Purchasing a Retro Pug: How Does it Differ from Other Pugs?

Retro Pugs, like their more classic cousins, the “classic” Pugs, are friendly, fun-loving dogs that quickly form bonds with those they care about. However, they differ primarily in physical appearance with Retros having longer muzzles to allow for easier breathing and being slightly more athletic than classic Pugs.

Some animal rights activists consider classic pug breeding to be borderline cruel, as pugs have difficulty breathing due to their flat, depressed snouts. Their short legs make agility limited and obesity tends to occur quickly. As an antidote to this practice, Retro Pug has arisen as an antidote movement, trying to breed back the breed to its original condition.

What Is a Retro Pug? In each dog breed, certain desirable characteristics that define it and can often be visual are characteristic features that define its breed; however, sometimes these visual criteria come at the expense of health issues or increase risks for certain diseases. In retro pugs specifically, certain visual criteria increase health risks significantly as these visual criteria add visual distinction without improving physical wellbeing. Pugs are known to suffer from shortness of breath due to their short muzzles and flat faces, along with weight issues related to their stocky physique, large eyes and bulging googly eyes that become easily inflamed. However, this was not always the case: at the onset of pug breeding, these small dogs still featured longer muzzles, were slimmer and agiler, and did not protrude their eyes as much (“exophthalmos”, which is the technical term for “googly eyes”).

Retro Pugs are basically mongrelized pugs; specific breeds are deliberately crossed with them during breeding to achieve his original stature and wider airways, yielding animals that are approximately three quarters Pug and one quarter Pinscher or Terrier. Retro Pugs differ from Old German Pugs which are purebred; only those with longer muzzles, longer legs, no “googly eyes”, more athletic builds are specifically chosen when mating pairs for Old German breeding programs.

Here is what to keep an eye out for when purchasing Retro Pugs:

However, retro Pugs do not necessarily tend to be healthier or superior to other Pugs; although they tend to be less likely to experience respiratory conditions, eye diseases, or obesity – though even among retro Pug breeders there may be exceptions. Conversely, there are reputable pug breeders who strive to ensure that their dogs do not experience overbreeding and live long, healthy lives. Visit your preferred dog breeder and view his/her animals personally in person so you can gain a true impression. Do your dogs have enough space and places of retreat? Are they integrated into the household in such a way as to familiarise them with everyday noises? Is their home clean and well-kept? These are all positive indicators. Healthy Pugs (whether Retro Pug, Old German Pug or “classic”) don’t pant at even slight exertion but instead are playful, curious and generally content – always listen to your gut before buying one if possible; nothing could go wrong otherwise!