Crossbreeding between different dog breeds helps breeders produce healthier and stronger dogs. The Retro Pug is an example of this crossbreed; regular Pugs are prone to different health issues. So, by cross-breeding a Pug and a Terrier, Retro Pugs do not have any of the health problems Pug has.
A Retro Pug is a product of crossbreeding a Jack Russell Terrier and a pure Pug. The name “Retro” is the English translation of “Retromopse,” a German word created by German breeders who were doing everything to improve the health of Pug breeds. Retro Pugs look like Pugs from the mid-19th century.
After decades of extensive research and trials, German breeders finally settled for Jack Russel Terriers as the perfect breed to crossbreed with the Pug.
What Is A Retro Pug?
A Retro Pug is a breed of Pug; since the breeding of Pugs took a wrong turn since the 1960s, different dog breeds have been crossbred with the Pug to produce a healthier and stronger Pug. With crossbreeding a Jack Russell Terrier and a Pug, the world was introduced to a better Pug breed, the Retro Pug.
One of the major health issues experienced by Pugs is difficulty in breathing; they have extremely over-bred short noses. Since it is difficult to breathe, they are easily stressed out, have no stamina, and can only reduce their body temperature by panting a lot. This has earned them the name “Agony Breed.”
Although some breeders use Parson Russel Terriers instead of Jack Russel Terriers, their size is the major difference between these two breeds. Parson Russel Terriers are slightly larger than Jack Russel Terriers. Other differences are; Jack Russel Terriers have shorter legs, a slightly narrower chest, and a more rectangular shape.
Retro Pugs have been around for about 15 years now. However, the name Retro Pug became the official name for this crossbreed recently. Traditional Pugs were from ancient China, and they were very different from the Pugs we have today. Ancient Pugs had floppy ears and long nuzzles instead of bulging eyes and a flattened face.
It was not until the last century that breeders started producing flat-faced Pugs; these traits were forced on Pugs without knowing the consequences on the dogs’ health. The European monarch loved these new Pugs, and they became Queen Victoria’s favorite pets.
However, during the late 19th and early 20th century, long-faced Pugs were produced again as Retro Pugs. It can be difficult to differentiate a Purebred Pug from a Retro Pug. The most recognizable difference is their snouts. Retro Pugs have less bulgy eyes and long faces.
The coat colors of purebred Pugs and Retro Pugs are also different. The former comes in black or fawn colors, while the latter comes in darker colors and has more profound marking along their backside and on their face. Retro Pugs have a dense and rough coat texture, unlike the short glossy coat of purebred Pugs.
Retro Pugs can reach a height of 9 to 15 inches while weighing about 13 to 18 pounds. The life expectancy of a Retro Pug is 13 to 16 years, which is longer than the life expectancy of purebred Pugs. Retro Pugs live longer because they are not prone to the health issues affecting purebred Pugs.
What Breed Makes the Retro Pugs?
Retro Pugs are referred to as Retro Mops in Germany, while purebred Pugs are known as Moppie or Mopshond. Both parent breeds of the Retro Pug are friendly and great family dogs. However, for more in-depth knowledge of the Retro Pug, we will look at some of the qualities and characteristics of the parent breeds.
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Pug
Pugs are a dog breed from China; you can identify them by their short-muzzled wrinkly face and curly tail. It was not until the 16th century that Pugs were found in European countries. They were made popular by the House of Stuart in the U.K. and the House of Orange in Holland. They are famous for being sociable, friendly, and gentle dog breeds.
We mentioned earlier that the Pugs around today are very different from the ancient Pugs in ancient China. Modern Pugs feature a deep chest, a compact form, cobby body, and highly developed muscles. Their coats are glossy and smooth and come in various colors, including apricot fawn, black, silver fawn, and fawn.
Pugs can reach a height of 10 to 13 inches and weigh about 14 to 18 pounds; their life expectancy is about 13 to 15 years. Pugs are one of the longest surviving dog breeds despite their vulnerability to various health issues.
Pugs have straight, strong, and moderate-length legs, their ankles are strong, their toes well split-up, their feet small, and their nails black. With their playful, gentle personalities and sturdy bodies, they are great for families with little children.
Russell Terrier
Russell Terriers are a small Terrier breed used originally for hunting foxes in England. There are two categories of Russell Terriers, Parson Russell Terriers, and Jack Russell Terriers. Both breeds are crossbred with Pugs to produce Retro Pugs. Parson Russell Terriers were known as the Fox Terrier in the 18th century.
Both Breeds were named after Jack Russell, a Reverend credited for breeding the dogs. Parson Russell Terriers possess a rough, smooth, or broken coat; they have long legs that are almost as tall as the entire length of the dog’s body. Parson Russell Terrier can reach a height of 13 to 14 inches while weighing about 13 to 17 pounds.
Jack Russell Terriers can reach a height of 10 to 12 inches with a weight of around 9 to 15 pounds. They have a life expectancy of about 12 to 14 years. This dog breed has not changed a bit since it was first bred about 20o years ago; they are tough, sturdy, and tenacious dogs.
Are Retro Pugs Clingy Pets?
One fact about Pugs that many people are unaware of is that they are not outdoor animals; they should not be left outdoors without supervision. All Pugs live to be at the center of attention, including Retro Pugs. They love their owners dearly and require lots of attention from them.
You can say Retro Pugs are clingy pets because they will do anything to get their owner’s attention, including acting weirdly. This is a common behavior; even Retro Pugs puppies do not like being ignored. This clingy behavior can be a problem because it is difficult to leave the dog and get busy with other important things. So, it is best to go for a less clingy dog breed if you will not provide all the attention the dog seeks.
How Much Should A Retro Pug Cost?
Retro Pugs are not as expensive as other dog breeds, but they can go for a price of about $800 to $1500. Some of the determinants of the price of the dog are; the parent breeds, the breeder’s reputation, the health status of the dog, the unique features of the dog, and the training the dog might have received.
Where Can I Get A Retro Pug?
If you want to purchase a Retro Pug, it is best to look up some reputable breeders around. You should get a Retro Pug from a dog shelter, but this is not always a good option. There are breeders around you that will have Retro Pug puppies for sale.
Final Thoughts
Retro Pugs are the strongest Pug breeds; they have many qualities lacking in purebred Pugs like vocality inherited from the Russell Terrier parent. Their unusual love for attention can be a problem for owners who are busy; Retro Pugs will happily cuddle, nudge, and lick their owners every time.
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Shawn Manaher is a serial entrepreneur but when he isn’t working, he loves dogs. He’s owned different pets over the years, and always gives a part of his heart to each pet.
