Retro Pug is a cross between the original Pug and Jack Russell Terrier, resulting in a small to medium-sized dog with a distinctively retro look. Retro Pugs have become a favorite among dog lovers worldwide because of their adorable, wrinkled faces, charming personalities, and unique history.
With its muscular body, thick neck, and broad chest, the Retro Pug exudes a sense of power and confidence that belies its small size. Despite its tough exterior, the Retro Pug is a gentle and affectionate dog that loves nothing more than cuddling with its human family and showering them with kisses.
These dogs are known for their playful personalities and ability to adapt to different living situations. Whether you live in a small apartment or a large house, Retro Pugs are happy to be by your side. Additionally, Retro Pugs have low exercise requirements, making them an ideal choice for those who don’t have much time to devote to daily walks.
In this article, we’ll explore the characteristics of the Retro Pug, highlighting its unique features, temperament, care requirements, and much more. So read on to discover more about this wonderful and beloved breed! Moreover, we will reveal why they may be the perfect pet for you.
Retro Pug Origin and History
The Retro Pug, also known as the Retro Mops or German Retro Pug, is a breed that originated in Germany in the 18th century. They were bred by crossing the Pug breed with other small dog breeds, including English and French Bulldogs.
This crossbreeding aimed to create a dog with the Pug’s distinctive face and body shape but with a longer snout and fewer breathing problems. The resulting breed was the Retro Pug, which had a longer nose, a slimmer body, and a more extended and smoother coat than the traditional Pug breed.
However, the popularity of the Retro Pug declined in the 19th century, and the breed nearly became extinct. Fortunately, a group of enthusiasts revived the breed in the 1970s, and since then, the Retro Pug has regained its popularity and is now recognized by several dog breed organizations worldwide.
Retro Pug Features
| Height | 9 in – 15 in |
| Weight | 13 lbs. – 18 lbs. |
| Lifespan | 13 – 16 years |
| Coat Type | Double, Short, Glossy, Dense & Rough |
| Temperament | Affectionate, Loyal, Loving, Active, Intelligent, etc. |
| Shedding | Low |
| Breed Group | Hybrid |
| Breed Size | Small |
| Energy Level | Active |
| Colors | Cream, Fawn, Black, Brown, Sand, and Apricot |
| Suitable For | Singles, families with children and other pets, seniors, and those living in apartments or houses with or without yards |
| Other | Easy to Train, Adaptable, Stubborn, Apartment-Friendly |
Retro Pug vs Pug
The Pug is a small breed of dog that typically weighs between 14 lbs. – 18 lbs. They have distinctive wrinkled faces and curly tails. Pugs come in various colors, including fawn, black, and silver. On the other hand, the Retro Pug is a slightly larger breed, weighing between 13 lbs. – 18 lbs. They have a longer snout and a more defined jawline than a traditional Pug.
Pug and Retro Pug breeds are known for their friendly and affectionate temperament. They make excellent family pets and are great with children. Pugs are known to be more laid back and relaxed, while Retro Pugs are more energetic and playful.
Due to their short snouts, Pugs are prone to breathing problems, which can lead to respiratory issues. They are also susceptible to skin infections due to wrinkles and obesity due to their love for food. Retro Pugs, on the other hand, have a longer snout, which reduces their risk of respiratory issues. However, they are still prone to skin infections and can also suffer joint problems due to their larger size.
| Characteristics | Pug | Retro Pug |
| Size | Small | Slightly larger |
| Snout | Short | Longer |
| Wrinkles | More | Fewer |
| Face | Curved | Flatter |
| Temperament | Relaxed | Energetic |
| Price | $1,000 – $3,000 | $700 – $1,500 |
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What Does a Retro Pug Look Like?
Retro Pug Life Span & Size
These dogs are a small breed, typically weighing between 13 lbs. – 18 lbs. They stand around 9 – 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown, making them perfect for apartment living. Despite their small stature, Retro Pugs are robust and sturdy and make an excellent companions for those seeking a small, sturdy dog.
How long do pugs live? It is a question asked by a lot of people. The average life span for a retro pug is around 12-15 years, which is slightly longer than the average for most small dog breeds. Like all dog breeds, Retro Pug’s life span varies depending on several factors. To ensure that your Retro Pug lives a long and healthy life, giving them proper care, exercise, and nutrition is essential.
Retro Pug Coat & Color
Pugs are beloved by many for their unique appearance and charming personalities, available in various colors and coat patterns. Retro Pug’s coat can be Double, Short, Glossy, Dense, and Rough depending on its genetics.
