Oh gosh, honestly if you don't want to contribute to poor breeding, I wouldn't get a pug at all They are absolutely riddled with health issues and at this point I think there really is no such thing as a healthy pug, the breed itself is designed to be unhealthy.

There are SO many breeds that are just full of personality and cheek and are funny and happy dogs.
If you like the idea of a small dog with a lot of personality terriers are hard to beat, and there are terrier breeds that are less feisty but still full of fun and personality. Carins come to mind, but there are many less "terrier" terriers out there

 

That’s such a shame. So sad to think people have bred their good health out of them. I’d consider a rescue.

Are Brussels griffons any healthier!? Although I know little about the breed, they’re probably wildly different.

 

I agree with @O2.0 and want to give an honorary mention to chihuahuas as well if it’s a lower energy companion breed you’re looking for. I’ve had mine five minutes (months) but he’s wonderful. Clever, loving, devoted, adaptable. Conveniently sized! They’re a pretty healthy and long lived breed, the ‘correct’ apple head type is brachycephalic but not to an extreme unlike pugs (although ‘brachy creep’ ie breeders selecting for a shorter and shorter muzzle can be seen with some, something to be aware of). Heart problems are the other issue.

Not to rule out a pug if you’re really set on one. A rescue pug likely won’t be any healthier but it would mean you’re not contributing to the problem iykwim. Chances are you will need to be prepared for big vet bills regardless.
I don’t know if the ‘retromop’ movement of breeding healthier pugs with a nose is much of a thing in the UK? But there are a minority of people trying to change things.

 

I just love pugs, but at the end of the day if there are no good breeders, and no truly healthy dogs I won’t get one.

I just have a huge soft spot for them.

We don’t need another dog really, we have Apollo and he is amazing. I just have always wanted a pug but I may keep an eye out for a rescue one in the future if our finances will allow for the potentially huge vet bills!

 

I just love pugs, but at the end of the day if there are no good breeders, and no truly healthy dogs I won’t get one.

I just have a huge soft spot for them.

What is it about pugs that attracts you?
Or a Brussels griffon?

 

Given that conscientious breeders take dogs they have bred back at any point in their lives, those who end up in rescue are usually produced by backyard breeders.

 

Every single pug I see has a health problem. Whether that's the basic breathing problems, bug eyes that get scratched, dodgy legs, skin issues, or anything else, every pug has something that would be not seen as normal in another breed but seems to be the standard for pugs. Same goes for frenchies and British bulldogs to be fair.
My boss has Affenpinschers which are better health wise when it comes to brachy breeds (if those particular types appeal to you) but they are hairy and get grubby faces. They can certainly keep up with their Miniature Pinschers but still come with the potential brachycephalic breed health issues.
I suppose it comes down to why you like the breed and if you are prepared to compromise on something one way or another.

 

A pug is a walking train wreck. There’s nothing about them that says ‘built like a dog’.

By all means look at a rescue (that’s more charitable than buying a puppy) but bear in mind that it’s not just about being able to afford the Vet bills, it’s also about maybe watching a little dog suffer just to live and breathe.

Have you looked at Boston Terriers. There are some being bred without very flat faces, ie they have a bit of a muzzle. My son has one and she can run 5 miles with my DIL. Easiest dog ever temperament-wise (if slightly batty) bright and easy to train and her Vet described her as one of the fittest dogs he sees.

edit. Not all luck, she is from a reputable breeder who had done all the relevant health checks.

 

bear in mind that it’s not just about being able to afford the Vet bills, it’s also about maybe watching a little dog suffer just to live and breathe.

This is an important point. I can't imagine watching a dog you love suffer simply because of how they're made.

 

Honestly, it’s probably not a great thing to say but I love their little weird faces and gremlin like personalities. My neighbour had one which is when I first met one and fell in love. Then before I got Apollo I was going to adopt one but it fell through. And since owning him I’ve met a few and just found them lovely.

however I agree they are also almost always riddled with health issues and it’s something I find heart breaking.
I won’t deny I find them endearing but I wouldn’t buy a pug just for looks if they are ultimately never going to be healthy.

of course I’d hate to see. Dog suffer if I rescue one it would be to give it a good life nd access any medical needs


Ultimately I’m not looking for another dog right now, just exploring the genuine path to owning a pug and from what I’ve got from here (which I trust) it seems the only way I’d own one was from rescuing and even then it would be something huge to take on c

 

A couple of days ago I met a Boston terrier x toy poodle who has the gremlin face and was in fine form playing chase with Nell. And there used to be guy doing agility with a Boston - they did well together. The'ye an intelligent breed. It has always seemed to me that Pugs don't have so much going on upstairs.
Australian Pugs look more like UK ones did a century or so ago, before the breeding for extreme features ruined them.

 

Isn't the 'gremlin face' part of the problem?

 

Maybe consider a pug mix from a rescue?

Often more moderate but still retain some of their features- I personally prefer their look that that of a typical pug.

A good resscue should be upfront about any breed related issues that may be present in their dogs.

Alternatively, Tibetan spaniels have similar features but not as extreme as pugs & pekingese have become:

 

I agree that pugs are sweet little doggies, but please don't get one. Countless stories and articles are saying why people shouldn't get a pug.

