed. This can lead them to suffer frombrachycephalic obstructive syndromeor, a respiratory disorder for which they are 54 times more prone than other dog breeds.
As for its striking wrinkled skinhas folds in which it is easier for pathogenic microorganisms to accumulate, so they are more likely to suffer from skin infections.
On the other hand, the permanent smile is actually a gasp derived from a few nostrils so small you can barely breathe through them. And the tail is not far behind, visibly very pretty, but due to a malformation in your vertebrae.
Finally, pugs look much more adorable with their round bodies. This leads to their owners not taking too much care of their diet. After all, the fatter the cuter. But that is even worse, because the overweight increases the risk of all of the above.
In short, there are already many pugs in the world and they must be cared for with special care. But we should also make those looking for a dog aware that promoting the breeding of this breed will continue to condemn many of them to clear suffering. It sounds very cliché, but they would never do it. Let us worry about them.