Pugs - What Health Tests Are Important?

[Lisey]

My good friend is looking into getting a pug puppy. I've not had anything to do with this breed before.

What health testing is required and are there any 'warning signs' to stay away from particular breeders?

Thanks for your input :)

[Jed]

I think a really important thing with pugs is to ensure that you go to a reputable, knowledgable breeder, who is well respected. Do the research to find out which breeders tick the boxes, and approach them.

There seems to be a fine line between healthy and not healthy, and a lot of the problems seem to be due to some conformation fault. Pugs seem to be either fine, or horrible, and it seems to depend on how they were bred, and how good the parents were.

Here is a link to the US Pug Club and some information on health

http://www.pugs.org/indexhealth.htm

[minimax]

Linking to the US pug club is pointless. There are no set health tests for pugs, best way is to research breeders listed in DOL and go from there.

[Rebanne]

In the forum dog breeds 101 Pugs are listed. Have a read there. Also see if there are any state clubs. Often heaps of info there

[Alkhe]

I think a really important thing with pugs is to ensure that you go to a reputable, knowledgable breeder, who is well respected. Do the research to find out which breeders tick the boxes, and approach them.

There seems to be a fine line between healthy and not healthy, and a lot of the problems seem to be due to some conformation fault. Pugs seem to be either fine, or horrible, and it seems to depend on how they were bred, and how good the parents were.

Here is a link to the US Pug Club and some information on health

http://www.pugs.org/indexhealth.htm

I'm by no means an expert on Pugs either, but I've seen some really healthy seeming individual dogs, and others that I just feel really sorry for, because they always appear to be having trouble breathing. For example, I know two little black Pugs that are both quite "athletic" dogs, who happily go running with their owners. But I also know two rescue dogs (who I believe are siblings), one of whom is just in a really sorry state. She's CONSTANTLY wheezing and unable to properly run around and play, and has real trouble in both hot and cold weather. Her brother isn't as bad, but neither "seem" as healthy or sound as other pugs I've met. It's not just brachy breathing either - I have asthma and looking at her just reminds me of when I'm having an asthma attack and am struggling and in pain.

I don't know much about brachy breeds, but perhaps somebody is able to enlighten me (and the OP) as to whether there are particular respiratory problems etc, and whether this is all about the lines that you go for, etc?

Also, does colour seem to be a factor in health? The more that I think about it, the black Pugs that I have met seem to be almost finer boned or even smaller than the tan ones - is that my imagination?

Edited June 29, 2012 by Alkhe

[Lady Flying Furball]

Black pugs are also reputed to be more devilish...watch out

Edited June 30, 2012 by FlyingFurball

[Clyde]

Also, does colour seem to be a factor in health? The more that I think about it, the black Pugs that I have met seem to be almost finer boned or even smaller than the tan ones - is that my imagination?

I don't know. But my (very devilish) black boy is small and athletic. I guess they need to be fitter to keep up with themselves