Do Frenchie Pug Mixes Have Health Problems?

French Bulldogs and Pugs are some of the most sought-after dog breeds in the United States, so it makes sense that Frenchie Pug mixes are also some of the most popular breeds. They are small, great family dogs, and simply adorable.

We all get the hype around a frug mix, but we also know that both the French bulldog breed and the pug breed come with some health problems. It is only logical that there are also some frugly health issues. Breeds like this have been bred so much that health problems that would have been weeded out in nature persevere and impact French bulldog pugs today. 

What Kind Of Health Issues Do Pug and Frenchie Mixes Have?

Since both of the breeds in a frug are bred with health issues, the mixed breed itself has a few common health problems. If you get a Frenchie pug mix, you should be sure to be prepared to take care of their health and medical needs.  The most common issue that French bulldogs experience is obesity. Frugs are often overweight and obese, which can cause or exaggerate other health problems. Other issues that this breed suffers from include Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), Dermatitis, Entropion, Dry Eye, and Patellar Luxation. 

Perhaps the most serious of the health issues that a Frug experiences is the BOAS. When a dog has Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, they may have elongated soft palates, thin nostrils, and other breathing issues. This makes it hard for them to breathe properly.

Another serious issue that Frenchie pug mixes to deal with is the Patellar Luxation. This is what it is called if a dog’s knee doesn’t sit in place properly. Some dogs who have Patellar Luxation show no signs of being in pain while others have a very serious and noticeable limp. If you suspect that your Frenchie Pug has this disorder you should bring them to the vet and get a diagnosis. If your dog suffers, something that helps the pain significantly is weight loss. 

How Do You Take Care Of A Pug Frenchie Mix? 

Taking care of your Frenchie pug depends largely on their health! If you have a dog with any of the above-listed health problems, then you are going to need to take care of that specific issue more hands-on than you would take care of an entirely healthy dog.  Since this breed is pretty small, Frenchie pugs are very well suited for living in an apartment or a small home. They do not need large spaces to run around.

That being said though, that does not mean that you do not need to exercise your dog. This breed has less energy than other, larger breeds but they still need a walk a day. 30-minutes of exercise should be enough to tire them out. 

Since these breeds do tend to have breathing problems, you should be sure to use caution when walking or exercising them in hot weather. Your dog might have trouble coping with the temperatures and won’t be able to cool down.  Since a Frenchie Pug is a short-haired breed, they do not require going to the groomer to be trimmed.

These dogs shed excessively, so be ready for that in your home. In terms of taking care of Frenchie Pugs’ coats, you should give them a gentle brushing about once a week to spread their natural oils. Spreading their oils helps with any dry skin they may be experiencing. 

What Activities Can You Do With A Full-Grown Frenchie Pug? 

If you have a Frenchie Pug, you are probably aware and worried about their health problems. The structure of the Frenchie Pugs’ snout makes it difficult for them to breathe, so you have to take caution in how you exercise your pup. The short snout can lead to shortness of breath and an inability to cool down after intense exercise.  You should moderately exercise your adult Frenchie Pug.

If you take your dog to the park and they are playing with other dogs, it is a good idea to take them aside after a while give them some water, and allow them to catch their breath.  Another great way to make sure your Frenchie Pug isn’t overexerting himself is to make a point to exercise them in cooler parts of the day. On a very hot summer day, it is a great idea to exercise them early in the morning or after the sun has started to set in the evening. 

How Long Do Frenchie Pugs Live? 

Despite their myriad health problems, Frenchie Pug mixes live a long time. Their estimated life span is from 9-15 years. As these dogs get older, their health may start to worsen and some existing conditions may be exacerbated. If your Frenchie pug deals with health problems such as BOAS, then it might get worse with age.  This breed mix has a longer lifespan than many other dogs, making them a great addition to your family. These dogs are generally kid-friendly and will be a joy to have around the house. 

Conclusion

When you are deciding what dog to get for the family, it is important to think about all of the health problems associated with the breed you’re considering. If you decide that a Frenchie Pug mix is the best fit for you, you need to be well informed on the risks and how to take care of your new family member.  Not only do you need to familiarize yourself with the health issues that are common in this breed, but also on how to exercise them. You want to be sure you are not overexerting your pet or else their issues might get worse. 

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