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RETRO Pug: The Facts Behind The Face

Have you heard of retro pugs yet?

They’re the new craze taking over breeding circles as an alternative to the famous squash-nosed pug we think of as traditional.

This article looks at what makes a retro pug and how that’s different from a “traditional” pug.

Let’s jump right in.

What is a Retro Pug?

pug crossed with jack russell and retro pug

Retro Pug, a.k.a. the “Retro Mop” or jug dog, is an adaptation of a pure breed pug, crossed with the Jack Russell Terrier. Retro Pugs are bred to retain the basic features of a pug with a slightly longer nose to reduce the breathing problems that pugs are famous for.

This has been a more common crossbreed in recent years, but some breeders now consider it more faithful to how the purebred pug breed used to look.

Pug With Long Snout Evolution

Retro pug old photo

This mixed breed is a recent development, perhaps within the last 10-15 years.

As more is understood scientifically about dog breeding, it’s been possible to produce more varied crossbreeds.

While people may have bred pugs and Jack Russells in the past, it’s only recently been given a name.

However, the interesting thing is that what we think of as the “traditional” pug, the one with the squished face and bulging eyes, is a more recent change.

Pug dog sitting outside a chinese garden

The pug can trace its history back thousands of years to ancient China.

Until the 19th century, the retro pug or the “pug with a long snout” look was just the look. It’s only been within the last 100 years that breeders have created the flat face or the “new” pug breed.

Like many other popular breeds in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, it was bred too aggressively to produce forced characteristics.

What Did the Original Pug Use to Look Like?

original pug vintage photo with owner

Before selective breeding, the original pug breed used to look like regular dogs, with long faces and floppy ears. This is, of course, why retro pugs are called what they are: they’re a retro look for the breed.

If you ever see old paintings featuring pugs, and there are plenty of them, the pugs look strikingly different. Check out the image above.

While there doesn’t seem to be much evidence for why the change happened, it was probably just a result of changes in fashion.

As any pug owner will know, this fashionable flat face leads to several health complications. These include problems breathing and eating and a wide range of eye conditions.

Old-school breeders didn’t consider these things when making fashionable breeds.

Luckily, the “healthier version of a popular breed” is looking to fix this.

Now:

Let’s take a closer look at Retro pug’s facial features.

Retro Pug Appearance

retro pug has longer snout vs regular pug

The purebred pug is probably well-known for its squashed face, which is one of the reasons it’s considered cute.

However, being brachycephalic (having a squashed nose) leads to several health complications for the pug.

In contrast,

The retro pug has a longer snout than a typical pug, and this is where the Jack Russell cross comes in.

The longer snout reduces the risk of health issues associated with brachycephaly.

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

jug dog on black background

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

retro pug vs pug comparison

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.

brachycephalic word meaning illustration

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.

retro pug in the backyard

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.

dogbreedsfaq.com

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 pug vs pug differences summary image
  • 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 Infographic illustration

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.

Pug and Jack Russell photographed in front of white background

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?

retro pug lying in bed

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

Pug at a dog competition

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

RETRO PUG pinterest pin

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.

REFERENCES:

1. O’Neill, D. G., Sahota, J., Brodbelt, D. C., Church, D. B., Packer, R. M. A., & Pegram, C. (2022, May 18). Health of Pug Dogs in the UK: Disorder predispositions and protections – canine medicine and Genetics. BioMed Central. Retrieved January 31, 2023, from https://cgejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40575-022-00117-6

2. New RVC research helps owners better understand the remaining life expectancy of dogs. RVC. (n.d.). Retrieved January 31, 2023, from https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass/news/new-rvc-research-helps-owners-better-understand-the-remaining-life-expectancy-of-dogs

dog paw prints

 

About the author: Chalene Johnston graduated with honors from University with a BA in psychology. She is a proud stay-at-home mom to her 2-year-old French Bulldog puppy, Stella! When she is not looking for adventure travel destinations, she loves to write! She writes for a wide variety of topics – with animals being one of her favorites.

9 comments
 add one
  • Robyn Bordelon May 22, 2021 @ 13:37

    Thanks, Robyn Bordelon for dogbreedsfaq.com

  • Daniela Sep 19, 2022 @ 1:19

    i have a pug and i would love to have a retro pug

    • Pablo Pascua Sep 26, 2022 @ 21:43

      Hi Daniela,

      Thanks for the comment. Hope you have a retro pug soon!

      Pablo

  • Melanie TeagueCosta Oct 10, 2022 @ 3:38

    Hi
    I have a Retro Pug. Had no idea what he was. His momma was full blooded pug. We purchased our pup thu her cause he looked a lil different than the the other pups. we would like to find a female for him so I can have 1 of his puppies. What kind of dog would u recommend? And where do we begin to look?

    • Pablo Pascua Oct 15, 2022 @ 20:25

      It depends on your lifestyle. There are many pug mixes that you can choose from, like pugsky, puggle etc. Go to a reputable breeder if you’re looking for a new pup


  • Melanie TeagueCosta Oct 10, 2022 @ 3:47

    I live in Fallon, NV. someplace near this area would be wonderful..
    My dog (Bison) is male and 8 yes old. Everyone thinks he is just big boned and muscular for a pug. He goes hunting with us, so he loves his exercise. Stubborn, but lovable, he is Lil hyper in the truck cause he knows he’s going out-out. Pug looks but a longer snout. A Lil taller than a pug. But still a lap dog.

    • Pablo Pascua Oct 15, 2022 @ 20:16

      Hi Melanie,

      Thanks for sharing your Retro Pug’s cute story! 😊

  • Tameeka Nov 3, 2022 @ 5:45

    Hello, this is an amazing article and really informed me about the breed! I literally had no idea that retro pugs exist and I’m happy to see there’s a way to save pugs. I have a question though that I hope you’d be able to answer: do you know if anyone is trying to breed out the curl tail completely? Having a curl tail is a result of a spine abnormality which can be detrimental to the pug’s health.

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