Adopt, Don’t Shop: The Problem With Pug Breeding
Written by Nicole Helms
Illustrated by Kaissa doichev
One of the more popular dog breeds, pugs, have taken the world by storm. Literally -- go into any greeting card section of a store, and you’re bound to see a pug wishing you a happy birthday. Log onto Instagram, and you’ll end up seeing a pug in a cute pumpkin costume. Even though pugs are adorable and deserving of all the love in the world, their ongoing breeding practices carry an unseeming, yet devastating impact.
Fun fact: pugs used to look like this. Originally from China, these dogs had sturdier bodies, longer legs and noses, and often acted as guard dogs and devotional companions. So how did they end up like this?
Physical changes can be seen starting in mid-1800s paintings of pugs. Popular with royalty in both eastern and western societies, pugs were bred to be accessorized lap dogs. This led to shorter bodies, stunted noses, and a significant rise in obesity. These traits became more defined as they continued to be selected for into the 21st century, and eventually, the pug became what it is today.
Despite a flat face and stubby legs being seen as “cute”, these traits are actually deformities! The lack of a longer snout makes pugs more susceptible to bulging eyes, inward folding of the eyelids, and other eye-related injuries. The compactness of their bodies makes it hard for them to breathe, and they must constantly pant in order to regulate their body temperatures. This is why many pugs seem to gasp, sneeze, and snort -- it’s a reflex from a lack of air. Some pugs also are born with stenotic nares (pinched nostrils), which makes symptoms even worse. Breathing problems are often so severe that pugs cannot exercise frequently -- this problem is intensified by their shortened legs, and thus, obesity remains a problem. Excessive wrinkles in their fat, when not properly cleaned by owners, lead to irritation and infection. Hip dysplasia, an issue with the formation of the hip socket, is also common.
The problem lies within dog breeding practices themselves. Dog breeding is a form of artificial selection, where breeders only breed dogs with desirable traits. Trying to fit trends so they can sell the dogs and make a profit, many breeders maliciously over-select “cute” traits that end up deforming the animal. Although pugs are the prime example of dog breeding abuse, other examples of genetic diversity loss have occurred in many other breeds, such as dachshunds, spaniels, and pekingese dogs.
This problem has continued mostly due to unintentional ignorance on the part of prospective dog owners. When getting a dog, many people go to breeders because they seem to be the more “professional” option. Many do not recognize the health implications of some dogs’ traits; instead, they find them cute and assume them to be natural. In the past few decades, though, there have been calls for change. With veterinarians and animal rights associations raising awareness around the world, some countries, like the UK, have banned specific breeds and/or the act of dog breeding itself.
What can you do? First, adopt, don’t shop. Many pet breeders house their animals in cruel conditions, continue the cycle of unethical trait selection, and gouge prices for the customer. Meanwhile, there are millions of animals in shelters that need homes (and love!). Second, do your research. Know the history and health of a specific dog breed before owning it. Contact a veterinarian or reputable animal rights association for advice about where to get a dog. If you’re looking at a breeder, obtain and assess any possible background checks or reviews from other buyers. Lastly, it is important to remember that dogs are not accessories! Taking care of an animal’s life requires a significant level of awareness and care.