Retro Pug: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits

Retro Pugs look almost similar to Pugs but have longer snouts. Although small-bodied, there is a lot of dog crammed into a compact body!

Are you itching to know more about Retro Pugs? Read on for a complete guide on their physical attributes, temperament, health status, care needs, and more.

The Retro Pug, also known as a Jug Pug, Mopshond dog, or Moppie, is a healthier version of the standard purebred Pug. As a hybrid between a Pug and a Jack Russell Terrier, it has all the positive characteristics and qualities of a regular Pug but with better health status.

Retro Pugs have longer snouts and no breathing problems. Unlike short-muzzled, purebred Pugs, they have better physical stamina!

Moppies are loyal, funny, and friendly. They are playful and tolerant of kids and other pets, which makes them excellent family pets. Even though they have small builds, they make dependable watchdogs and are protective of their family members.

Retro Pug Characteristics

Retro Pugs have many of the physical attributes of regular Pugs, like muscular builds and wrinkly skin. However, they have medium snouts, less bulgy eyes, and longer legs that make them appear less stocky. Also, their coats are rougher and denser than regular Pugs’ short, glossy coats.

Other distinct features include a round head, triangular, floppy ears, and a medium-sized tail that curls towards the body. Here are other characteristics of the Retro Pug that you should know.

Energy

Retro Pugs are not an athletic breed. However, they are confident and full of energy. They love being the center of attention and will not waste time to enchant you with their playfulness.

As a moderately active breed, providing opportunities for your pet to burn pent-up energy is crucial. Retro Pugs can get quite vocal or indulge in destructive behaviors if they don’t get their daily dose of exercise.

Even with a longer muzzle than regular Pugs, it is best to refrain from engaging these dogs in strenuous activities. Highly intensive exercise can still cause their bodies to overheat. The safest forms of exercises are medium-intensity physical activities.

Trainability

Retro Pugs may not be the smartest dogs around, but they are reasonably quick learners. Because of their curiosity and energetic personalities, it is best to start training when your pups turn 10 to 12 weeks old.

Another reason to start training early is that Retro Pugs develop the “small dog syndrome” over time. They will become stubborn and resistant to your efforts to address their bad old habits. Being firm and consistent in your training is crucial, lest your dog wins in asserting its dominance over you.

Moppies are sensitive, and harsh training methods can hurt their feelings. They respond best to positive reinforcement training and will be eager to please you, hoping to get a treat, cuddle, or praise.

Health

Mixing breeds increases genetic diversity and makes hybrids healthier than their purebred counterparts. Even though Jug Pugs are generally healthier, they are still likely to inherit certain health conditions from their parent breeds. For instance, those with shorter muzzles may experience the same health problems as brachycephalic breeds, despite being “improved” hybrids.

Your best chance of ending up with a healthy Retro Pug is to buy one from a responsible breeder. The expert must do health tests to ensure the parent breeds are healthy with minimal risk of passing health problems down to their offspring. Always ask for copies of the health certificates of the parent breeds to know what to expect from your puppy’s health profile.

Additionally, schedule regular visits to your vet to detect and address any health problems that come up. It is also imperative to be extra careful when deciding your Jug Pug’s diet and lifestyle. The idea is to give it the best odds of leading a long, happy, and healthy life.

Lifespan

As a smaller dog, the Retro Pug has an aging profile that allows it to live longer than medium and large dog breeds. It has an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Jug Pugs with longer snouts are the healthiest and live for 16 years or more with proper care.

Sociability

Generally, Moppies are sociable and easy-going because of their parent’s combined temperaments. They are welcoming to strangers approved by their pet parents. As an intuitive breed, they are very good at interpreting their owners’ gestures and behavior. If you seem easy, your dog will also be happy, eager, and comfortable meeting new faces.

