A Pug is a brachycephalic, but not all brachycephalics are Pugs.
The Pug is conspicuous by its flat muzzle and short, almost round skull. This type of conformation is known as brachycephaly.
But the Pug is not the only breed of dog that presents this brachiocephalic cranial morphology. Other breeds such as the English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Boxer, Boston Terrier, Pekingese or the friendly Shih Tzu are also brachycephalic dogs .
Pugs like people, but not dogs
Rounded faces with short snouts allow dogs to offer communication signals with frontal gazes that are very close to those of humans .
This produces us special tenderness when we exchange glances with them. A very direct way for other breeds of dog, which could even result in a threatening look.
It is not surprising, then, that some dogs reject the approach of a brachycephalic dog. These, in addition to coming very close, on many occasions emit sounds or “snoring” as a result of a certain respiratory difficulty. These sounds can be interpreted by other dogs as a growl.
A nice human disaster
The Pug is a charming and intelligent dog. An excellent companion dog. Balanced, cheerful and very lively.
If we add to this its small size, its robust and round anatomy and its tender look, it seems the ideal dog to have at home.
However, the exaggerated selection of certain physical traits such as:
- Very short “flat” snout
- round head
- Large eyes
- coiled tail
- folds in the skin
It has given rise to many individuals of the Pug breed, and other brachycephalic dogs, becoming dogs locked up in bodies that do not work. At least they are not at all comfortable to live as a dog.
Simple tasks like breathing, drinking water, or eating can be mission impossible when you have no snout, your nose lacks open nostrils, or a fold of skin prevents you from seeing or breathing.
Pug health problems as a result of this selection
The Pug breed dogs that we see around the neighborhood have nothing to do with the first description of the breed in 1890.
The exaggeration of the diagnostic characters of the breed and its consequences are described below:
Very short “flat” snout , has given rise to a nasal conformation where air circulation is practically impossible. This ailment is known as stenotic nares . Image 1 shows the closed nostrils of three brachycephalic dogs.
Round Head : This condition, along with the flat snout, is what makes pugs brachycephalic. The brachycephalic condition is associated with the respiratory syndrome known as BOAS (Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome). This syndrome includes stenotic nares, malformations in the palate, larynx and trachea.
In addition, the enormous cardiovascular effort that the heart of a dog with respiratory difficulties must make, so that oxygen reaches the rest of the body, can take its toll.
Big eyes: the exaggerated selection of this character makes them more prone to eye prolapse. This occurs when, because the orbit that houses the eye is shallower than usual, the eye can come out relatively easily.
Curled tail: associated with spinal problems. For example, deformities in the vertebrae that generate pressure on the spine, affecting mobility and control of defecation.
Folds in the skin: they make it easier for dermatitis to appear as a result of fungal or bacterial infections.
With all this, the idea of selecting races under no circumstances should focus on our aesthetic taste, but on the following:
- The character of the dog , essential for the type of coexistence, relationship of affection and company that we establish with them.
- The experience of a healthy and happy dog that they can have inside a body that we practically “design” for them.
The path of responsible pug breeding
In order to maintain a good morphology and health of the “flat” dog, the RSCE (Royal Spanish Canine Society) penalizes the following characteristics, in order to prevent specimens with problems from being used in breeding programs:
- Nose: Narrow nostrils and heavy folds over the nose are unacceptable ( Image 2 )
Image 2: Carlino (Pug) with a fold on the nose.
- Muzzle: The eyes and nose must never be adversely affected or hidden by excessive folds over the nose.
- Jaw : Teeth and tongue showing and should be severely penalized.
- Eyes: Never bulging, exaggerated or showing white when looking straight ahead. Free from eye problems .
- Ideal weight: between 6.3 and 8.1 kilos.
References:
Liu, NC, et al. 2017. Conformational risk factors of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) in pugs, French bulldogs, and bulldogs. PlOS one, 12(8), e0181928.
