We are concerned citizens advocating for the health and welfare of pugs and bulldogs. Help us protect the health and well-being of pugs and other brachycephalic breeds. 

By reading and signing this petition we hope breeders, and pet owners to come together to prioritize the health of pugs. It is time to end pug breeding practices that compromise their quality of life and advocate for responsible pet ownership.

Pugs are not considered typical dogs due to their poor health. Pugs, along with other flat-faced dogs, fall under the category of Breathing Impaired Breeds (BIB). BIB dogs have been bred to have shortened snouts, which leads to a lack of space for their normal anatomical structures. This can result in symptoms like labored breathing, snorting, vomiting, and collapsing. Breeding for these flat-faced traits can lead to multiple health issues, including stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, and conditions like heat stroke and laryngeal collapse.

As a brachycephalic breed, pugs are especially prone to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), a chronic respiratory disorder. This condition makes it difficult for them to breathe properly, even when they are at rest.

Though they are loved for their distinct features—such as bulging eyes, a flat face, and curly tail—these characteristics come with serious health challenges. What may seem like a happy pant or smile is often a sign that the dog is struggling to breathe through its nose and has resorted to breathing through its mouth. Additionally, due to their bulging eyes, pugs are more vulnerable to eye infections. They can also develop skin fold dermatitis and other infections as "they have more skin than they need for the size of their face" according to Dr. Myfanwy Hill, a veterinary surgeon who works at the University of Cambridge. The pug’s curly tail, which is often considered one of its most endearing traits, is actually caused by a malformed vertebra. This can lead to further complications, including slipped discs.

Pugs need to breathe, Not Breed
Here are the list of the health problems that are caused by breeding pugs:

1. Stenotic Nares
   - Refers to nostrils that are abnormally narrow that makes air difficult to pass through.
2. Extended Nasopharyngeal Turbinates
   - Abnormal growth or extension of nasal turbinates (structures inside the nose that filters air) into the nasopharynx. 
   - This condition can block airflow and can cause breathing difficulties that lead to snoring, noisy breathing, or labored breathing. 
3. Elongated Soft Palate
   - Occurs when the soft tissue at the back of the roof of the mouth is longer than normal. The excess tissue can then extend into the airway that blocks the air to pass through.
   - It can lead to respiratory distress that requires surgical correction to improve airflow.
4. Hypoplastic Trachea
   - A condition where the trachea (windpipe) is abnormally narrow or underdeveloped that can restrict airflow to the lungs that makes it hard for the animal to breathe. 
5. Laryngeal Collapse
   - A condition where the larynx (voice box) weakens and the cartilage that supports it starts to collapse inward, obstructing the airway resulting in severe difficulty in breathing and in severe cases it can cause death from suffocation.
6. Heat Stress and Heat Stroke
   - Due to their flat-face, they won’t be able to breathe well and can’t cool themselves effectively. Since dogs cool down by panting, Pugs can’t pant effectively enough to regulate their body temperature.
   - Without immediate treatment, heat stroke can cause organ failure, brain damage, and even death.
7. Eye Problems
   - Their shallow eye sockets and shortened snouts  make their eyes more vulnerable and prone to injury and disease.
8. Skin Issues
   - Because of their wrinkled skin they are most likely prone to suffer infections and dermatitis. 

Make a difference, sign our petition and spread the news! The more signatures, more voices, the better! Help us protect the health and well-being of pugs and other brachycephalic breeds.