Retro Pug: A Complete Guide To This Pug Breed

The retro pug is a designer mixed breed dog from a Jack Russell Terrier and a purebred standard pug. They are also called a jug pug.

It is a cross between the classic pug that ensures the puppies are free from the health issues that arise as a result of the snout and facial features of the pug. For this reason, they have slightly longer life expectancy and have healthier lives than the pug.  

Some breeders use the Beagle or both breeds for the purpose of retro pug breeding programs. Still, the retro pugs don't qualify as purebred so you cannot enter them in the American Kennel Club competition. Retro pugs are larger in size with floppy ears.  

Usually, several research has been done on pug puppies. This companion breed not only needs but also craves attention and companionship from its humans, and this starts from puppyhood. 

The origin of the traditional pug goes back a hundred years in ancient China, where they loved pets for nobility and royalty. In the 1960s, the breed was introduced to Europe, and from there, it spread to the rest of the world. 

The retro pug breed was first bred in the 1980s by a German breeder. The retro pug is not an official breed. It was an experiment. The experiment for German breeders was done to bring healthier breeds than traditional breeds. For this reason, they experimented with several crossed families until they came up with Jack Russell Terrier.

Moreover, for most the part, retro pugs resemble their pug parents in many ways. They are known best for their short and stocky body but larger than the pugs and they tend to have the round facial fold, as well as droopy faces.

Talking about the physical traits of the retro pug, they have with broad jaw, a straight nasal bridge with few folds, open nostrils for free breathing, small ears that fall forward, and ova eyes embedded in the face.

They usually come in three colors like a silver, apricot, with a black mask. They also have a large round head, big sparkling eyes, and wrinkled bro that gives pugs human expression, surprise, happiness, curiosity, etc. 

Physical characteristics

• Height: 9-16 inches
• Weight: 15-20 pounds
• Lifespan: 13-16 years
• Colors: Black, fawn, silver, apricot
• Suitable for: Owner looking for a constant companion
• Temperament: Loving, energetic, loyal, etc. 

Life span matters a lot for the owner who wants to own the pug breed. As a smaller dog, the retro pug has a life span that allows them to live from 12 to 15 years, jug pugs with longer snouts live for 16 years. A regular pug's life expectancy is from 12 to 15. In the same way, retro pugs live for 16 years or more.

The life expectancy varies from pug to pug due to its longer snout that eliminates several life-threatening health issues found in flat-faced and in flat snouted pure dogs. This means that retro dogs live for longer than their ancestor families because of their snouts. However, this does not mean that retro dogs are free from health issues. By analyzing different health issues you can save their life span and make them live a healthy life.

You know that retro life span is longer than their ancestor breed. However, they also go through several health issues that need to be diagnosed properly by the owner of a pet. Here the list of common health issues of retro pugs are:

• Allergies

Retro pugs are found with several skin allergies and sensitivity to pollen, dust mites, and pests like fleas. This creates the main cause for the itchiness and rashes on the skin that can be found on dogs. They are prone to food intolerance like gluten and dairy. 

• Hips and Shoulder Dysplasia

Dysplasia is the abnormal cell growth in the body or the abnormal formation of the joints mainly in the hip and shoulder region. With this, it creates arthritis pain and disability in dogs. Additionally, OFA publishes the statistics condition that pugs are ranked number 1 with Hip Dysplasia which causes a high risk of elbow dysplasia 

• Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is another common skin lesion problem with retro dogs. It causes mast cell tumors and oral melanoma which is skin cancer of the mouth. It is supposed that these can be created surgically by removing some types of treatable chemotherapy.

• Epilepsy

Idolopathic eclipse is the most common issue that causes seizures in dogs which is an inherited disorder. Other causes included liver diseases and kidney diseases.

• Dental Problem

Dental diseases in senior retro pugs are common. while mixing elongates of face, the jaw often makes the teeth chew uncomfortably. Due to the lack of proper dental hygiene, the risk of tartar buildup, gingivitis, and tooth decay can be seen. The caring owner should check the mouth regularly and monitor them for bad breath, bleeding gums, shrinking gum, and a reluctance to chew or eat issues.

Taking care of a retro pug or any dog is a difficult task that needs to be considered when owning a pug. Retro pugs can be healthier than their parents' breed but need to provide a lot of care and training.

To make your life easier as an owner, here are some tips that you can follow to make your retro pugs healthy. 

• Feed Them on Time and Quality Food

It is well known to all that retro dogs are prone to obesity and may have severe complications with food insolence. As a result, it is necessary to calculate high-calorie food.

It is recommended to have a pet plate food subscription package that will provide good options like beef, turkey, chicken, meal plans, etc. It is best to feed twice a day at an average of 8-12 hour intervals and has 40% protein, 50% vegetables, and 10% starch.

Some pugs can handle a high amount of protein. So, it's better to visit your vet doctor to determine the best ratio of dietary needs. 

