The Pug Dog Club Bulletin Spring 2024

1. Pugs should be kept in clean, comfortable conditions and their welfare should always be of paramount importance.

2. The aim of breeders should always be to improve the quality and soundness of their stock and to produce healthy, typical pugs, which conform as closely as possible to the Breed Standard.

3. The commercial breeding of pugs is unacceptable.

4. Dogs and bitches used for breeding should be of good type and quality should be sound and healthy with reliable, steady and even temperament, which is an important feature of the breed.

5. Dogs and bitches suffering from or known to be carrying any hereditary defect (such as slipping patella, cleft palate, entropion, hip dysplasia, hemivertebra) ought not to be used for breeding. Breeders should co-operate with other breeders, especially, but also with clubs and veterinary bodies, in an effort to eradicate hereditary defects.

6. A bitch to be used for breeding should be at least 18 months of age, or on her third season, before mating for the first time. In addition, the decision to breed should depend on the maturity, both physical and mental, of the bitch to support a litter. She should not be mated once she has reached the age of 6 years

7. A bitch should not normally be bred from on two consecutive seasons. Four litters is sufficient in a bitch’s breeding life, and every effort should be made to ensure her a comfortable and happy lifetime thereafter.

8. Stud dog owners have a great responsibility towards the breed and should assure themselves that:

(a) The dog to be used is as good an example of the breed as possible and suitable for breeding under guidelines 4 and 5 above.

(b) The bitch to be mated is of suitable age and condition under guide- lines 4,5, 6 and 7 above.

9. It is recommended that the pedigrees and registration papers of both dog and bitch be studied for both accuracy and suitability.

10. Breeders should be responsible for placing their pugs in suitable homes and should maintain a lifelong interest in, and responsibility for their stock. To this end, pugs should never be sold to dealers or pet shops, or exported to the Middle and Far East, or other areas where animal welfare is a very low priority.

11. The Pug Dog Club welcomes new members, and hopes that new owners and fellow members will be given support and assistance.

12. Any offence committed under any UK legislation or subsidiary legislation passed for the protection of dogs in particular or animals in general shall be considered to be a breach of these guidelines and the Kennel Club’s Code of Ethics.

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BULLDOGS AND PUGS

By Juliette Cunliffe

Much of the really old canine history makes no mention of Bulldogs, so the breed’s history, comparatively speaking in relation to some others, is fairly recent. The best evidence comes from pictures dating back to the end of the 17th and early 18th centuries, these showing the type of dog from which the present-day Bulldog has evolved. When bull-baiting and dog-fighting officially ended, the dog was bred for ‘fancy’, leading to those characteristics that aided baiting and fighting being exaggerated.

Edward Ash, writing in 1927, tells us that in this early stage of transition, “wide, ungainly heads were obtained, legs widely bowed were developed, and frequently the dog was a cripple.” Thankfully this transition stage passed, the desired points were “rounded off” and abnormalities no longer became so exaggerated.

During the 17th century, the term ‘bulldog’ was often used to refer to a smaller mastiff or bandog; it was certainly not the Bulldog we know today. We can easily see this from even later illustrations, such as that by Bewick in 1790. In some cases dogs known as butchers’ dogs related to this breed, the butcher requiring a dog that could bring up his cattle,

but also be able to face up to a bull if necessity arose. A good bull-facing dog was of considerable monetary value and could be sold on to wealthier frequenters of the baiting sport. Undoubtedly the Bulldog depicted by artists from the latter part of the 18th century usually showed the breed as a small mastiff with a comparatively long head.

The 17th and 18th centuries were the heyday of the sport of bull-baiting and dog-fighting in England. Reading about these sports is terribly disturbing, so I shall refrain from going into detail, but George Stevenson’s will, dated May 15th, 1661, is of interest. He left the price of a bull to be given annually to the poor of Wokingham in Berkshire; after the bull had been baited and killed its body was to be divided equally amongst the poor. Money collected from spectators at the bait, was spent on shoes and stockings which were distributed amongst the children of the poor. So although this didn’t help the bull, at least some good came of its demise.

