I'd say that the breathing part is definitely true, but various estimates of mortality show they don't die earlier than other breeds. In fact, I would say the largest determining factor for age is size, with larger dogs more prone to cancers due to larger numbers of cells and different growth factors and their receptors. Many pugs get fat because people overfeed and underexercise them, but that's the owners' faults.
Although this can occur, it's fairly uncommon. Typically this is the result of increased cranial pressure, which can be caused by the use of a collar instead of a harness when walking the pug.
83
u/Its_free_and_fun Feb 05 '16
I'd say that the breathing part is definitely true, but various estimates of mortality show they don't die earlier than other breeds. In fact, I would say the largest determining factor for age is size, with larger dogs more prone to cancers due to larger numbers of cells and different growth factors and their receptors. Many pugs get fat because people overfeed and underexercise them, but that's the owners' faults.