Regarding the retro Pug coat color, there are a few different options. Pugs can come in various colors, including Cream, Fawn, Black, Brown, Sand, and Apricot. They can also have different coat patterns, such as solid, bi-color, or tri-color. The retro Pug coat is a particular type of brindle pattern that’s becoming increasingly popular among dog owners.
The retro Pug coat is characterized by a dark base color (usually black) with lighter fawn, silver, or apricot stripes. The stripes are usually wider and more defined than traditional brindle coats. This gives retro Pugs a unique and eye-catching appearance that will turn heads wherever you go.
Retro Pug Facial Features
Pugs have been part of people’s lives since ancient times and are known for their unique facial features. But a certain variety of the “retro pug” has some features that may surprise you. Here’s a look at what makes a retro pug so special.
The most recognizable feature of the retro pug is its flat face and big eyes. This creates an endearing look that captures the hearts of many pug enthusiasts.
The snub nose is another feature often associated with retro pugs. This nose is short and stubby compared to other styles of pugs, which can give them a unique appearance. The snub nose also helps keep the airways clear, which can help these dogs breathe easier than other breeds.
Crazy ears are one of the most iconic features of the retro pug. As many other breeds’ ears do, these ears stand straight up from the head instead of flopping down. They also have a unique shape that sets them apart from other dogs. They often stick out a bit more than regular pugs’ ears do! This gives them an even more distinct look that many people find adorable.
Pugs Temperament
Retro pugs are a unique breed with an adorable temperament that makes them perfect family pets. These devoted, warm, and loving creatures thrive off human companionship and will always be loyal friends who are incredibly easy to bond with.
Retro pugs also possess a gentle nature, making them excellent candidates for being around children as they rarely bark and won’t generally show displeasure or aggression. Of course, like any other breed of dog, their intelligence level varies dramatically between individuals; however, when properly trained and cared for, these fantastic little canines can make wonderful lifelong friends who don’t take up too much space!
Check this amazing video to learn more about training your Pup:
Retro Pugs are also known for being quite vocal animals. They enjoy talking to their owners and ensuring their needs are met through barking or howling. This can make them great guard dogs if properly socialized, although their small size makes them less effective than larger breeds at keeping unwelcome visitors away. That said, any potential intruder will certainly know that someone is home!
They’re known for their sweet and easy-going temperament, which makes them ideal companions for people of all ages. While they may be small in size, they are very bold and will stand up to anyone or anything they perceive as a threat.
Despite their mischievousness, this breed is very loving and enjoys snuggling up to their owners at night. The retro pug is impressively eager to please; if properly trained, it can even perform certain tricks! All in all, the retro pug is a lovable pup that makes a wonderful companion.
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Retro Pugs Common Health Problem & Care
Health
Retro Pug is known for its beauty and unique personality, but it may be prone to specific health issues like other pups.
- Allergies
- Hip Dysplasia
- Skin Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Dental Problems
Allergies are particularly pronounced in retro pugs, making it especially important to be diligent about looking out for potential health issues of this nature. If you’re considering adopting a retro pug, research their susceptibility to allergies and take any necessary precautions accordingly.
Skin cancer is a type of tumor that grows in the skin cells. Though it’s often non-cancerous, it can also be cancerous. Not all lumps or bumps on your dog’s body are necessarily signs of cancer; they can often be harmless cysts or fatty tumors. However, you should always have any unusual growths checked out by your vet just in case they indicate something more serious, like skin cancer.
Hip dysplasia is an inherited condition in which the thighbone does not fit properly into the hip joint. This misalignment causes instability and wears on the joint over time, leading to inflammation, pain, and arthritis. In extreme cases, it can lead to deformity in the joint and even total disability. It’s important to note that retro pugs are particularly prone to this condition due to their long legs and snouts.
Care
Retro pugs are intelligent pups needing love, attention, and care. In addition to providing them with an active lifestyle full of plenty of daily walks, mental stimulation through exercise and playtime, as well as socialization time with family and friends, owners should consider their specific dietary needs.
Taking care of a retro pug can be an exciting and fun experience. Retro pugs are unique and great companions, but they also require extra care due to their specific needs. As with any pet, exercise is important to keep your pet healthy and strong. Taking them outside for regular walks and playtime will help them stay active, happy, and fit.
This delightful dog breed is known for its charming personality and bouncy playfulness. As with any pet, however, it’s important to remember that the onus is on the owner to provide the necessary care.
Retro Pug Grooming
Do Retro Pug Shed?
Yes, Retro Pugs do shed, but not excessively. They have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming, and they shed moderately throughout the year.
However, shedding can increase during seasonal changes, such as spring and fall, when they shed their winter and summer coats, respectively. To keep shedding under control, regular brushing and grooming can help remove loose fur and keep their coat healthy and shiny.
