Source: Vet Surgeon
New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) suggests that crossbreeding Pugs with non-brachycephalic breeds can significantly improve canine health and welfare while preserving desirable behavioral traits. Researchers evaluated 150 Pugs, Jugs (Pug–Jack Russell Terrier crosses), and Puggles (Pug–Beagle crosses) in the United Kingdom.
Nearly half of purebred Pugs were diagnosed with severe airway disease, and all showed affected breathing. By comparison, all Jugs and all but one Puggle were graded as having unaffected breathing. Crossbred dogs had longer muzzles, fewer conformational problems, fewer orthopedic and neurological abnormalities, and substantially lower rates of breathing, heat regulation, exercise, skin, and eye problems.
Veterinary costs were also considerably lower, averaging £10 monthly for Jugs and Puggles compared with £45 for Pugs. Owners rated quality of life as excellent for 92.2% of Jugs and 81.2% of Puggles, compared with 58.8% of purebred Pugs.