It has long been known that the dog breed pug is exposed to various diseases and physical ailments. Researchers at The Royal Veterinary College have in a recent study quantified how bad it really is. According to the study, the pug is 51.3 times more likely to suffer from narrowed nostrils. But it does not stop there: 13 times as likely to suffer from sores on the eye 11 times as likely to suffer from skin fold inflammation 9.6 times as likely to suffer from tinnitus In addition, the pug has increased the likelihood of suffering from allergic skin disease , persistent deciduous teeth and obesity. – Dogs are man’s best friend. We are not the dog’s best friend. This must be stopped, says Åshild Roaldset, veterinarian and general manager of Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge. The pug has a far greater chance of having breathing problems compared to other dogs. Problems created by humans The study from the UK is based on 4308 random pugs. Information about these dogs has been compared to 21,835 other dogs of a different breed. The researchers believe that measures should be implemented immediately to improve the pug’s health. – It is time that we focus on the dog’s health rather than the owners’ whim when they choose the type of dog they should own, says Dr Dan O’Neill, one of the researchers behind the study. According to the British study, the pug has twice the chance of getting sick compared to other dog breeds. Photo: JC Gellidon / Unsplash He receives support from Roaldset in Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge. – When did we get proper figures on the pug’s health. There is twice as much chance that a pug has one or more disorders compared to other dogs, she says and emphasizes: – There is a very high probability that they will get sick. The most common problem for the pug is breathing problems. This is due to a combination of flat nose and head shape. MUST CHANGE BREEDING: Åshild Roaldset in Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge believes breeding on pugs must be changed. Photo: Anne K. Harkestad / Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge – They no longer have room for the important organs they should have in their heads. And this is not created by nature, says Roaldset. – This is man-made. Has introduced new requirements Nina Brogeland Laache, veterinarian and head of the health and registration department at NKK, believes the study shows that this must be taken seriously. – The research emphasizes the need for responsible farming with strict requirements, rules and documentation. Only breeders do that today. This is crucial for both owners and dogs, she tells news. Pug is a popular dog breed. The breed’s motto is “multum in parvo”, which means “a lot of dogs in a small format”, NKK writes on their website. Photo: Mink Mingle / Unsplash Laache says irresponsible and undocumented breeding regardless of dog type affects both owners, dogs and society. – The politicians must set the framework. The authorities must follow up. And dog buyers need to make informed and informed choices. The veterinarian emphasizes that NKK takes the challenges with the pug seriously. – No one takes these problems more seriously than NKK. No one is more concerned about health than us who live and burn for dogs. The solution, according to Laache, is responsible breeding. She points out that NKK has already introduced new requirements in connection with the breeding of pugs. – When it is documentable, knowledge-based and subject to strict requirements, you work generation after generation to weed out the problems. Therefore, it is a clear requirement in NKK’s ethical rules that dogs with BOAS grade 3 should not be used in breeding. BOAS rating The BOAS rating was developed by the University of Cambridge. NKK uses this in its screening program. The research so far includes the breeds pug, French bulldog and English bulldog. Grade 0 Clinical without remark. Has no respiratory symptoms. Degree I Clinical without remark. Mild BOAS symptoms from respiratory tract but does not affect activity. Grade II Clinically affected. The dog has moderate respiratory symptoms and these should be monitored. The dog may need treatment, including weight loss and surgery. When the veterinarian gives grade II to a dog, he / she is encouraged to comment on whether it is a mild or strong grade II. Grade III Clinically affected, and should not be used in breeding. Severe respiratory symptoms due to BOAS. The dog should be thoroughly examined by a veterinarian and treated. Source: www.nkk.no/gradering/category1342.html Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge asks if the time may be ripe to mate the pug with other breeds. – Everyone knows that extreme inbreeding causes disease. In pugs, you have an unfortunate combination of high inbreeding and a high disease burden. The individuals in the breed are too similar and too sick for further breeding within the breed to make sense, says Åshild Roaldset. She adds that Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge believes that doubting the breed unit is at the expense of the dog’s health and welfare. – This does not mean that we want to eradicate the pug, but you have to start cross-breeding and health must weigh heavier than appearance in the breeding work. – Has worked for several years to improve health on 1 January 2023, NKK introduces a requirement for eye lighting and BOAS grading of pugs. The Norwegian Pug Club (NMK) tells news that they have worked for several years to improve the pug’s health. – In Norway we have many great dogs without health challenges, says Kai Christoffersen, leader of NMK to news. He became leader of the club this year and points out they have already received approval for registration requirements with eye lighting and BOAS test. Christoffersen emphasizes that everyone who is to breed pugs must follow the health requirements of NMK and NKK. In addition, he points out that they are trying to make it easier for those who want to be serious. – At the club’s special show in August, we offer all members to BOAS test the dogs at half price. The junkies who are not members of the club will probably not come. During the show in August, there will also be a 100-meter run for dogs. – I have a bitch with an unofficial Norwegian record of 7.6 seconds. If the pugs had it as awful as someone wants to make it, it would not have been possible, says Christoffersen. Christoffersen says that there are many healthy pugs in Norway and that NMK is working to improve their health in the time ahead. Photo: Tale Hauso He adds: – The breed has developed with better health. The club and its breeders have a strong focus on continuing this work in collaboration with NKK.
ttn-69
Pugs have a 51 times greater chance of breathing problems – Animal protection reacts – news Nordland
