Tips for pug owners

Cheryl Gaw, founder of Pug Rescue SA, advised that the purchase of a pug from a responsible breeder is about a two-year wait as they will only breed once they know all the puppies will have a good home to go to.

Unfortunately, Gaw added, the majority of pugs are bred by “backyard” breeders and on puppy farms where health checks are not done to see what defects they could be breeding.

“A lot of breeding is done solely for money and female pugs are required to breed when they turn one – the equivalent age of a seven-year-old,” she said.

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Why did you choose pugs?

I never chose pugs! They chose me and by default I developed a love for the breed.

What makes pugs so vulnerable?

The pug is a man-made breed. In the USA, pugs are no longer allowed to be bred as ancestral breeding is done for money and not the betterment of the breed.

Pugs are prone to ear, eye, back, knee and respiratory problems. This often results from instances where a sister pug breeds with the father, for example. This type of irresponsible breeding perpetuates the transferal of genetic defects.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to adopt a pug?

Research the breed before adopting as they shed, have health issues and are high maintenance. They gain weight easily, which could cause breathing issues. They are also prone to mast cell tumours, which can spread if not controlled.

What tips would you give pug owners on how to care for their pets?

• Feed them good quality food.

• When it is hot outside, keep them in a cool area.

• They should never have access to a swimming pool because they cannot swim.

• They need to be brushed regularly and have their nose folds cleaned.

• Ears should be checked regularly.

• They cannot take long walks as they were bred to be lap dogs.

• Pugs sleep inside the house.

• They are happiest when they sit on your lap and sleep on your bed.

What common mistakes do pug owners make?

Pug owners buy these animals impulsively because they are cute, but they don’t have any knowledge of what they get themselves into. Pugs can also easily gain weight if they are overfed as they are not as active as other dogs; they do not burn fat as quickly. Educate yourself about the breed beforehand if you are thinking of getting it as the dog will be part of your family for life.