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Dog Health, Unethical Breeding, Breed Health Marc Windgassen Dog Health, Unethical Breeding, Breed Health Marc Windgassen

THE CURRENT STATE OF PUGS IS HORRIFYING!

Unethical breeding has led to severe health issues in pugs, including respiratory problems and hip dysplasia. Ethical breeding practices, like health testing and prioritizing functional traits, are essential. Educating dog owners on choosing responsible breeders can improve pug health and well-being.

This breed has fallen victim to dare I say, unprecedented levels of backyard breeding by unethical breeders. This has reduced dogs of this breed to ones with an inadequate respiratory system especially when it comes to its nostrils due to the flat face and an insufficiently sized skull which causes both neurological problems as well as the eyes to bulge and even pop out of their sockets as they age.

Don't even get me started on the unstable genetics that's a result of poor breeding practices such as inbreeding, specifically trying to bring out recessive genes, or just a straight up disregard for any sort of proper research and investigation into lineage.

Pugs currently face several health problems such as:

  1. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) - This condition is related to the short and flat skull shape, causing severe breathing problems.

  2. Hip Dysplasia (Coxofemoral Dysplasia) - A genetic disorder where the hip socket does not fully cover the ball portion of the upper thighbone.

  3. Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) (Necrotizing Meningoencephalitis) - A fatal inflammatory disease of the central nervous system.

  4. Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) - Also known as "Dry Eye," where there is a deficiency in tear production leading to corneal damage and discomfort.

  5. Luxating Patella (Patellar Luxation) - A condition where the kneecap dislocates or moves out of its normal location.

  6. Stenotic Nares - Narrowed nostrils that cause breathing difficulties.

  7. Entropion - A condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea.

  8. Hemivertebrae - Malformations of the vertebrae, often seen in the screw tails of pugs, which can lead to spinal problems.

  9. Elongated Soft Palate - Excess tissue in the soft palate that obstructs the airway and causes breathing issues.

  10. Dermatitis - Skin inflammation, often due to skin folds trapping moisture and leading to infections.

Thankfully some good hearted breeders are trying to restore the legacy pug with a longer muzzle and proper skull structure with stable genetics but this will take time as well as mass education of the current and future dog owner community. As a dog trainer and someone who above all else has the best interest of dogs at heart, it pains me to see people encourage and support these unethical pug breeders.

It's imperative that we, as a community, start holding breeders accountable and push for stricter regulations and standards in breeding practices. Educating potential dog owners on the importance of choosing ethical breeders and the long-term health benefits for the dogs is crucial.

Ethical and responsible breeding practices are crucial to improving the health and quality of life for pugs. This includes:

  • Health Testing: Breeders should screen breeding dogs for genetic conditions like hip dysplasia and PDE.

  • Prioritizing Function over Form: Selecting for longer muzzles and less extreme brachycephaly can significantly improve respiratory health.

  • Outcrossing: Introducing genetic diversity into the breed can help to reduce the prevalence of inherited diseases.

We must advocate for the health and well-being of these animals and work towards eliminating the demand for poorly bred dogs. By doing so, we can ensure that future generations of pugs, and all dogs, can lead healthier, happier lives.

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