My neighbor's Puggle dog, one year old, died in his sleep this week. The autopsy showed he had a heart attack based on a defective heart valve, not suspected. I am so sad. He was such a happy exuberant little guy. Is this common in puggles or in dogs in general? (a puggle is a pug/beagle mix)
2007-04-08 08:24:21 · 6 answers · asked by danashelchan 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Because the puggle is a mixed breed dog, (a mutt), it is subject to all of the health issues which affect BOTH breeds. Because puggles are bred by unscrupulous breeders who are out to make a buck, no health clearances are done before mating the dogs. A brachycephalic dog, (such as a pug) with the lung power and prey drive of a beagle would be in serious danger or dropping dead while playing on a hot day. So far I've heard about heart problems, epilepsy, hyperactivity, thryroid problems and a disease where the bones break easily and don't heal properly as just some of the health issues in puggles.
Hopefully, if your neighbor bought this dog from a "breeder", he or she has learned that only really responsible breeders who breed to preserve and improve a breed should be supported.
I'm sorry for your loss and I'm sorry the poor little dog has to suffer because of unscrupulous breeding practices.
2007-04-08 08:33:56 · answer #1 · answered by K 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry for your neighbor's loss!
Puggles and every other "designer" mixed breed dog can be more prone to genetic defects than other pure-bred dogs and even generic "Heinz 57" dogs.
This is why I spend so much time trying to dissuade people from breeding these dogs. You rarely get the "best of both breeds" like people claim, you more often then not get some major health issues, like your neighbor.
I hope, for your neighbor's sake, that when they bought the puppy, it came with a health guarantee. Many health guarantees will last between 1 - 5 years. What this means, is if there are any major genetic health issues, the cost of the pup will be refunded or the dog will be replaced. All reputable breeders offer this.
Good luck to you!
2007-04-08 16:16:16 · answer #2 · answered by Katslookup - a Fostering Fool! 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I understand that Puggles are a higher risk breed of dog for heart problems. Not quite the highest but they are up there. All breeds of dog's have health concerns associated with them. There are on line resources that can help you identify the risks associated with your own pet and the humane society will have more information.
2007-04-08 15:36:30 · answer #3 · answered by Derek T 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is common in Puggles, along with other health issues.
2007-04-08 17:47:32 · answer #4 · answered by Great Dane Lover 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's not exactly rare, but it's not overly common in dogs, either.
Just like people, some puppies will be born with an internal defect, and many will go undetected until it causes complications.
I'm sorry for your neighbor's loss.
2007-04-08 15:28:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
i dont really know.
sorry
2007-04-08 15:59:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