Veterinarians are advising potential dog owners to consider crossbreeds like the Jug (Pug x Jack Russell Terrier) and Puggle (Pug x Beagle) over purebred Pugs. A study conducted by experts at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) found that these crossbreeds share the beloved characteristics of Pugs but experience significantly fewer health problems.
The study, which involved 150 pet Pugs and Pug crossbreeds in the UK, revealed that nearly half of purebred Pugs suffered from severe airway disease. In contrast, all Jugs and all but one Puggle in the study were unaffected by this condition. This aligns with broader concerns about brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), a breathing disorder common in flat-faced breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Bulldogs.
BOAS can cause dogs to struggle with breathing, limit their ability to exercise or regulate body temperature, and in severe cases, can be fatal. The RVC research assessed dogs for various health issues including respiratory problems, eye and dental conditions, and neurological disorders, in addition to BOAS. Owners also provided information on their dogs' health history, veterinary expenses, behavior, and overall quality of life.
The findings indicated that purebred Pugs were considerably more likely to experience breathing difficulties, heat regulation issues, and problems with exercise compared to Jugs and Puggles. Purebreds also showed a higher incidence of eye, orthopedic, and neurological abnormalities. Consequently, the average monthly veterinary costs for Pugs were around £45, substantially higher than the approximately £10 per month for Jugs and Puggles.
Despite the health disparities, the study noted that personality and the owner-dog relationship remained consistent across the breeds. "Our findings suggest that improving the welfare of brachycephalic dogs does not have to come at the expense of the qualities owners value most," stated Elizabeth Youens, who led the study. "The Jugs and Puggles in this study showed markedly better health outcomes than purebred Pugs while maintaining similar behaviour profiles and strong owner–dog relationships."
Dr. Rowena Packer, a senior author of the paper, emphasized the potential of crossbreeding. "This study provides evidence that moving away from extreme body shapes by shedding the shackles of breed 'purity' can offer a rapid and effective pathway towards innately healthy companion dogs," she said. "If international kennel clubs and breeders are serious about tackling the high disease burden in breeds with extreme conformation, carefully managed crossbreeding programmes should be recognised as one of the most effective tools available for improving canine welfare."