The Finnish Kennel Club has greenlit a significant initiative by the Finnish Pug Club to engage in breed crossing to enhance the health of pugs in Finland. This project focuses on crossbreeding pugs with so-called 'retro pugs', which are an attempt to improve the genetic diversity and health of this popular breed. Pugs are known for their brachycephalic traits, which while aesthetically pleasing, also come with a host of health complications related to their short snouts.

The goal of the crossbreeding project is to produce pugs with longer snouts, thereby addressing the common health issues associated with the breed's traditional physical characteristics. According to Maiju Santanen, chair of the breeding committee in the organization, the intention is to mitigate brachycephalic features of the pug, such as exaggerated eyes and pronounced nasal folds, which contribute to breathing difficulties and poor temperature regulation in these dogs.

This initiative has stirred discussions within the dog breeding community, as it highlights the ongoing concern around the health implications of breeding practices that favor certain aesthetic traits over the wellbeing of the animals. As the project moves forward, it is expected to set a precedent for how dog breeds can be responsibly managed to ensure better health outcomes without sacrificing their unique characteristics.