Like most dogs, the sociability of a Retro Pug depends on how properly it is trained and socialized. Without proper socialization, these dogs can perceive strangers as threats and turn aggressive or overly yappy. They could also show violent mannerisms of growling if mistreated or provoked.

Retro Pug Puppies

Retro Pug puppies are playful and have a raw sense of humor. They have lots of energy and will play with anything, including your shoelaces. They are also super friendly and don’t mind petting and belly rubs from anyone, including strangers.

You should plan a vet visit as soon as your pup gets home. Schedule a wellness exam and ensure it is up to date with its vaccinations. Also, have it microchipped for your peace of mind.

Most importantly, take your time to puppy-proof your home early in advance. Buy pet gates to block stairways and use cord protectors to discourage chewing exposed electrical cords. Furthermore, remove poisonous plants from your yard and seal small holes and gaps in the fence.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Retro Pug

Jug Pugs have interesting personalities that combine the pleasant nature of regular Pugs and the prey drive of Jack Russell Terriers. If you have always wanted a likable furry friend, the Retro Pug will offer more than you bargained for with its friendly and bubbly temperament.

Even though they can be stubborn, Moppies are often laid back and people-friendly. They are eager to please and love displaying their unique sense of humor. A seemingly positive trait that can also be negative is that they are very affectionate. This also makes them prone to separation anxiety if they don’t receive adequate attention and affection from their owners.

Retro Pugs are quite intuitive and can weigh your emotions based on your body language. Also, they can express what they feel or want using facial expressions. Their eagerness to please makes them excel in obedience training, provided you use positive training tactics.

Are Retro Pugs Good for Families? 👪

Jack Russell Terriers are incredibly active and adventurous. On the other hand, Pugs are very calm and score better than most dogs in their unlikelihood of reacting with aggression. As a hybrid between Pugs and Jack Russell Terriers, Retro Pugs have good stamina and are even-tempered. They make excellent family dogs and can play with kids without causing substantial safety concerns.

Playtime can help your Retro Pug forge a strong bond with your kids. Still, it is safer to supervise the sessions, especially if your children are younger than four. The idea is to prevent your dog from becoming your kid’s partner in crime and creating a ruckus in your home.

Do Retro Pugs Get Along With Other Pets?

Retro Pugs are playful and enjoy regular exercise and companionship. While they can benefit from the company of other pets, they will not encourage the idea of bringing home a “rival.” Fortunately, this doesn’t mean they can’t get along with other pets.

Whether your Moppie will get along with other pets has more to do with its personality than the breed. Obedience training and proper socialization from a young age can help tone down their jealousy streak. The company of another pet can make work easier for you because the two can keep each other company to reduce separation anxiety. They’ll also keep each other fit with their antics.

Things to Know When Owning a Retro Pug

Retro Pugs make excellent pets because of their gentle and loving nature. While they are suited for city and countryside lifestyles, they may not be ideal for some families because of their unique care needs.

Here are the main things you need to know before you bring home a Moppie.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Retro Pugs have delicate tummies and serving only high-quality food is crucial. They need meals rich in animal-sourced proteins like chicken, fish, beef, lamb, and turkey. Products with grain-sourced proteins can cause gastrointestinal issues and skin allergies.

Moppies are also predisposed to being obese because of their small size. It is vital to talk to your vet about your pet’s dietary needs and request help creating a meal plan. Also, measure the food proportions you serve and ensure they align with your dog’s age and health needs.

Exercise 🐕

The ideal type of exercise for your Retro Pug will highly depend on the length of its snout. When crossbreeding, there are no guarantees that a puppy will come with a relatively longer muzzle. Genetics is a game of chances, and sometimes, the Pug gene is more dominant, resulting in a Retro Pug with a flatter face.

To be safe, engage your dog in medium-intensity exercises for 40 to 60 minutes daily. Unless your vet confirms that it has a longer muzzle and is not at risk of breathing distractions, it may not tolerate high-intensity exercises.