It’s also important to note that some Retro Pugs may have a double coat, which can shed more than the single coat variety. Double coats consist of a soft, insulating undercoat and a coarser topcoat, which can lead to more shedding.
Brushing
Brushing your retro pug ensures its coat stays healthy and shiny. It helps remove dirt, debris, and excess fur from their coat while stimulating blood flow to the skin. It can help keep their coat looking fresh by distributing natural oils throughout their fur.
Additionally, it can ensure that your pup’s coat stays tangle-free and free from mats or knots. Regularly brushing your pup’s fur can help prevent any skin problems from developing later on down the line.
Pugs have short, dense coats that don’t require as much brushing as other breeds. However, it is important to brush them regularly to keep their fur free of dirt, debris, and dead hairs. Use a soft-bristled or rubber curry brush specifically designed for short-haired dogs.
Brush your pup gently but thoroughly once or twice a week, more often if your pug spends lots of time outdoors or has particularly long fur. For an extra energy boost, you can use these long-haired brushes to stimulate their bundles of joy and distribute natural moisturizers throughout their fur.
Bathing
Retro pug grooming also includes regular bathing. Ideally, it would help if you bathed your pup every 4-6 weeks with a gentle shampoo specifically formulated for dogs (human shampoos contain ingredients that can be harsh on pet skin). During bath time, check for any lumps or bumps on the body. If you notice something suspicious, contact your vet immediately.
For best results after bathing, use a detangling conditioner to help keep their coat smooth and tangle-free. Make sure to rinse thoroughly so no residue remains after bathing; this will help keep your pup’s coat healthy and shiny!
Pet owners embrace retro pug grooming bathing to keep their beloved companions clean. It also allows owners to be more in tune with their pup’s grooming needs. After bathing, rinse the fur with warm water to help clear out dirt and loose fur.
Once complete, use a brush to style their fur and carefully dry them off with a soft towel. Doing so keeps your pet looking its best and helps stimulate its circulatory system while bonding with your pup throughout the experience.
Trimming Nails & Ear Cleaning
Nail trimming is an important part of grooming that many pet parents forget about. Nails left too long can cause discomfort and even pain as they press against the ground while walking. To ensure this doesn’t happen, nail trimming should be done every 4-6 weeks or as needed. Here are some tips on how to do it right:
- Gather the necessary tools, such as a pair of sharp clippers designed for dogs, styptic powder, and treats
- Position your dog in a comfortable spot where it will feel secure.
- Cut off only a few nails at once – don’t go too deep! If you hit the quick, stop immediately and use styptic powder to help stop bleeding if needed.
Clean ears are an important part of keeping your pup healthy and happy. Dirty ears can lead to infection or other health problems. Gather materials like cotton swabs, ear-cleaning solutions, tweezers, towels/paper towels, and treats to clean your pup’s ears. Next, follow these steps:
- Apply ear cleaning solution generously into one ear canal at a time – make sure not to get any in the eye!
- Wipe away debris from both sides of the inner ear flap using cotton swabs wrapped in a paper towel or another cloth. Please do not insert anything into the ear canal itself!
- Use tweezers only if necessary remember not to dig into the canal as this can cause damage.
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What Do Retro Pugs Eat?
Eating a healthy diet is essential for Retro Pugs to stay in prime health, especially since they are prone to obesity and bloating. A balanced diet with enough vitamins and minerals and low-fat proteins is important for good digestion and nutrient absorption.
Retro Pugs should generally eat servings of dry and wet food, including plenty of fruits and veggies, natural carbohydrates like brown rice or oats, and healthy fats from flaxseed or salmon oil. Feeding two to three meals daily is usually enough to ensure the proper nutritional balance while keeping caloric intake at an appropriate level.
Furthermore, ensure your Retro Pug has access to fresh water throughout the day to keep their bodies hydrated.
Retro diets are beneficial for pugs because they are typically made with high-quality ingredients free from preservatives and artificial ingredients. This means that your pug will get more vitamins and minerals than if they were eating commercial kibble.
Additionally, these diets often contain fresh vegetables and fruits, which provide an extra boost of nutrition. Plus, many pugs find the taste of retro foods more appealing than store-bought kibble!
How Much Should You Feed a Retro Pugs?
Retro pugs vary greatly in terms of frequency and amount based on age. For example, puppies will often eat smaller amounts more frequently than adults. As puppies grow up, they should be fed larger meals at fewer intervals throughout the day.
