Pugs generally live to between 12 and 15 years of age, on average. All breeds potentially suffer from health issues/conditions, Pugs are not an exception. Some health issues that Pugs can suffer from include, but are not limited to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome(BOAS), Pug Dog Encephalitis(PDE) and Hemivertebrae(HV). Pug breeders, owners, and advocates alike are working relentlessly to reduce the risks associated with Pug breeding. We encourage the utilisation of genetic testing, health schemes and responsible ownership of the Pug breed.
When considering on becoming a pug owner, it is really important to do your research before hand; take the time to research about the breed, their potential health issues and what support is available. I would always recommend researching the breeder and finding the relevant health testing schemes/testing is available and whether the breeder is actively testing their dogs and very importantly don't forget to ask lots of questions.
Most breeders would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome
(BOAS)
Brachycephalic means 'short-headed'
The pug, French bulldog, Bulldog, Pekingese, Japanese chin, Boston terrier and shih tzu are all examples of brachycephalic breeds.
In brachycephalic breeds the length of the muzzle is reduced with no corresponding decrease in the size of the tissues within the skull. This has resulted in a constricted effect within the nasal cavity and partial obstruction of the pharynx and larynx.
The Kennel Club and University of Cambridge have developed a grading scheme specifically to assess Pugs, along with Bulldogs and French Bulldogs. They will be graded on their nasal roll, nasal stenosis and body condition score, along with an assessment of their respiration.
During the assessment, Pugs will be assessed by a specifically trained vet, they will use a stethoscope to listen to the Pugs breathing and the side of the dogs neck/throat while they are calm and relaxed. The Pug will then be required to undertake moderate exercise for a period of 3 minutes, otherwise known as an exercise tolerance test (ETT); the vet will then listen to the Pugs breathing and the side of the dogs neck/throat again, a list of criteria will then be used to grade the respiration.
Hemivertebrae
Hemivertebrae is thought to be an inherited condition, though environmental factors may influence it's development. Hemivertebra is when the vertebra has developed abnormally and it is an abnormal wedge shape. This then doesn't allow the spine to align correctly with the adjoining vertebra. This can lead to instability and deformity of the spinal column, this in tern can lead to the spinal cord or nerves being damaged. Signs seen with hemivertebrae are the result of spinal deformity and damage to the spinal cord. They can include pain, ataxia on the hind legs.
Affected dogs can also lose function in their hind limbs and sometimes become incontinent. Not all animals with hemivertebrae develop these signs, some milder and some with no signs at all.
Nasal Stenosis
Nasal stenosis in pugs is used in conjunction with other methods and grading schemes to assess breathing problems known as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome(BOAS).
Grading pugs nostrils are graded from 1-4 as pictured. Grade 1 nostrils are of a lower risk of BOAS compared to grade 4.
Nasal Roll
Nasal roll in pugs is used in conjunction with other methods and grading schemes to assess breathing problems known as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome(BOAS).Grading of nasal rolls are graded from 1-4 as Pictured.
Body Condition Score
Body Condition Scoring(BCS) is a toll used to help understand the ideal shape of a pug. When looking from above you should be able to see a curve of their waist behind their ribs. You should also be able to feel your pugs ribs with a light touch, not having too much fat covering.
The body condition score chart is scored 3-9 in pugs. 3 being too thin and 9 obese.
Pug Dog Encephalitis
(PDE)
Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) is an inflammatory disease of the brain and central nervous system. This disease is a genetic condition which is specific to pugs; symptoms include seizures, depression, ataxia, abnormal gait and blindness. PDE is a rapidly progressing disorder for which there is no cure, and is invariably fatal. All dogs either die or are put to sleep within a few months after the onset of clinical signs. Females are slightly more likely to be affected compared to males. The majority of affected pugs are less than 3 years old, and pugs as young as 6 months can show clinical signs/be affected.
The DNA/Genetic test that is available does NOT diagnose PDE; it determines the risk each individual pug dog has for developing it during its lifetime. The results for each dog would be : There are no CLEAR dogs.
N/N - Pugs that have no copies of the NME/PDE associated markers = (N/N) are at low risk of developing the disease.
N/S - Pugs that have only one copy of the NME/PDE associated markers = (NS) are also at low risk of developing the disease.
S/S - Dogs that have two copies of the NME/PDE associated markers. These dogs are at higher risk of developing/being affected by NME/PDE.
UC DAVIS Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Genetic Laboratory in California run many DNA test for pugs and other breeds.
Patella Luxation
Luxating patella, commonly known as dislocating kneecap(s) is a common condition seen in small and toy breed dogs. It can sometimes be caused by trauma to the leg, over exercise when young, obesity, but in most cases it is a congenital defect.
The exact cause of patella luxation is unknown, but it is thought likely to be hereditary. For this reason dogs diagnosed with patella luxation should not be bred from.
Diagnosis and testing patella luxation is done through manipulation of the knee cap by your veterinary surgeon. Patella luxation is graded on a scale of 0 (Normal) to 4 (severe), using the Putnam (1968) testing and scoring method.