Pugs can “no longer be considered typical dogs from a health perspective” because they face such serious problems, a new study has warned.
Research from the Royal Veterinary College compared the health of 4,308 pugs and 21,835 non-pugs, discovering that sadly the health of pugs is now largely worse than other dogs. They might be a favorite among celebrities, but pugs are twice as likely to experience one of more disorders every year, including breathing issues and skin infections (lip-fold pyoderma).
“The issue you’ve got is a dog with a smaller skull, but nothing else about the dog has gotten equivalently smaller,” Dr Myfanwy Hill, a veterinary surgeon who works at the University of Cambridge, told the BBC. “Their brains are squished into a box that is too small, while other soft tissues are squished into a smaller space.”
Bred purely for their looks, fashionable brachycephalic breeds had record-high puppy registrations in 2020, rising by 17% compared with 2019. Despite this, experts are urging new pet parents to avoid buying them. The common images we see of pugs might appear to be happy and smiling, but they are not as “joyful” as we think.
“While these extreme, unhealthy characteristics remain, we will continue to strongly recommend potential owners do not buy brachycephalic breeds such as pugs,” Justine Shotton, president of the British Veterinary Association added.
akegooseberryGetty Images
This isn’t the first time experts have issued a warning, either. Back in March 2021, vets warned that French Bulldogs and Pugs are at risk of going blind due to over-breeding. Meanwhile, previous research found that many are struggling to breathe and walk, with vets urging owners to stay vigilant when adopting or buying the dogs.
“Animals have thoughts and feelings of their own. And we need to make sure that they live long, happy and healthy lives,” Dr Myfanwy adds.
12 dog toy boxes to keep your pup’s toys neat and tidy
Dog Toy Blue Jute Storage Basket
Oliver Bonas oliverbonas.com
£32.50
We love a good jute storage basket for storing a whole range of different things in our home, so of course we had to include a jute dog toy storage option.
Pets at Home Copper Wire Dog Toy Basket
Pets At Home petsathome.com
£16.00
This copper wire dog toy basket from Pets At Home will still allow your dog to see all of their favorite toys but also keep them tidied away.
Large Dog Toy Box Storage Crate for Dog Toys
babepet amazon.co.uk
£31.99
This large wooden crate is perfect for storing larger toys or a whole host of smaller ones. And how fabulous are the dog bone shaped cut out handles?
Bone Shaped Pet Storage Basket
We’re big fans of this bone shaped storage basket from Next. The rattan material suits a range of different interior styles.
Dog Toys Basket
WithCongratulations etsy.com
£13.50
This simple cotton bag is made of a durable canvas and is a brilliant option for puppies or smaller dogs, whose toys tend to be a little bit smaller.
Personalized Pet Toy Storage Crate
Duncan Stewart notonthehighstreet.com
$36.79
If you’re looking for a personalized option, we love this wooden crate from Not On The High Street. You can choose to add two different lines of text and, if you’re shopping for a cat as well as a dog, you can change the bone engraving to a fish logo.
Personalized Felt Pet Toy Storage Trug
Unleashed Gifts unleashedgifts.co.uk
£16.99
Available in gray or charcoal, this personalized felt storage bag will save you from tripping over your dog’s toys or belongings. It’s also fantastic for storing rolled up dog blankets, too.
Dog Toy Basket
DollySheepHome Etsy
£34.95
Support a small local business with this handmade seagrass dog toy basket from Etsy. We love the neutral colors.
Velvet Pet Toy Basket
If your dog is equal to royalty in your home, we can’t think of a more fitting toy storage basket than this blush pink velvet one from Matalan. It’s also a purse-friendly option at less than £10.
Paw Print Wooden Pet Toys Storage Box
greenleaves amazon.co.uk
£9.99
This shabby chic wooden dog toy storage box would look great in beachy or minimalist decors. It also comes in three sizes: small, medium and large.
Rosewood Canvas Pet Toy Basket
Pet Planet petplanet.co.uk
£9.99
This canvas toy basket is ideal for storing some of their most loved stuffed animals and squeaker toys. We like the forest green shade of this particular basket.
Xbopetda Round Cotton Rope Storage Basket
Xbopetda amazon.co.uk
£19.99
With lots of 5 star reviews, this sturdy cotton rope storage basket is machine washable and would work in a variety of different rooms in your home.
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