Pugs and Bulldogs: What You Need to Watch Out for With Stubby Muzzle Breeds

Two of the most common breeds, pugs and bulldogs, are often mistaken. They are both around the same size, look the same, and have the same habits. With their distinctive stubby muzzles, the two breeds are extremely low maintenance, adorable, and the perfect pet for families. Bulldogs were not naturally present like mastiffs and hounds. Instead, they were a result of several generations of breeding.

The history of these dogs is dark because they were used in a draconian pastime known as bull-baiting. Due to their small stature, these dogs were let loose in arenas with bulls. The dogs would lay low, and if they avoided being launched into the air, they would be trained to grab the bulls by the nose. Whatever dog was able to do this was considered the winner.

Many dogs would lose their lives to this, which eventually became illegal. After bull baiting was made illegal, many people felt that these dogs were useless. However, a few people still thought that these dogs were important. They were extremely adorable, friendly, and not difficult to care for. For the most part, they would spend their time sleeping or eating. Fast forward to today, and these breeds are some of the most desired out there. People want them as pets, status symbols, or just a low-maintenance companion to live with instead of another human.

Unlike Bulldogs, the Pug is a breed that can be traced back to 400 BC. It was considered to be a pet of the Chinese elite. Ask any owner, and they will tell you that Pugs are known for their people-pleasing nature. They are the perfect lapdogs due to their small size and light weight. Being low maintenance, pugs only need a place to sleep and food to eat. After this, they are good on their own. However, this approach does not mean they shouldn't be exercised. They still need to be walked to ensure they don't get too lazy, gain weight, or develop diseases.

Taking care of these breeds is straightforward. There are a few things to remember when doing this.

Train Them Properly

Even though these breeds are very low maintenance and easy to take care of, they still need regular training. Just like any breed of dog, Pugs and Bulldogs must be prepared to make sure they become well-behaved pets instead of ones that become nuisances. These breeds might be more difficult to train than others, but you can do the job with a little patience and consistency.

Take Care of Their Health

The bulldog breed, particularly the English Bulldog, is known to develop different ailments if not taken care of properly. A very simple example of this is Bulldogs' overheating. If the animal is left out in the sun for too long, there is a chance that it might overheat and begin to lose its breath or even pass out. It would help if you never left the breed unattended in the sun for too long. If you can't keep a constant eye out, make sure they have a place to protect them from the sun when playing outside. Furthermore, these breeds are known to suffer from hot spots, which are itchy spots that might form due to flea or other insect bites. If not kept clean, they can also develop fungus spots on their skin and facial acne. Their eyes must be taken care of all the time. Keep them clean using a soft, damp cloth, or else they may develop cherry eye, KCS, or corneal ulcers. This case shows that their health needs a lot of monitoring because they are susceptible to a variety of different diseases. The biggest culprit is negligence from the owner. Make sure you regularly check your pet to see if anything unusual is happening. If you have any doubts about something not being right, make sure you take your dog to the vet. These breeds are known to have a lifespan between 8 to 10 years by nature. This results from the breathing problems they develop because of their noses, limitations because of the way their bodies are built, and a variety of physiological and genetic diseases.

Keep Them Groomed

Pugs and Bulldogs have short coats that are not regularly cared for. Brushing them once a week to remove extra hair and dirt should do the job. However, you must make sure that their wrinkles are kept clean. Make it a habit to check their facial wrinkles regularly to ensure they are clean and free of dirt or grime. Check to see if there is any unnecessary moisture around these parts which should be wiped down immediately. If left unattended, the chances of developing into an infection go up, which can be incredibly painful for the dog and the owner. Trim their nails, brush their teeth, and make sure you walk them. The last thing you want is for your Pug or Bulldog to become lazy, as this greatly increases their risk of disease.

Feed Them Right

These breeds do not require foods high in nutrients since their physical activity is average at best. They can be fed regular wet or dry dog food, which should be more than ideal. However, how you provide them is very important and should not be overlooked. The breeds are brachycephalic breeds, which is a very big word for short snouts. Having this facial structure might give them their signature look, but it also leads to a condition known as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). This condition can induce vomiting and other digestive issues, which is why when feeding your dog, make sure you provide them with small amounts. These breeds are quick eaters, so feed them small amounts at a time.

Exercise Them – Their Way

Because of the shape of their snouts, pugs and bulldogs should never be made to do any intense physical exercise. They may have the zoomies where they run around in circles, but these usually last a few seconds before they tire. Walking or playing with these breeds in the sun is also a major no-go, as any physical exercise in the sun could tire them out beyond what is normal. At most, a 15-minute walk up or down the street is more than enough for them. This is what makes them ideal city dogs because they can easily be kept in apartments.

by Maria A Davidson || You can’t buy love, but you can rescue it™ | Facts About Animal Homelessness:

• Stray arrivals: Roughly 59% of dogs and cats enter shelters as strays.
• Owner surrenders: About 30% of shelter animals are given up by their guardians.
• Purebred rates: Up to 25% of dogs in local shelters are purebred.