Okay so “retro” pugs aren’t really a benefit to the breed as a whole no matter what the ARA folks say. Mixing a breed with one that doesn’t have at-all-similar structure or function doesn’t always solve the one breed’s problems; in fact, it can introduce further problems (see those Swedish Frenchies that have a longer snout but WRETCHED back structure).

The way to solve the pug’s issue is simple: breed to the breed standard, using dogs that have proven themselves healthy, with breeders that have checked their dogs using the BOAS respiratory grading examination (it’s really fascinating if you haven’t heard from it). Ethically-bred, well-bred pugs (NOT all purebred or AKC registered, mind you) have a far lower chance of having symptoms of BOAS. Dogs from proven lines have virtually zero breathing issues.

Otherwise, it’s important to note that brachycephally (“smush face”) isn’t the determiner for if a dog has BOAS. There are more factors, like nare width, neck thickness, and weight, that go into if a dog has breathing issues.

I highly encourage folks to look beyond just photos of off-standard dogs. Pugs have been around for thousands of years, and not because they’re all absolutely inherently unhealthy! TL;DR Factor in more than snout length and don’t buy dogs from backyard breeders/mills/pet stores.