93% of pug and French bulldog owners would buy their breed again, or recommend their breed to a friend, despite inherited health defects and increased risks for severe health problems, a study shows.
A study published in the journal PLOS ONE by Rowena Packer of the Royal Veterinary College, on Aug. 26, 2020, surveyed over 2,000 owners of French bulldogs and pugs.
The results showed that over 93% of participants would buy their breed again, and over two-thirds would recommend their breed to a friend or potential first-time owner. The reasoning for this was largely based on the breeds’ companionship and lifestyle that were attractive for first-time owners and those living in cities.
French bulldogs and pugs, on average, die four years younger than other breeds due to their shortened snouts and inherited health defects.
Most dogs of these breeds have shorter snouts, which leads to difficulty breathing, eating, and a variety of other complications including respiratory disease, eye disease, spinal disease, heat stroke and pneumonia.