The question of whether we should stop breeding pugs is a complex and controversial one. Pugs are a brachycephalic breed, characterized by their short snouts and flat faces, which can lead to various health issues. These include breathing difficulties, eye problems, dental issues, and heat intolerance.
As a pug owner, I’m biased, of course. But let’s look at the facts…
Peta on, “5 Reasons You Should Never Buy a Pug“:
- Pugs heads are too small for their body
- Pugs are a Breathing-Impaired Breed (BIB)
- Wrinkly pug faces lead to skin infections
- A pug’s curly trail is often caused by spinal malformation
- Buying a pug kills a homeless dog’s chances
Mirror on, “Should breeding pugs be banned?” citing the growing popularity of flat faced / breathing-impaired breeds in the UK, with an estimate that one in five British born dogs are brachycephalic (flat faced).
The Chronicle on, “Pugs should no longer be called ‘typical dogs’ because of health conditions.” They cite a study by the Royal Veterinary College that states that pugs are twice as likely to experience one or more disorders annually compared with other dogs.
Many animal welfare organizations and veterinarians argue that the breeding of pugs and other brachycephalic breeds should be discontinued or modified to address these health concerns. They believe that breeding practices should focus on improving the breed’s health and welfare by selecting for longer muzzles and healthier respiratory systems (because of this pug crossbreeds are growing in popularity).
On the other hand, some pug enthusiasts and breeders argue that responsible breeding practices can help minimize the health issues associated with the breed. They believe that by carefully selecting breeding pairs and conducting health screenings, it is possible to produce healthier pug puppies. The lifespan of a pug actually skews longer than that of your average dog.
My personal experience with pugs
I am on my second pug, my first, Benji did have a shorter life at 10 years:
Benji
But it wasn’t due to the aforementioned issues common with brachycephalic breeds. He had a tumor that I had removed, but then it came back in his later years. Now, I have mentioned this before, Benji did have allergies, which did play a role in his health.
My new baby is just 4-months old, but of course I will keep this blog updated with any future health issues.
If we should stop breeding pugs because of health issues…
Should we stop type-1 diabetics from reproducing. Should we tell people with a history of Parkinson’s, heart disease, etc… to not have babies?
I personally don’t think that’s fair. But I’m a dummy so I won’t interject with more personal opinion.
Ultimately, the decision to stop breeding pugs or any specific breed is a complex issue that involves ethical, health, and welfare considerations. It is essential to strike a balance between preserving the breed’s unique characteristics and ensuring the well-being of individual dogs. Responsible breeding practices, education, and awareness about potential health issues are crucial for improving the overall welfare of pugs and other brachycephalic breeds.
