Figure 1 . University of Cambridge , body condition score in pugs ( Cambridge BOAS Research Group , 2017 ).

Body condition scoring ( BCS ) of the bitch is also important in assessing health . It may be beneficial to use more than one chart for brachycephalics . For example , Royal Canin produces charts varying from toy size to extra-large dogs , and Cambridge University has produced a breed-specific BCS chart for pugs ( Figure 1 ). If the bitch is too thin , due to poor nutrition , the litter ’ s birth weight may be decreased , which increases the risk of neonatal mortality . If the bitch is overweight , large foetuses are more likely to develop , causing dystocia , which is already a high risk in brachycephalic breeds . VNs can support breeders by recommending feeding the bitch a suitable highly digestible diet for a minimum of 2 weeks before mating ( Puttock , 2020 ). This allows time for digestive issues to settle down , especially in brachycephalics , which are at high risk of regurgitation .

Many breeders will opt for a blood test to measure PGT levels in the bitch prior to mating . IDEXX ( 2021 ) recommends serial testing for accuracy . Initially , a baseline measure of PGT should be recorded at first signs of heat , then increase PGT testing frequency around 3 – 4 days after bloody vulvar discharge is present . A continuous definitive rise above 5.0 ng / ml can assess ovulation timing , which then determines the breeding schedule ( Table 1 ). From here , some practices may recommend further preoperative health checks to ensure safer breeding . These may include

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