9781422278437

Brachycephalic breeds The Pug is brachycephalic breed. Like the French Bulldog, the Pekingese, Boston Terrier, Boxer, and Bulldog, he has a broad, short skull, with a foreshortened muzzle and a pushed-back nose. These features should be distinctive, but never exaggerated. This type of conformation, when exaggerated, can result in serious health prob- lems, including labored breathing. All brachycephalic breeds need extra care in hot weather, when exercise may be trying for them. And all Pugs need some extra skin care because of their facial folds. The Pug’s prominent eyes are also easily injured, so you will need to take care. The shortened muzzle accounts for another Pug specialty—this is a breed that snores! However, most owners find the snuffles and snores of a sleeping Pug most endearing; just one of the many fea- tures of owning this highly distinctive breed.

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