TWO Furness pug fanatics have spoken of their love for their flat-faced breed of dogs after vets warned people to think twice before buying the lovable animals as pets.

Dogs with flat-faced features such as pugs, bulldogs, shih tzus and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have become sought after in the UK due to their squashed faces and wrinkly noses.

However, the British Veterinary Association claim that buying such dogs comes with a health risk, with many of them likely to suffer from breathing difficulties throughout their life.

Andrea Rattray, 52, from Dalton, is the owner of Edd the pug - a social media icon who has gained more than 90,000 followers on his Instagram account.

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The teaching assistant also owns a French bulldog called Archie and, although she was warned about the health risks associated with flat-faced dogs, she has never experienced any of the problems outlined by vets

Mrs Rattray said: "We knew about it when we bought them but we have had no problems with them all. When they've had operations, vets have always been careful because of their flat faces but everything's been absolutely fine.

"I think the advice that's been given is scaremongering and it shouldn't stop anyone from buying a breed of dog that is absolutely amazing to have as a pet. They have got so much character and they are such quirky dogs."

Becki Fishwick, 33, from Barrow, has two one-year-old pugs called Rose and Buddy who play a huge role in her life.

She said: "They are like little humans. They are a part of my family and I think, because they are such a small breed of dog, it is easier to have them in your home, and pugs in particular are a very gentle breed of dog.

"If I was told about the health problems related to pugs by my vet, of course I would research the problems, but I was never told anything like that when I got my pugs."

Miss Fishwick suffered heartbreak last year when her pug Elvis died when he was just six months old.

The fun-loving pup died due to a combination of heart and lung failure and not due to any of the problems outlined by vets as reasons not to invest in the dogs, which are scientifically known as brachycephalic dog breeds.

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The 33-year-old singer added: "They are very loving and loyal. I am a busy woman so they don't need a lot of exercise and you can walk them once or twice a day and that is enough. They love being at home and on the sofa with me.

"I have not noticed any of these problems with my two pugs."

Across the UK, there has been an increase in the number of flat-faced dogs being handed into animal refuge charities, with Battersea Dogs Home and Bluecross Animal Rescue receiving a total of 314 flat-faced dogs in 2015, compared to 226 in 2014 - representing an increase of 39 per cent.

Sean Wensley, President of the British Veterinary Association, urged people to look at other breeds of dogs when choosing pets.

He said: "Prospective owners need to consider that these dogs can suffer from a range of health problems, from eye ulcers to severe breathing difficulties."

"We strongly encourage people to choose a healthier breed or a crossbreed instead."

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