Why Do Pugs Look Unhappy?

Being one of the most popular breeds, Pugs are easily recognizable by their big round eyes and myriad facial wrinkles. These features give Pugs an expression that many find adorable, helping these small, stocky dogs win the hearts of countless fans worldwide. At the same time, the wrinkled skin around a Pug’s face can give them a sad appearance. 

Are these pups unhappy all the time, or do they just look like it? Before we dive into how you can tell if your Pug is sad, let’s first take a look at the science behind their default facial expression that causes such a melancholy appearance. 

Pugs are playful and friendly little dogs, though they may not always seem like it due to their appearance. So why do they look unhappy? The answer is simple: genetics!

It’s no accident that Pugs have so many facial wrinkles. They were created to be lap dogs for Chinese emperors, and breeders actually aimed to produce a pattern on their foreheads that would resemble the Chinese character for “prince.”

Furthermore, a 2017 study revealed that a genetic mutation is linked to flat face shapes in dogs. Using DNA samples and CT scan images of nearly 400 pedigree and mixed-breed dogs, researchers at the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute found that the disruption of the SMOC2 gene affected the length of a dog’s face, accounting for 36% of facial length variation in those tested. In other words, dogs with the mutation had significantly flatter faces, a condition known as canine brachycephaly. 

Since the skin on their face is so wrinkled, a Pug’s expression can be hard to read. To tell if your Pug is actually unhappy, look for any of the following signs:

• Changes in appetite. Like people, some dogs lose interest in food when they’re extremely sad. On the other hand, there are dogs who eat more when they’re depressed, using food as a source of comfort. 
• Loss of interest. If your Pug suddenly loses interest in things that they normally enjoy, such as playing or going for walks, then they may be suffering from depression. 
• Hiding. If your Pug is unhappy, they may want to be left alone or go into hiding. 
• Clingy behavior. Conversely, some dogs will become very clingy and want to be closer to their human when they’re sad. 
• Paw licking. Depressed dogs often lick or chew their paws excessively as a self-soothing behavior. 
• Sleeping all the time. Pugs tend to snooze more than other dogs, but if you notice your Pug sleeping more than they usually do, then they may be depressed. 
• Changes in body language. Depression can cause dogs to act differently during their interactions with people and other animals. 

The signs of canine depression are often similar to those of other medical conditions, so it’s important to rule out any medical problems as well.

A major change in a Pug’s life or environment can lead to depression. Some common triggers are: 

• Chronic stress
• Chronic pain
• Social isolation
• Lack of physical and/or mental stimulation 
• The loss of a human or animal companion
• Environmental changes, such as moving, rehoming, or a new family member

Due to the shape of their head, it’s common for Pugs to suffer from brachycephalic syndrome. Also called brachycephalic airway syndrome or congenital obstructive upper airway disease, this syndrome refers to a set of upper airway abnormalities that affect flat-faced dogs, which include narrow nostrils, extended turbinates, an elongated soft palate, a smaller trachea, laryngeal collapse, and everted laryngeal saccules.

These abnormalities obstruct airflow, making it difficult for a dog to breathe through their nose. Signs of brachycephalic syndrome include:

• Noisy breathing 
• Snorting
• Snoring
• Difficulty exercising
• Collapsing after exercise
• Coughing
• Retching
• Gagging

Hot or humid weather often aggravates these signs, and affected dogs may develop secondary problems later on, including an increased strain on the heart or inflammation of other structures in the airways. These dogs are also more susceptible to heatstroke.

A Pug’s default facial expression can make them look unhappy even when they aren’t. However, if you suspect that your Pug is suffering from depression, brachycephalic syndrome, or another condition, chat with a vet to learn more about your pup’s health concerns.