British veterinarians are raising concerns that pugs may no longer fit the label of typical dogs, noting a higher propensity for respiratory, eye, and skin conditions compared with many other breeds. In a large-scale comparison of 40 common diseases across pugs and other breeds, researchers found that pugs were 54 times more likely to suffer from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, 13 times more likely to experience corneal ulcers, and nearly 11 times more prone to dermatitis. The study also observed more frequent skin folds and a higher incidence of nail regrowth, pointing to distinctive physical traits that accompany health risks. The findings were reported in Canine Medicine and Genetics based on a comprehensive analysis of veterinary records.
With their flattened noses and wrinkled muzzles, pugs have long enjoyed popularity among celebrities and everyday dog lovers alike. Yet the new research suggests the breed experiences a spectrum of serious illnesses that sets it apart from many common dog types. The data imply that the health profile of pugs has diverged sufficiently from that of other dogs in the United Kingdom to challenge the notion that they are just ordinary dogs.
Researchers emphasized that the brachycephalic facial structure in pugs did not arise through natural evolution. Rather, it emerged from deliberate breeding choices that prioritized particular looks over long-term health. Beyond the well-documented concerns about airway obstruction, the study found pugs to be 51 times more likely to have narrow nostrils and about 2.5 times more likely to become obese compared with other breeds. Among the breeds analyzed, pugs also tended to show the shortest life expectancy. The conclusions were drawn from VetCompass data, incorporating 16,218 records for pugs and 889,326 records from dogs of other breeds, providing a robust view of breed-linked health patterns across a large population sample. These insights contribute to ongoing discussions about responsible breeding, veterinary care, and the welfare of brachycephalic dogs in North American and global contexts, underscoring the need for owners to be aware of potential health challenges and the importance of proactive, preventative care.