Tuesday 17 May 2016

The problem. Right here. Right now.


This video has had over two million views on Facebook with a whole heap of unthinking "so CUTE!!!" comments.

Here's what happened when someone tried to raise awareness of this dog's breathing issues.










Charlotte West Wilson is the dog's owner...

One person has provided this link to a website which advises on Pug's breathing problems. There is some good info there, but it includes this attempt to normalise noisy breathing and pinched nostrils.

Normal Noises and Wheezes 

The Pug dog will have breathing issues that are considered "normal". Although they may be quite alarming to new, unsuspecting owners, the following are common traits that are to be expected:

Snoring - Many Pugs snore when napping and sleeping through the night. This is not usually indicative of a serious health issue. If it does become excessive, stenotic nares and/or elogated palate may be the cause.


Snorting noises - It it typical for a Pug to make noises like grunting and snorting. This breed will wheeze and gasp a bit. As we look ahead into the details of Pug breathing problems, this will only need to be addressed if it appear to interfere with normal respiratory functions.

Stenotic Nares 

This is not uncommon with brachycephalic, short-nosed dogs. This is a physical condition in which the dog's nostril are too narrow to allow for proper breathing.


This is also referred to as pinched nostrils. It is a congenital trait, which means that it is passed down genetically, however it cannot be bred out of the Pug due to facial structure that gives the Pug his unique appearance.

15 comments:

  1. It is so sad. As long as there are still people out there thinking this was "normal" or a dog not being able to breath was "not a problem", I am afraid nothing will change. :(

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  2. Depressing and disgusting at the same time. How can anyone think that is 'cute'. If you heard a child struggling to breath like that you would get them straight to a doctor.

    What makes it even worse is the abuse hurled at the few people trying to educate the owner.

    What is the appeal to a pet like that anyway. It barely functions as a dog at all. You certainly couldn't take it out for a nice walk in this weather.

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    1. Unfortunately the appeal is that it can barely function.

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  3. So much easier for them to attack the messenger than to face the horrifying truth about their poor deformed "babies", eh? Kudos to those brave individuals willing to face the slings and arrows and speak out.

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  4. Some real masterminds there eh?!

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  5. The keyboard warriors are always out to defend the indefensible. I think they shout so loud to drown out sense, conscience and some small sad decent voice that's left in there somewhere.

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  6. That video clip is so sad. Just shows how some humans are so detached to what is healthy and functional for a dog.

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  7. Wow. It's so sad to see so many ignorant, abusive comments. And this is despite the fact these are obvious physical deformities, but what about all of the breeds that have genetic diseases that can't be seen? This is why so few purebred dog owners speak out, because this kind of abusive crap happens in so many breeds. As soon as a genetic health issue appears, breeders and ignorant fanciers come out in full force to attack the messenger.

    My dog has 3 different genetic diseases that appeared before she turned 4 years old (but looks beautiful and you'd never know she was so unhealthy and cost me a fortune). I was viciously attacked publicly and privately by my own breeder as well as others in the breed for even mentioning them once, so I can't say anything. And there are many, many unsuspecting consumers that continue to choose the breed because they believe they're getting a healthier shepherd. And the breeders do nothing to correct that misconception (of course).

    And so what recourse do dog owners have? Dog clubs and registries exist to support breeders, not owners.

    I appreciate this blog and the documentary's efforts to shine a light on these very serious health issues. We still have a long way to go to help dogs get healthier. :-(

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  8. "Cannot be bred out" - what about the retro pugs that are being bred with less extreme features?

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    1. Those aren't pugs, they're abominations that have no place in the show ring. Now hush while I go back to cooing over my poochie struggling to breathe. Awwww, he's gasping and choking! How cute.

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    2. That would be an outcross. Breeding outside the breed. There is a difference. For example, we could breed out cowhocks and angulated backs in German Shepherds because there is a large enough population of GSDs with straight backs and good legs to keep that trait for the breed (although this could cause other problems with such strict line breeding like that). They'd still be purebred because they stayed within breed. Retro Pugs would be an outcross to a different breed, like a Beagle (Puggle) or Jack Russel Terrier (Jug). That would definitely increase muzzle length, create a slimmer build, and have a dog that is able to enjoy itself. My Vet teacher had a Puggle who saw every little event as a party that called for a celebration of howling and dancing, and he was fit enough to do so. A totally ruined temperament to many Pug enthusiasts, but the dogs are happy and that's what should count.

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  9. Such overwhelming ignorance. Nice to see how many likes those pointing out the obvious recieve anyway.

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  10. "Oh, haha, yes they breathe so funny, don't they?"

    "Look, he fell over, so cute!"

    "LOL, his tongue is turning blue! Silly boy!"

    "Aw, he died from his breathing problems, so sad! Oh, well, that's normal for the breed."

    Sums these idiots up right there.

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  11. The most ironic comment was the "let them live!" bit. Yes. That's exactly what we're advocating for...letting dogs live comfortably, with normal, long muzzles and open airways.

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  12. I commented on a picture of a pug saying they are not cute but unhealthy and unable to breath and apparently now I am a troll.

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