During bull-baiting times, dogs were required to be about 16 ins (40.6 cms) in height and to weigh up to 45 lbs (20.4 kg). It therefore appears likely that pug dog cross-

es, or maybe even pug dogs, were used in breeding to produce a dog that could hold on to a bull, without being compelled to let go in order to draw breath. It was definitely believed that, whether by accident or design, such crosses had indeed taken place. The size of the pug-dog was then larger so that such crosses were feasible.

But type was not always the same, as shown in this image from Edwards’ Sporting Magazine of 1799. It shows a fight between a monkey and a bulldog, which took place in Worcester. Here the bulldog shows nothing of the pugtype in its breeding.

Although bull-baiting was prohibited by law in 1853, still ‘fashion’ in the breed “required a dog on stout legs, nimble and quick, though overmuch size was not then required.” This gave the dog the power to keep close down to the ground, below horn-level if possible. This led to the development of shorter legs and a bow-shaped body, according to Ash. Dog-fighting, though, continued, some fights lasting for only a few minutes, others for over three hours. To give readers today an idea of substance, ‘Old Storm’ and ‘Young Storm’ each weighed over 70 lbs (31.75 kg) and won every contest in which they had been engaged. A play bill of 1819

advertised a match between two dogs weighing 43 lbs (19.5 kgs) each.

Bull-Dog as depicted by Bewick in 1790

Bull Dogs, Doon Brae and Smasher, published by Vero Shaw in 1881

Bulldog, Ch Roseville Blaze, whelped November 1910

By 1840, Goldsmith, in his Animated Nature, tells readers that colours were varied, sometimes black and white, but more frequently brindle, and the tail then still “curved upwards”. But when dog showing began, the weights of bulldogs had still not been properly decided upon. In 1863, 18 lbs (8.2 kgs) was the dividing line between ‘heavies’ and ‘lights’, but just one year later this had risen to 20 lbs (9.1 kgs).

By the time of the Crystal Palace Show in 1872, the dividing weight was 30 lbs (13.6 kgs).

But let me move on now to Pugs whose short, snub noses had a decided fascination. The dog itself was clean and smart, making for a pleasant companion. It is believed that the breed probably originated in China, from there spreading to Japan and thence to Europe where Pugs became very popular, especially in Holland. Even in 1685, the writer Tate introduces a Pug in his Cuckolds-Haven when he writes, “Dear, delicate Madam, I am your little Paraquit, your sparrow, your shock [meaning Shock Dog/Maltese], your Pugg, your Squirrell.”

Bewick, in 1790 said the Pug

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“in outward appearance is every way formed like the Bulldog; but much smaller, and its tail curled upon its back.” However he also mentioned that although it had formerly been common in many parts of England, it was then rarely to be met with. In 1837, Bell writes of the Pug that it has somewhat the aspect of the Bulldog, the same “projection of the lower jaw, the same short close hair and similar conformation of the body.” In France the Pug had gone under the names ‘doguins’, ‘small bulldogs’ and ‘roquets’.

In England the Pug was cropeared, the whole ear being removed, for it was generally believed that the absence of ears tended to develop wrinkles on the forehead. The desired colour was fawn, with what was known as ‘a black velvet patch’. A black mole on each cheek was important and on each mole there were three hairs. The mask was to be black and positively marked. In 1872, Idstone laments the rarity of good Pug specimens, considering it hard to find more than half a dozen equal to those that existed a hundred years before.

It is strange to see the considerable peaks and troughs in popularity within different breeds, much as we seem to be coming across increasingly today. Opening a window onto breeds from centuries past perhaps should give us food for thought, and maybe make us contemplate which way we are heading.

BELOW LEFT:

BELOW: Bulldog, from Bingley’s Memoirs of British Quadrupeds,

ABOVE: Pug, published by Vero Shaw 1881

LEFT: Pug Dogs by Reingale, from Taplin’s Sportsman’s Cabinet, 1803

The Monkey Versus the Bull dog - Sporting Magazine 1799

1808

RIGHT: The famous Pug, Ch Lord Tom Noddy of Broadway, published 1927 SINCEREST THANKS TO JULIETTE CUNLIFFE FOR ALLOWING US TO REPRODUCE HER ARTICLE THAT RECENTLY APPEARED IN OUR DOGS NEWSPAPER. WE ARE SO GRATEFUL. EDITOR ON BEHALF OF THE PDC.