• Get the Supplements for Healthy Bones and Joints

Joint dysplasia can be one major problem with the dog. Before its symptoms are seen, you need to put them out through these health issues. So that you can provide them with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate together for effective dietary supplements who suffer from arthritic pain.

It is more effective when given with fish oil. You can also add MSMA and CoQ 10 which provide relief for inflamed joints and are complementary supplements. 

You should also consider age on the top list as age matters with the retro pugs because if you are delayed in the diagnosis of any diseases on pugs, then providing supplements to them may cause several health issues that cannot be cured with these compound supplements. 

• Invest Yourself With Pugs During Playtime

Retro dogs are not inherited to be stronger than athletic dogs. Moreover, with a healthy diet, you also need to provide some workout activities to prevent obesity in retro dogs.

These dogs usually like to play, so give at least half an hour indoors or outdoors. You can also involve them in recreational activities, like when you are playing football with your kids and making retro pugs jump/move from here to there so that they can also participate in the game. 

• Get properly Fitted Body Accessories

It is well known that pugs have longer snouts than retro pugs. However, they are at higher risk because of breathing difficulties.

So, you can consider retro dog harnesses, retro puffers, tight collars, and dog clothes to make them comfortable to move, take a breath, and play comfortably.

Due to an unfitted dress, they might feel choked and stuck which may create dizziness. As a result, ensure yourself that you are providing flexible and properly fitted body accessories to your pet retro pugs. 

Grooming a retro is not very challenging but it should be done on a regular basic to keep them clean and healthier. To avoid issues like skin allergies, skin cancer, joint pain, and internal health issues. It is necessary to groom them frequently.

This will allow you to keep your house area clean otherwise you will have hair spread, dust, and an unhealthy environment due to retro pugs. Here are some tips provided, that you can follow to groom your retro pug:

• Brush The Fur Weekly

Brushing fur is the most important step in grooming retro pugs. In a week, once fur should be brushed which will help to get out of dirt and shed fur. If you get enough time then you can brush fur daily to keep your retro dog coat healthy.

• Brush The Teeth Daily

You can use toothpaste and brushes that are designed specially for pugs. Through all areas of teeth, you can brush the surface of your pug's teeth. Many vet doctors recommend brushing their teeth daily to keep their teeth area clean and to avoid mouth cancer and bad smells. 

• Trim The Nail 

With the clip and dog nail clipper, you can trim the nails of pugs. While trimming the nails try to provide the live part and trim only the spoiled part of the nails so, that the pug cannot get hurt by the clippers. If you accidentally clip the live part, then try to apply styptic powder to stop bleeding. 

• Clean Ears

Cleaning ears is a healthy lifestyle for any dog. So, you can use the ear solution or cotton swabs, to gently clean the ear area to prevent the growth of bacteria. While doing this, you need to have proper guidance and precautions so that it might not hurt them.

If it is about the behavior and temperaments of a pug dog then both pugs and Jack Russell Terriers are very friendly and loving dogs. However, it is found that retro dogs are even more tempted and calm dogs whereas the Terriers tend to be loud and lively.

So, what can be expected from the retro dog? Here, we will provide the short temperment traits of retro dogs that in inherited from their parents Jack ruseels ancestors. 

• Intelligent

The Retro pug is found to be a more intelligent pug than their resemble parents like purebred or Jack Russell.

It is evident that they are intelligent If you train your retro pug in a consistent way then they will get to learn with real joy and be easily involved in learning. You only need to provide positive reinforcement award time to time so, that they can pick up whatever skill you teach.

• Loyal

By their character, retro pugs are straightforward companion dogs who enjoy exercise more than their relative ancestor Jack Russell.

They try to adapt in day to day activities and live with the human family. This makes them loyal and by inherent they are loyal. Retro pugs are almost loyal to their fault which makes them ideal for family setups.

They are quite protective of their result and aggressive in nature if see anyone making a mistake. 

• Playful

Retro pugs are huge suckers for affection. They love to cuddle and get back and belly rubs and you can bet they will not be subtle in their demands for this attention.

With consistent training, they get to learn many things from their owner. There you only need to improve several learning skills, and technically apply skills in a talkative way which pug will catch and learn faster.

Training a young Retro pug is one of the activities that owners want to have at first with these puppies. For this, house training is one of the first step and the retro pug will do well but need to be provided with the use of positive reinforcement. 

If you are expecting something like a military discipline learner then it's totally wrong because by inheritance they are playful. They will learn but in a smooth playful manner however, we can expect basic obedience.

The average cost of a Retro Pug puppy ranges anywhere from $600 to $1500, making them rather affordable. This is due to the fact that they are a hybrid breed.

Ethical breeders may ask for a higher price for their puppies because of the considerable costs associated with conducting health tests and selective breeding.

Prices for retro pugs are all over the place due to the fact that no two of these dogs are precisely the same. The general rule of thumb is that the value of a puppy rises proportionately with the length of its nose.

The new owner should also be prepared to spend a significant amount of money on veterinary care due to the breed's propensity for developing health issues.

Also Read: 20 Best Family Dogs Breeds To Bring Home In 2023