You can take short walks or take regular breaks in between rigorous play sessions. Moreover, provide your pet with the mental stimulation it needs by engaging in puzzle games, hide & seek, obstacle courses, etc.

Training 🎾

Retro Pugs love pleasing their owners. While it may take more than a few sessions to master basic commands, they have no problem with crate training, leash training, obedience training, and learning fun tricks. The problem is they don’t feel inclined to do as they are told. For training to work, you must be firm and consistent. Moreover, be patient and motivate your pet using treats and cuddles.

Unlike other toy dogs, Jug Pugs have considerably sturdy bodies and make great companions for children and other pets. Still, they have a jealous streak and are content being the only family pet. It takes firm training and plenty of socialization to address their naturally stubborn personalities and ensure they get along well with other furry family members.

Grooming  ✂️

Moppies have short, dense coats that have rough-textured fur. They are a moderate-shedding breed and require coat grooming with a rubber-bristled brush only once or twice weekly. Because of their susceptibility to skin allergies, proper nutrition is essential to ensuring controlled shedding. Also, talk to your vet immediately if you notice extreme itching or small sores on the skin.

Retro Pugs have sensitive skin, especially on those deep-set nose rolls. Bathing them once or twice monthly can help prevent skin infections. Make sure you give the areas inside the skin folds a good scrub and dry them with a soft towel. Also, use a soft cloth to clean the ears, nostrils, and eyes every other day.

Like regular Pugs, Retro Pugs are prone to dental problems caused by the abnormal crowding of their teeth (malocclusion). It is essential to brush your pet’s teeth at least thrice weekly and provide dental chews to help remove plaque and tartar. Additionally, schedule regular professional dental cleanings to help minimize the risk of bad breath or gum disease.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Jug Pugs are a generally healthy and long-lasting breed. However, they can be vulnerable to specific health problems, some of which have no cure and cannot be avoided. Fortunately, most can be managed to ensure your pet enjoys a good quality of life.

Dental Problems

Compared to regular Pugs, Jug Pugs have elongated muzzles. Still, their jaws are too small to accommodate all 42 teeth, making them vulnerable to malocclusion or an overcrowded dental. Some orthopedic intervention may be necessary if your dog’s teeth are too close to one another or misaligned. Dental overcrowding increases the risk of bacteria buildup when food gets trapped between the teeth. You can reduce the risk of your dog developing gum disease by brushing its teeth thrice weekly. Also, it is vital to schedule regular professional dental cleanings. Your vet will administer an anesthetic before using specialized devices to clean those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.

Skin Allergies

Retro Pugs are prone to skin allergies caused by both food and environmental factors. While they are sensitive to dust mites, pollen, and fleas, most reactions are triggered by food sensitivities or skin fold dermatitis. The symptoms of a skin allergy include frequent itching and small lesions. Skin allergies are treatable using antibiotics, antihistamines, and anti-itch medications. However, the best way to prevent them is to avoid their triggers. Invest in regular flea treatments and vacuum your home routinely for better air quality. Also, read the ingredients on dog food brands to ensure they are gluten-free and don’t contain grain-sourced proteins. You can also promote your dog’s overall skin and coat health by Keeping up with the recommended grooming routines.

Hyp & Shoulder Dysplasia

Hip and shoulder dysplasia is a common joint problem suffered by most dog breeds. It causes the abnormal development of joints and can lead to arthritis. Although this condition has no cure, numerous treatments are available to help manage pain and prevent further joint damage. Supplements enriched with MSMA and glucosamine can also help alleviate localized pain and improve mobility.

Skin Cancer

Retro Pugs are prone to skin allergies. Some infections or untreated lesions can increase their risk of developing cancerous mast cell tumors as they age. You must consult your vet immediately if you notice any negative changes in their skin or coat.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a common congenital health issue often inherited from the Jack Russell Terrier parent. The concern affects the brain and causes random seizures from puppyhood. Fortunately, there is medication to help manage epilepsy and generally keep the attacks in check.

