Have you heard of retro pugs yet?
Theyâre 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 thatâs different from a âtraditionalâ pug.
Letâs jump right in.
What is a Retro Pug?

Retro Pug, a.k.a. the âRetro Mopâ 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

This mixed breed is a recent development, perhaps within the last 10-15 years.
As more is understood scientifically about dog breeding, itâs been possible to produce more varied crossbreeds.
While people may have bred pugs and Jack Russells in the past, itâs only recently been given a name.
However, the interesting thing is that what we think of as the âtraditionalâ pug, the one with the squished face and bulging eyes, is a more recent change.

The pug can trace its history back thousands of years to ancient China.
Until the 19th century, the retro pug or the âpug with a long snoutâ look was just the look. Itâs only been within the last 100 years that breeders have created the flat face or the ânewâ 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?

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: theyâre 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 doesnât 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 didnât consider these things when making fashionable breeds.
Luckily, the âhealthier version of a popular breedâ is looking to fix this.
Now:
Letâs take a closer look at Retro pugâs facial features.
Retro Pug Appearance

The purebred pug is probably well-known for its squashed face, which is one of the reasons itâs 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 pugâs ears are slightly longer, but this isnât bad.
The combination of Jack Russell also changes the retro pugâs 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 itâs 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 pugâs breed standard states they should have rose or button ears.

Both have small ear types, so itâs quite a significant change to the pugâs 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 isnât too much of an issue.
Retro pugs also typically have thinner bodies than pugs, but this isnât 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?
Letâs 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 donât need much space at home, and like normal pugs, they love to sleep.
However, the addition of the Jack Russell breed means theyâre more energetic than standard pugs.

Also, you wonât be limited by the breedâs 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 theyâre energetic dogs.
It wonât be as much as youâd need to give a big dog, but itâll 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.
Theyâre fun, affectionate, and very playful and make excellent pets. There are a few situations where a pug wouldnât 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.
Itâs not something any dog should be subjected to, particularly if youâre 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 arenât 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 âlong-nosedâ pug.
Theyâve 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 isnât.
The campaigners argue that making an allowance for the breed is the only way to break the cycle.
That said, thereâs 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 breedersâ links below to get this lovely dog.
Buying a Retro Pug For Sale or Adoption Sites:
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, theyâre still playful and fun-loving dogs that make great family pets.
If youâre 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 wonât be difficult for you to find retro pug puppies for sale near you.
REFERENCES:
1. OâNeill, 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 â 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

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Thanks, Robyn Bordelon for dogbreedsfaq.com
i have a pug and i would love to have a retro pug
Hi Daniela,
Thanks for the comment. Hope you have a retro pug soon!
Pablo
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?
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 youâre looking for a new pupâŠ
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 heâs going out-out. Pug looks but a longer snout. A Lil taller than a pug. But still a lap dog.
Hi Melanie,
Thanks for sharing your Retro Pugâs cute story! đ
Hello, this is an amazing article and really informed me about the breed! I literally had no idea that retro pugs exist and Iâm happy to see thereâs a way to save pugs. I have a question though that I hope youâd 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 pugâs health.
Hi Tameeka,
Thanks for the comment. Regarding your question, I donât know anyone trying to breed out the curled tail completely. I have an article about pugâs tail here: https://dogbreedsfaq.com/asian-dog-breeds/chinese-dog-breeds-list/what-does-it-mean-when-a-pugs-tail-is-down
Thanks,
Pablo