Our health testing levels for the Pug
We group breeding programs into three levels based on testing depth. Ask your breeder directly which level they meet.
A breeder at the Great level performs all mandatory tests plus 9 additional clinically recommended screenings that reduce risk in this breed.
In addition to mandatory tests:
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)(BOAS)
Atmung
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a severe respiratory condition affecting short-muzzled dog breeds, where the physical shortening of the skull leaves insufficient space for the upper airways. This structural compression forces tissues like the soft palate and nasal passages into a restricted area, significantly obstructing the flow of oxygen to the lungs. Over time, the increased effort required to breathe puts chronic strain on the dog's respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
Physisch · Passing: CLEAR
Ectropion / Entropion
Augen
These are structural eyelid abnormalities affecting a dog's eyes. In cases of entropion, the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes or fur to rub painfully against the surface of the eyeball. In ectropion, the eyelid sags or rolls outward, leaving the sensitive inner lining of the eye exposed and unprotected.
Passing: CLEAR
Exposure keratopathy syndrome (exophthalmos, lagophthalmos, and/or macroblepharon)(EKS)
Augen und Sehvermögen
This condition involves chronic damage to the cornea, which is the clear protective outer layer of the eye. It occurs when the eyelids cannot fully close to moisten the eye, often due to protruding eyeballs, incomplete eyelid closure, or an abnormally large eyelid opening. Without proper moisture, the delicate surface of the eye becomes dry, inflamed, and vulnerable to injury.
Augen · Passing: CLEAR
Complex vertebral malformation(CVM)
Bewegungsapparat
Complex vertebral malformation is a congenital condition where the bones of the spine, known as vertebrae, do not develop properly during fetal growth, sometimes resulting in abnormally shaped bones like "butterfly vertebrae." This structural defect affects the skeletal system and can put pressure on the spinal cord, which is the main nerve pathway running down the back.
Roentgen · Passing: A
Atopy(CAD)
Haut und Fell
Atopy is a chronic allergic skin disease where a dog's immune system overreacts to common environmental substances like pollen, mold spores, and dust mites. This inappropriate immune response damages the natural protective barrier of the skin, leading to persistent inflammation and irritation. It primarily affects the skin, which is the body's largest organ system.
Haut
Demodicosis / Demodectic mange
Haut und Fell
Demodicosis is a skin disease caused by an overgrowth of microscopic Demodex mites that naturally live inside a dog's hair follicles. While these mites are normally harmless, an inherited or acquired weakness in the immune system can allow them to multiply uncontrollably. This overgrowth leads to inflammation and damage to the skin barrier.
Haut · Passing: CARRIER
Fold dermatitis/pyoderma
Haut und Fell
Fold dermatitis, also known as intertrigo, is an inflammatory skin condition that occurs within deep skin folds. When skin rubs against skin, it traps moisture, heat, and debris, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast to overgrow. This leads to localized skin infections, particularly in breeds with pronounced facial, lip, or tail folds.
Physisch
Sick sinus syndrome(SSS)
Herz und Kreislauf
Sick sinus syndrome is a disorder of the heart's electrical system, specifically affecting the sinoatrial node, which acts as the heart's natural pacemaker. This malfunction causes the heart to beat too slowly, too quickly, or with long pauses, disrupting normal blood flow to the body. An echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) is typically performed alongside electrical monitoring to rule out other structural heart diseases before proceeding with treatment.
Physisch · Passing: NORMAL
Meningitis(SRMA)
Nervensystem
Meningitis is a severe inflammatory condition affecting the protective membranes, called meninges, and blood vessels surrounding the brain and spinal cord. In dogs, this most commonly occurs as an immune-mediated disorder known as Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis (SRMA), or 'Steril-eitrige Meningitis-Arteriitis'. This means the dog's own immune system mistakenly triggers inflammation in these nervous system tissues without any actual infection being present.
Roentgen · Passing: A
These levels are a comparison framework, not an official certification. They help compare breeding programs at a glance.