Male vs Female Retro Pug

The most notable difference between the appearance of a male and female Retro Pug is that males are bigger. They are slightly heavier and taller and weigh between 15 and 18 pounds with a height of 12 to 15 inches. On the other hand, females weigh between 14 and 16 pounds and can be 10 to 13 inches tall.

The difference in size is caused by male hormones during their adolescence phase. These hormones also make males stronger and more physically fit than female Retro Pugs.

Retro Pugs, irrespective of their gender, have just enough energy to be playful and mischievous. However, males are more energetic and bolder, making them harder to train. Even though females are more affectionate and love snuggling with kids, adults, and other pets, they are quicker to nip if poked, pinched, or physically attacked during play sessions.

Male Retro Pugs mature physically faster than females. However, their pace of mental maturity is slower. Females of the same age can concentrate better during training, making it easier to grasp new concepts. They are also less stubborn and more likely to cooperate with their trainer.

Whether you are training a male or female Retro Pug, remember that the breed is generally sensitive. The best way to encourage good behavior is to use positive reinforcement. Even raising your voice can make your furry friend lose trust in you and feel less inclined to obey your commands.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Retro Pug

The Retro Pug is not a new dog breed and has been around since the early 20th century. Still, many people confuse these dogs for standard Pugs because of their significant similarities in appearance. Here are three interesting facts to familiarize you with this dog breed.

1. It Is a Designer Breed

Standard Pugs are inelegantly referred to as the “agony breed” for having a myriad of health problems. Due to public awareness about their health concerns, dog lovers formed many groups that advocated for crossbreeding to give Pugs a better quality of life.

In 2006, purebred Pugs were purposely bred with Jack Russell Terriers to create a healthier, more energetic breed. Retro Pugs, especially those with longer snouts, have no breathing issues.

The breed’s popularity has been on an upward scale since 2008 when it was recognized as an official crossbreed by the Designer Breed Registry (DBR). In 2015, Moppies enjoyed yet another honor of being recognized by the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

By 2020, the demand for Retro Pugs was at its peak, causing a significant surge in their popularity. Your best odds of finding a healthy pup is to work with an ethical breeder committed to following ethical breeding practices and prioritizing the crossbreed’s health.

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2. Retro Pugs Are Cheaper Than You Think

Compared to the cost of most exotic toy breeds, Retro Pugs are easier on the wallet. Their cost ranges between $800 and $1,500 if you purchase from a reputable breeder. Prepare for a steeper price tag if a puppy has a longer snout.

Furthermore, there are cheaper alternatives you can explore if you want to own a Moppie on a budget. With some luck, you can get one at no charge during free adoption events.

Adopting one from an animal shelter or rescue center will cost you anywhere between $300 and $600.

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3. They Have a Thing for Comedy

Jug Pugs are natural clowns that can bring boundless joy into your life. Even though they easily warm their way into people’s hearts for their charming looks, they are also adorable for their silly attitude. They are full of fun and surprises, which makes them perfect for individuals searching for pet therapy.

Like regular Pugs, Moppies can convey a multitude of emotions with their humanized facial expressions. They can use their eyes and wrinkles to make their faces radiate joy, curiosity, mischief, disbelief, or confusion. Unsurprisingly, social media platforms are swamped with funny videos of Retro Pugs getting mischievous.

Final Thoughts

Retro Pugs are big dogs in a small package. It’s hard to go wrong with this breed when searching for a funny, loyal, and sweet furry companion. They are also easy to nurture and maintain.

Although they have a reputation for being stubborn, they are generally sweet-natured and family-oriented. They make excellent furry companions for individuals or families that have plenty of time to give them the attention and affection they crave. Thanks to their intuitiveness and lovely personalities, proper training and socialization ensure they grow into confident, well-mannered, and sociable dogs.

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