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A new puppy

pug

I am looking to add an puppy pug to our family. We have no kids. Is there anything specific I should ask the breeder in order to find a healthy puppy?

• Experienced Advisor Rosie Barclay says:

  September 06th, 2008 at 06:55 AM

  Hi

  The disadvantage of breeding from selected dogs to create a "pure" breed is an increase in the likelihood of puppies having inherited conditions that cause them health problems.

  Pugs are known to show hip problems, Legg-Clave-Perthes, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, entropion, dry eye, epilepsy, liver disease and an anaesthesia sensitivity.

  Perhaps a visit to your own vet with the puppy before you buy to have a check up might be a good idea or demand that the puppies are health checked before being sold. They certainly should have been wormed and inoculated. If you have a good breeder they should be very happy to make sure this is done. You also want to make sure that your puppy has been socialised with different people, being inside a house, with children and other dogs to help reduce the likelihood of it showing behavioural problems when older.

  The more new owners that demand healthy puppies the more healthy puppies will be bred. It would be nice to see the breed standard of the pug change slightly so that they have less bulbous eyes as these are easily damaged and a longer nose so it can breathe again. You are very sensible to ask these sorts of questions.

  Best wishes

  Rosie Barclay.

   

   

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