Concerns about the health and well-being of pugs have sparked debates and discussions regarding potential bans on breeding and ownership because of their flat faced nature (brachycephalic breeds). We’ve covered this in-depth before in our post, “Should we stop breeding Pugs?”

In short, there are activist groups that are trying to restrict or ban the breeding of brachycephalic dogs (ie. flat faced dogs). There are studies that do show that flat-faced dogs have more health issues than your average dog. Though it is worth mentioning that a lot of these groups use either the English or French Bulldog as their poster child… which tend to have more health issues than a pug.

Health Concerns Surrounding Pugs

Brachycephalic Breeds

One of the primary concerns associated with pugs is their brachycephalic nature. Brachycephalic breeds, characterized by their short skulls and flat faces, often suffer from respiratory issues. Pugs, being one such breed, may experience breathing difficulties, especially in hot or humid conditions. As a pug owner (living in Las Vegas where summers are regularly 100 degrees plus), being cognizant of this is very important).

Critics argue that breeding pugs with such anatomical features is ethically questionable, as it compromises their overall health.

Genetic Predisposition

Pugs are also prone to various genetic conditions, including hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and certain eye problems. My pugs haven’t run into any of these issues, but my last one did suffer from rashes and itchy skin (presumably to allergies).

These inherent health issues raise concerns about the ethics of continued breeding practices that perpetuate these vulnerabilities. Animal welfare advocates argue that allowing the breeding of pugs without addressing these health issues may be tantamount to promoting animal suffering.

Legislative Measures and Public Opinion

Breed-Specific Legislation

In some regions, concerns about the health and well-being of certain dog breeds have led to the introduction of breed-specific legislation (BSL). BSL aims to regulate or restrict the ownership of breeds deemed to pose a higher risk of aggression or health problems. While pugs are generally not known for aggression, the growing awareness of their health issues raises the question of whether they could be included in future BSL initiatives.

Recently, the Australian Veterinary Association released new guidance recommending that Brachycephalic breeds with breathing, spinal and/or other health issues should not be bred.

Instead of banning breeding, many groups are asking, “How can we be better dog breeders?”  

For instance, in the U.K., the Kennel Club released new standards for Frenchies, specifying that the dog’s nostrils should be visibly open and that the muzzle should be “well-defined.”

A lot of the backlash has been due to irresponsible breeders (see how to find a reputable pug breeder of if you choose to adopt, a list of pug rescues in the US).

Public Backlash

Public awareness regarding the health concerns associated with pugs has grown, thanks to social media and advocacy groups. As more individuals become informed about the potential challenges faced by these dogs, there is a growing sentiment in favor of stricter regulations on breeding and ownership. Public pressure could influence policymakers to consider measures that limit or control pug breeding.

Will Pugs Go Extinct?

Extinction is a natural accepted part of evolution… the dogs have that went extinct tend to have fell out of fashion or were just too aggressive to keep breeding.

With that being said, no, it’s not likely that pugs will go extinct anytime soon. The pug we know today might change in the future, just like it’s changed in decades past, see, “What did pugs use to look like?”

Conclusion

While the debate over whether pugs will be banned continues, it is clear that there are valid concerns regarding their health and well-being. The ethical considerations surrounding the breeding of brachycephalic breeds, coupled with public awareness and advocacy efforts, may influence legislative measures in the future.

I love pugs, being a brachycephalic breed just means it’s a little harder to breath than your long-nosed dog counterparts.

Responsible ownership and breeding practices, along with informed decision-making, will play crucial roles in determining the fate of pugs in the years to come.