Pug Myelopathy

an understanding of “going off their legs”

Pug Myelopathy is a more recently recognized spinal condition believed to be unique in purebred pugs. Mature dogs, with the average age of onset at 9 years old, begin to show weakness in their rear limbs, or “going off their legs”, characterized by stumbling (ataxia), dragging one or both rear feet, and being unable to stand for long on four legs. Affected dogs may have difficulty or stop trying to jump on furniture, use stairs, and may start randomly dropping faeces, and/or change their urination habits (faecal and urinary incontinence). Although this condition was first recognized in the early 2000’s at Auburn University, the US veterinary college in Alabama, the first publication did not appear until 2013. Granting there is more information available now to neurologists, many veterinary practitioners still are unaware of the condition in pugs and fail to diagnose or misdiagnose the dog’s condition. Often the owner is told the pug has intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) as seen in French bulldogs, or based on only x-rays, there is either “nothing seen,” or arthritis/hip dysplasia are present on the film, and the owner is told this is the diagnosis.

However, Pug Myelopathy is a neurological condition that develops in the spine, possibly caused by several characteristics of modern pug conformation. As this condition advances, paraplegia (paralysis of the rear limbs) develops in one to four years, and the pug will be unable to urinate on its own. This has become a widespread problem in pugs. Pug myelopathy usually affects just the rear limbs, unlike a quite different disease, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), which can have similar initial signs, but DM rapidly progresses tragically to complete body paralysis and entails euthanasia. Purebred pugs very rarely develop degenerative myelopathy and genetic tests for DM are not required for purebred pugs.

This condition has been called by multiple terms including constrictive myelopathy (first term used in the US literature), hypoplastic facet disease, spinal arachnoid diverticula (SAD) and jargon terms of degenerated discs, nerves, pinched nerves. In UK/EU publications terms have included thoracolumbar myelopathies, meningeal fibrosis, familial adhesive arachnoiditis of pug dogs, but the most common

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name is Pug Myelopathy (PM), and it is most often referred to as “Pug Myelopathy.”

In Pug Myelopathy, we are learning there is usually a complex of spinal abnormalities that involve both the vertebral bones, and the spinal cord. Spinal cord compression—often near the last pair of ribs (T13)—can be caused by one or more syndromes that may include chronic multiple moderate Hansen’s Type II intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), a spinal arachnoid diverticulum (SAD) “pouch” compressing the cord with spinal fluid, and /or a spontaneous fibrous thickening of the arachnoid (a layer of the spinal cord membranes – meningessurrounding the spinal cord). This eventual meningeal fibrosis encircles the spinal cord and causes a segment to constrict and atrophy (shrivel). Caudal or posterior to this segment, the rear legs no longer receive movement signals from the brain, and the bladder sphincter can no longer open. Neurologists differ whether this is one condition, or several different diseases in the pug. However, although the initial lesions may differ, they all lead to the same outcome – the cord segment is destroyed. Thus, we tend to favor the opinion that this is all one disease.Pugs are also found to have hemivertebra, a misshapen spinal vertebral bone that may or may not cause paralysis if the spinal column is “bent”, (usually at T6-T8). However, the relationship to PM is unknown.

Unraveling the relationships between these conditions was one goal of the research at Michigan State University, led by Dr. Jon Patterson, which was funded by the Pug Dog Club of America. More recently a study at Purdue University (funded by AKC CHF) is examining spinal disease and will use DNA for projects locating genes and biomarkers in both normal, and pugs affected with spinal disease. The genetic indicators will improve diagnosis, therapy, and screening to reduce prevalence of spinal disease in pugs.

https://pugrearataxiaparalysis.com/purdue-genetics-study.html

Dr. Cecilia Rohdin has published her excellent thesis Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of a myelopathy in pugs. A journey from ’wobbly pugs’ to pug dog myelopathy.

https://pub.epsilon.slu.se/29956/1/rohdin-c-20221222.pdf

Although until recently little was published about this condition, Pug Myelopathy may be the most common cause of mid-back spinal cord problems in pugs. Since how the breed developed this condition is not understood, there is still no consensus among neurologists about the best way to treat it. Surgery may be appropriate for a limited number of individual cases, but it must be considered as soon as possible after symptoms first occur and may only delay progression of paralysis.

