Are pugs more likely to have health complications then other dog breeds?

QUESTION: Are pugs more likely to have health complications then other dog breeds? I’d really like to get a pug but some websites say they are more prone to health complications such as like Entropion obesity heatstroke granulomatous meningoencephalitis and other things. Pug owners is this true?

ANSWER: Pugs like other small domestic dogs do have health complications that are not as prevalent in other breeds.I own two pugs of my own and work as a veterinary assistant while I go to school.I can tell you for certain that pugs having been bred for generations for the same characteristics suffer frequently from a narrow trachea. Keep in mind I say frequently because it is the main problem we see happening time and time again not because the hospital is full of nothing but pugs. We usually will see it once every month or so. I am not by any means saying we see a lot of pugs. It is just when they do come in for treatment it is a fairly good chance the narrow / collapsed trachea is the culprit.This can cause breathing problems.  A medication called theophylline or another bronchial dialator is usually prescribed to treat the symptoms and is from what i’ve seen fairly effective.To make a long story short pugs do not have any more health problems then any other dog breed.German shepards due to their size suffer from hip dysplasia while daushounds have legs that are disproportionate to the rest of their body. Pomeranians very commonly have knees that pop out of their joints etc.The list goes on! Most all dog breeds have some form or risk of complication associated with the breed but don’t let that put you off owning a pug!Every dog has problems but there is no reason to believe pugs have more of them.If you have any other concerns I would recommend talking to a veterinarian.