Thus far, through our columns of June 18 and June 25, 2023, we have been discussing the small dog breeds that have gained popularity in Guyana over the years, including the Chihuahua, the Dachshund and the Cocker Spaniel. Today we shall commence a discussion on the more recent arrivals of small dog breeds.
FRENCH BULLDOG
This French Bulldog breed seems to have melted the hearts of American canine caregivers. Latest reports posit that the French Bulldog has now superseded the Golden Retriever and the Labrador as the favourite companion animal in the USA. City dwellers resident in small apartments favour these animals. It is not uncommon to see hired dog walkers on the streets of busy downtown Manhattan walking some four to five leashed bulldogs, and allowing them to playfully interact with pedestrians.
Dogs of this sturdy breed are small and compact. According to the Penguin’s Dog Encyclopedia, the French Bulldog makes an excellent companion. They truly are cute and friendly. The complaints I receive mostly have to do with the unrelenting clinging on to the caregiver. That is usually an endearing characteristic. However, the constant attachment can become tedious to the owner, especially if the latter wants to watch TV from one’s favourite chair. The French Bulldog will invariably attach itself to the chair/caregiver, and will not move. I suppose one can cope with this over-affectionate dog and his loving behaviour.
Of course, being stern and exhibiting a firm hand with a French Bulldog may deter this exhibitionist lovey-dovey attitude. But would you want that altered behaviour from a pet which has an instinctively loving nature?
The main concern which veterinarians who practice in the hot and humid tropics experience is respiratory distress. This ailment is associated with the shortened nasal anatomy.
Again, we humans – in an effort to make an animal cuter – carry out breeding programmes which deform the dog’s physical structure. So, now we have a dog that looks as if it ran into a brick wall. The nasal passages have been bred to be shorter. This does not fare well for a dog living in the hot and humid tropics.
The dog needs longer air passages going to the lungs. The worst-case scenario is when the nasal blood vessels burst, and nosebleed begins. Optimally, the animal should be placed in a cool (even cold) environment when it exhibits signs of a nosebleed. I also advise giving the animal cold water to drink, even as I administer medication to stop the bleeding.
Long story short, if you have chosen this breed of companion animal, prepare yourself to visit your vet and keep all appointments. The rest of the time, just enjoy your pet.
PUG
Someone once said “the Pug is a lot of dog crammed into a small body”; to know one is to adore one.
Like the French Bulldog, the Pug has a short-muzzled face, and is therefore prone to difficulties in breathing in hot and humid environments. Of course, if kept correctly and adhering to veterinary advice (see above comments made for the French Bulldog), your Pug pet will give you hours of fun and happiness.
Owners have extolled these endearing characteristics when describing their Pug companion: Expressive, charming, playful, loyal, clever, mischievous, docile, sociable, affectionate, attentive, quiet, loving, calm – and yes, stubborn (like the French Bulldog), and consequently needing a firm human hand to keep him/her from becoming a difficult-to-control, own-way pet. Dare I say like children?
Finally, as an answer to the usual question: How long do Pugs live, the answer is – if kept well, and following your vet’s advice – 12-15 years.