The UK has utilized surgical management of affected pugs more progressively than the US. An outstanding neurologist, Dr. Colin Driver at Lumbry Park, has devoted years of work to improve and perfect surgical techniques to produce the best and most lasting outcomes. He has multiple publications and truthfully, we always recommend consulting Dr. Driver as the second opinion if surgery is suggested for your pug. This procedure is complex and requires considerable pug spinal surgery expertise and experience to anticipate the best result. Medical management is an alternative and can be an equally successful palliative treatment. It appears that consistent daily home physio using rehabilitation exercises to preserve muscle strength and weight bearing ability can delay muscle atrophy and prolong mobility. Many dogs can develop a spinal walk to keep moving. A well-engineered therapeutic wheeled cart, carefully fitted by a knowledgeable professional, will exercise the rear legs while supporting the body, straightening the spine, and protecting the pug from slips and falls. Other forms of integrative medicine can enhance the ability and interest to stay active.

Pugs affected with Pug Myelopathy are usually pain free and can lead enriched long lives with good nursing care despite their disability. All senior Pugs require periodic wellness exams to detect and alleviate other problems of aging. Elder pugs need a comprehensive program to address arthritis that is a problem in the front legs, shoulders, and neck, including using medication and/or supplements. It is critical that affected Pugs be carefully monitored for the ability to completely empty the urinary bladder several times a day. Little appears in the literature regarding long term home nursing care of PM pugs.

Our information has been developed from the feedback of 10,000+ caretakers of “Wheelie Pugs” on Facebook. If your dog develops

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signs of weakness or ataxia, it is important to have your primary care veterinarian arrange a referral for an examination by a board-certified veterinary neurologist as soon as possible.

In Pug Myelopathy, both bony (vertebral) and spinal cord abnormalities are found in most cases. Almost all purebred Pugs have hypoplastic (underdeveloped) or aplastic (absent) small facet articulations between the vertebrae of the mid to lower back. These are best seen with a CT scan, but to understand lesions potentially compressing the spinal cord, an MRI is the important diagnostic test. Currently there is no way to predict which pugs will develop the neurological disease at 7-12 years of age, long after a successful show and breeding career has occurred. It is anticipated work in Sweden and the US will use the genetic variants underlying these canine spinal abnormalities to develop inherited disease tests. Such tests would allow breeders to screen for clinically relevant spinal abnormalities, and examine possible inheritance, while selecting for desired breed characteristics. A genetic test may also identify individual dogs “at risk” for Pug Myelopathy syndromes, be used to aid in diagnosis of an affected dog, and/or supplement a prognosis after spinal injury or trauma. Genetic screening will improve the welfare and well- being of purebred Pugs and provide direction in reducing other inherited disorders in purebred dogs.

For more information on Pug Myelopathy contact: Kathleen L. Smiler, DVM, DACLAM smilerk@mindspring.com

Our websites: pugmyelopathy.com

Our Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/Pug-Dog-Health-Rear-AtaxiaPar alysis-218123938233440/

Wonderful Wheelie Pugs Support Group: www.facebook.com/ groups/wheeliepugs

About the Author

Dr. Kathleen Smiler’s Pug, 7-year-old Lily, was affected in 2005 by an almost unknown rear limb weakness first recognized at Auburn University. In the past 19 years Kathleen has increased awareness, promoted research, and developed resources for Pug owners to provide long term home nursing care for their own disabled dogs. Dr. Smiler is a 1970 graduate of the Michigan State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Her work experience in research combines purebred dog practice with basic investigative science. She has held offices in many veterinary medical organizations and the Pug Dog Club of America.

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