"Ideal" breed standards in these poor dogs seem to prioritise appearance over long-term health and welfare. Pugs' exaggerated features are created by deliberate selective breeding for particular physical types or traits.
I was in the vet with Marvin and was sitting in the cat waiting area, but could hear a poor pug breathing from the other side of the reception. I've been out in parks and seen pugs gasping for breath. A friend of mine knows someone whose pug will just randomly pass out, and suffers daily. Sadly, this trait is often not noticed until the dog reaches adulthood.

 

We had a lady with two Pugs up the road from us, she said she did all checks she could to find a good breeder but even so they both had health problems the one she she lost when was jus three years old. She said if she had realized the problems they had she would never have them.

 

TBH if I wanted a Pug Id probably get a crossbreed. Something with a similar personality but that would make the physical issues less extreme.
Thats what I did with my Daxies.... I was worried about the spine issues but loved the breed so got 2 chihuahua/daxie crosses.
(obviously people are better off rescuing but I wont be acceptable to a rescue until Im no longer working).

 

When I was thinking about another dog after Gelly died I was sorely tempted to get a mini smooth dachshund, I’d wanted one for a while. They’re so cute and I love their character. I mean look at that face

I had to let my head rule my heart in the end due to the health and mobility problems they face because of their long backs. A quarter of them end up with IVDD which can be very serious. I don’t know if anyone remembers Bosco who was kind of insta famous (always carried a big stick) but he died from it or rather had to be euthanised. I didn’t want to get a dog with a high risk of suffering from something like that and tbh I wouldn’t want to go through the emotional and financial stress involved either, not if I could avoid it. Add to that the fact that they’re very fashionable now and are being overbred and exploited. They’re the new Frenchie.
So I opted for a chihuahua, looks very different but suits me and vice versa.
Just sharing as an example of someone who wanted one breed but made a different choice and is besotted with the dog I ended up with.

 

There's a lot of dog breeds that get overlooked because they're not "special" in some way and don't stand out that much. But the reason many breeds stand out and appear more unique is because they have been bred for an extreme look. Extreme pushed-in face, extreme short legs, long back, extreme skin wrinkles, extreme ear length or coat or size or whatever. And every time you make something extreme, the dog suffers.

Basic, plain dog-looking dogs might not get a second look walking down the street, but in general they're going to function better. Functional structure that's not extreme isn't going to stand out, but maybe that's a good thing.

And basic, plain looking dogs can have amazing personalities. Mine does

 

There's a lot of dog breeds that get overlooked because they're not "special" in some way and don't stand out that much. But the reason many breeds stand out and appear more unique is because they have been bred for an extreme look. Extreme pushed-in face, extreme short legs, long back, extreme skin wrinkles, extreme ear length or coat or size or whatever. And every time you make something extreme, the dog suffers.

Basic, plain dog-looking dogs might not get a second look walking down the street, but in general they're going to function better. Functional structure that's not extreme isn't going to stand out, but maybe that's a good thing.

And basic, plain looking dogs can have amazing personalities. Mine does

She is far from plain!

And some dogs might be quite plain but they make up for it by being characterful.

The dog we fostered for a friend 3 years ago was a 'dorkie' (dachs/yorkie mix), so not a type I'd consider having, but she was a huge personality & great fun, I really enjoyed her staying with us.

 

@O2.0, that reminds me of the people who post online wanting advice on what breed to get, their criteria basically describes a Labrador but they say they don’t want one of those because labs are boring.

 

In what way does she think labs are boring? My friend has three and they are full of personality, but A LOT of hard work. The last thing I would describe them as is boring!

 

Honestly Id def consider a pug x chi in the future. Both breeds have fun little personalities, similar exercise needs and they kinda look like mini Boxers which is adorable!

(sadly Ive never seen a Pug breeder who breeds for health over looks. Ive seen breeders who breed less extreme versions of daxies, bulldogs and basset hounds who frankly look a million times better but never a Pug for some reason).

 

I watch a series called Narrow Escapes, about people who have taken to living on narrowboats, and one couple have a cute pug cross they got from rescue.

No idea what the cross is, but he has a proper dog snout 🙂

Apart from looking so much more attractive imo, he doesn’t display any of the snorts, grunts or other indicators of breathing difficulties at all.

 

I went to a client who had a pugxJRT he was lovely and also could breathe normally.

 

I did a ton of research before getting my dog too, and pugs are definitely one of those breeds where you have to be careful. When I was looking into them, I found that checking for breeders who focus on a longer soft palate, open nostrils, and other breathing issues is a must. I came across celebrity pugs—they seem to shine a light on healthy breeding practices.

Definitely look for health tests on the parents for things like hip dysplasia and brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. Rescue is a great idea too! I remember meeting a pug at a friend’s place, and the little guy was running around just fine because his breeder had really focused on his breathing and overall health.

 

Just to point out it’s not a long soft palate you want, the breathing issues stem from having a normal sized soft palate squished into a smaller space restricting the airway.
You want a longer muzzle so that it accommodates the soft palate.