Adult retro pugs can typically go for six to eight hours between meals without any issues; however, older dogs may need smaller meals more often due to their slower digestion rates. Additionally, if you’re taking your dog on long walks or hikes or engaging in other activities with them during the day, make sure you take breaks to refuel every few hours so that they don’t become overly tired or dehydrated.
The activity level of your retro pug will also affect how much food needs to be given each day. For example, active dogs will require higher calorie intake than less active ones since they expend more energy throughout the day.
However, monitoring your pup’s weight levels closely is still important. If they are gaining too much weight, then reduce the amount given each mealtime slightly until their weight stabilizes again. On the flip side, if your pup seems overly thin, increase meal sizes accordingly until they reach an appropriate weight level for their size and age group.
Is Retro Pug Right For You?
One of the most important things to consider is that Retro Pugs require much attention. They are social creatures that thrive on human interaction and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. Therefore, a Retro Pug may not be your ideal pet if you have a busy schedule or travel frequently.
Additionally, Retro Pugs are not very active and don’t require a lot of exercise, and they’re happy with short walks and indoor playtime. However, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy weight and diet since they are prone to obesity.
Pros and Cons of Retro Pug
Before bringing a retro pug into your life, ensure all the pros and cons are considered for having such an intelligent breed.
| Pros | Cons |
| Affectionate | Stubborn |
| Low maintenance | Unpredictable Temperament |
| Apartment Friendly | Health Issues |
| Easy to Train | Expensive |
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Retro Pug Price
The cost of a Retro Pug can vary depending on several factors, such as location, breeder reputation, and the specific lineage of the dog. However, on average, Retro Pugs can cost anywhere between $700 – $1600.
Despite their high price tag, Retro Pugs are worth the investment due to their friendly and sociable nature, making them perfect for families with children. It’s important to note that when looking for a Retro Pug breeder, it’s crucial to do your research and only buy from reputable breeders to ensure the health and well-being of your new furry friend.
Additional Expenses
Adopting a retro pug is appealing, but prospective pug owners should be aware of the additional costs associated with their pet. Veterinary visits, food, bowls, and bedding will quickly add up and create unexpected costs.
Grooming is another important consideration, as most pugs need to be regularly trimmed and washed. Though the expenses can seem daunting at first compared with the joy of such an adorable companion, it’s clear that any prospective pug owner prepared for these added costs will find the experience truly rewarding.
Being the proud owner of a retro pug is a joy, but additional expenses are involved to ensure your pup is given the best care. Veterinary bills, food, and chew toys should be factored into one’s budget when considering owning these peppy pooches.
Regular grooming and trips to the dog park will ensure your puppy’s energy is kept under control and low-stress levels. Despite the extra costs involved with showing love and affection to your retro pug, it is worth every penny, thanks to the enriching experience they bring into lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Retro Pug is a cross between the Purebred Pug and Jack Russell Terrier, resulting in a small to medium-sized dog with a distinctively retro look because of their adorable and wrinkled faces.
Retro Pugs are healthy dogs but may be prone to specific health issues like Allergies, Hip Dysplasia, Skin Cancer, Epilepsy, and Dental Problems.
A retro pug is a type of pug that is bred to resemble the original pug. The main differences between a retro pug and a regular pug are the length of their snout, body build, thickness, and amount of wrinkles on their face and body.
Yes, Retro Pugs are better than Pugs as they have fewer health issues overall when compared to purebred pugs.
On average, Retro Pugs can cost anywhere between $700 – $1600 depending on several factors, such as location, breeder reputation, and the specific lineage of the dog.
Final Thoughts
The joy of owning a retro pug should not be overlooked. Not only are they incredibly cute, but they also embody the perfect combination of charm and comfort that many people seek when looking for their new best friend. Furthermore, their gentle, loyal demeanor will surely make you smile whenever you come home from work.
Whether sitting on walks around the park or quietly lounging at home, these lovable pups truly have a way of wiggling their way into our hearts and making us feel appreciated. With all this in mind, it’s easy to see why choosing a retro pug as your furry companion is a great decision!
Retro Pugs have become quite the trend in recent years, and it’s triggered many people to take a second look at owning one of these lovable pups. Retro pugs boast an old-fashioned regal look that other breeds can’t achieve.
We hope this article has provided you with all the necessary information to decide if the Retro Pug suits you. If you have decided to bring this adorable breed to your home, find a reputable Breeder for your quality pup. Good luck, and happy hunting!
Born and raised in the rural countryside, Jessica developed a deep love and appreciation for the natural world from a young age. As she grew older, Jessica decided to turn her passion for animals and nature into a career, earning a biology and wildlife conservation degree. In addition to writing, she also works with various animal organizations and volunteers at local wildlife rehabilitation centers.