RETRO Pug: The Facts Behind The Face

Other than that, a retro pug is still very similar to an old-fashioned pug, and it is simply a pug without a flat face. The longer face also solves the problem of bulging eyes, which is another bonus.

A retro pug’s ears are slightly longer, but this isn’t bad.

The combination of Jack Russell also changes the retro pug’s color slightly. The dogs are generally still fawn but with more black around their faces and along their backs.

Retro Pug Temperament

Jack Russells and pugs have similar temperaments: friendly, energetic, playful, and loving.

This means that the retro pug is also all these things, making it an excellent pet for all, particularly around kids.

How Long Do Retro Pugs Live For?

Being a non-Brachycephalic breed, Retro pugs are healthy dogs. Their average lifespan is between 12 and 15 years, but some can live much longer.

Comparing Retro Pug vs. Pug

The addition of Jack Russell into the pug bloodline has led to a few differences, although retro pugs are still pretty faithful to the purebred pugs we all know and love.

Standard pugs are brachycephalic, which means they have squished faces.

This affects their breathing and can result in them having operations to alter their soft palette, which is expensive and ridiculous.

However, the retro pug has a longer nose, which results from introducing Jack Russell into the mix.

Snout length will vary until the breed has been stabilized, but introducing more Jack Russell than a standard purebred pug will result in a more consistent length.

Having a long face also means the retro pug has less bulgy eyes, although it’s still noticeably a pug.

This is another massive health benefit to the breed, as purebred pugs can have hip dysplasia and eye problems, including ulcers and corneal disorders.

Another notable difference is that retro pugs have longer ears than pugs, and their ears are floppy (sometimes varies-See Infographic), whereas the pug’s breed standard states they should have rose or button ears.

Both have small ear types, so it’s quite a significant change to the pug’s appearance.

One big difference between purebred pugs and retro pugs is color. Pugs are either fawn or black, although a small amount of black is permitted along the spine and saddle, and fawn pugs are also black around the face and ears.

However, with the addition of Jack Russell Terriers, retro pugs are a bit darker than pugs. Also, they usually have more black around their faces and backs.

This is a bit of variance from how the purebred pug looked initially, but it isn’t too much of an issue.

Retro pugs also typically have thinner bodies than pugs, but this isn’t bad. Jack Russells are skinny dogs, whereas pugs often suffer from obesity, particularly in old age.

Retro pugs are skinnier than pugs, but their body-leg ratio is different.

That said, retro pugs and pugs are about the same sizes overall, which means retro pugs still make great apartment dogs and are ideal for small families.

Most of the differences between pugs and retro pugs are in an attempt to correct the health problems of brachycephalic dogs.

See the difference?

Let’s recap.

Retro Pug vs. Pug Differences (Summary)

• Retro pugs have longer snouts, while purebred pugs have short, squashed faces.
• Retro pugs have more significant color variation, resulting from adding Jack Russell. Purebred pugs are either fawn or black.
• Retro pugs have less bulgy eyes as a result of their long faces.
• Retro pugs are generally healthier than purebred pugs.
• Pugs have squat, barrel-like bodies, while retro pugs are typically thinner with longer legs.
• Pugs have rose or button ears, whereas retro pugs have floppy, larger ears.

Retro Pug Infographic

Retro Pug And Your Lifestyle

Retro pugs suit households of any size and are ideal for apartment living.

They don’t need much space at home, and like normal pugs, they love to sleep.

However, the addition of the Jack Russell breed means they’re more energetic than standard pugs.

Also, you won’t be limited by the breed’s breathing difficulties when exercising, meaning you can take them out for longer and warmer temperatures.

This is probably one of the most important things to consider when adopting this dog breed. They will need plenty of exercises because they’re energetic dogs.

It won’t be as much as you’d need to give a big dog, but it’ll probably be much more than you expect.

Question:

Is Getting A Retro Pug A Good Idea?

Despite their potential health concerns, pugs are great dogs.

They’re fun, affectionate, and very playful and make excellent pets. There are a few situations where a pug wouldn’t be a fantastic choice of dog.

However, the health concerns related to the breed are a good reason for not adopting one. Any operations a pug will need are costly and quite complicated.

It’s not something any dog should be subjected to, particularly if you’re aware it could happen.

Therefore, a retro pug is an excellent alternative for anyone considering adopting a pug.

You still get all the good things about owning a pug but aren’t at risk of all the expensive vet bills and dangerous procedures.

Retro Pug and CRUFFA

Public awareness is growing about the health complications associated with brachycephalic breeds, so people are looking for alternatives.

A British movement called the Campaign for the Responsible Use of Flat-Faced Animals (CRUFFA) advocates the “long-nosed” pug.

They’ve campaigned to educate owners and breeders on the reasons to choose long-nose pugs for a long time.

They pressured Crufts to allow retro pugs into the competition.

Crufts is an umbrella term for an international canine event held annually in the United Kingdom.

-Wikipedia

Traditionally, Crufts only takes purebred dogs, which the retro pug technically isn’t.

The campaigners argue that making an allowance for the breed is the only way to break the cycle.

That said, there’s still not much known about retro pugs. Some reputable breeders and vets are also campaigning for greater awareness of the breed, hoping that more people will make the switch.

Hopefully, by introducing Jack Russell into the breed, these beautiful dogs will be healthy and lovable.

How Expensive is a Retro Pug Breed?

In the United States, the retro pug price is around $800-$1600.

I listed the retro pug breeders’ links below to get this lovely dog.

Buying a Retro Pug For Sale or Adoption Sites:

Puppyfinder.com

Final Thoughts

A retro pug is an excellent alternative to a pug because it solves all of the major health concerns associated with the breed.

Moreover, they’re still playful and fun-loving dogs that make great family pets.

If you’re considering adopting healthier pugs, do plenty of research and search out retro pug breeders.

Ensure you get a happy and friendly dog to take home. Hopefully, it won’t be difficult for you to find retro pug puppies for sale near you.