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Dr. Jenny Max, DVM
Lead Veterinary Editor & Small Animal Nutrition Specialist

Dr. Jenny Max, DVM

DVM, Small Animal Nutrition Specialist

Dr. Jenny Max, DVM is the Lead Veterinary Editor at ShowDogsWest, dedicated to translating complex veterinary science into clear, actionable guidance on pet health, nutrition, and responsible care.

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Professional Biography

Dr. Jenny Max, DVM is the Lead Veterinary Editor at ShowDogsWest, dedicated to translating complex veterinary science into clear, actionable guidance on pet health, nutrition, and responsible care.

Credentials

  • DVM
  • Small Animal Nutrition Specialist

Editorial Standards

ShowDogsWest documents its sourcing, corrections, update process and standards for pet-health content in the editorial policy. Read the editorial policy.

Latest Publications

153 Articles
Overweight Pug sitting next to a pet weight scale during a weight loss evaluation. Dog Breeds

How to Help a Pug Lose Weight (Safely)

Learning how to help a dog lose weight pug owners must establish a controlled daily calorie deficit, switch high-calorie treats to low-calorie fresh vegetables, and engage in low-impact exercise scheduled during cool hours. Because Pugs are a brachycephalic breed with shortened airways, weight loss must proceed gradually at a safe rate of 0.5% to 1.5% of total body weight per week to protect respiratory function and joint health. Always consult a veterinarian to rule out underlying medical conditions before altering your dog's daily food portions.

Aug 02, 2026 9 min read
A peaceful fawn Pug sitting calmly in a sunlit living room Dog Breeds

Are Pugs Aggressive Dogs? Aggression Risk, Causes & Signs

Pugs are not aggressive dogs. Bred for centuries exclusively as lapdogs and human companions, Pugs rank among the gentlest dog breeds in veterinary surveys and behavioral assessments. While an individual Pug may show defensive growling or nipping due to fear, pain, or resource guarding, the breed lacks predatory aggression, guard instincts, or dangerous bite capability.

Aug 02, 2026 9 min read
A calm Pug sitting beside a patient during a therapy visit in a healthcare setting. Health

Are Pugs Good Therapy Dogs?

If you are asking are pugs good therapy dogs, the short answer is yes. Pugs can make excellent therapy dogs due to their friendly disposition, small physical size, and natural affinity for human companionship. However, their brachycephalic facial structure requires handlers to manage visit length, room temperature, and physical exertion carefully to prevent respiratory distress.

Aug 02, 2026 8 min read
Attentive pug sitting indoors near a window demonstrating intelligence and focus Dog Breeds

Are Pugs Smart Dogs? Intelligence Rank, Facts & Breed Traits

Many prospective owners ask, are pugs smart dogs? According to Stanley Coren's landmark study The Intelligence of Dogs, pugs rank 57th out of 79 rank groups for working and obedience intelligence. Classified in Tier 5 ("Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence"), pugs require 40 to 80 repetitions to learn a new command and obey on the first attempt about 30% of the time. This classification does not mean pugs are unintelligent; their adaptive problem-solving skills and emotional intuition score significantly higher than working obedience metrics reflect.

Aug 02, 2026 7 min read
A purebred Pug dog representing the Toy Group breed classification Supplies

What Type of Dog Is a Pug?

Anyone asking what type of dog is a pug will find that the breed is officially classified as a toy dog. The American Kennel Club (AKC) and The Kennel Club (UK) place the Pug in the Toy Group, while the United Kennel Club (UKC) designates it a Companion Dog. Internationally, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) categorizes the Pug under Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), Section 11.1 as a small Molossian-type breed.

Aug 02, 2026 5 min read
Handmade crochet amigurumi pug dog toy sitting on a wooden table Dog Breeds

How to Crochet a Pug Dog: Step-by-Step Amigurumi Pattern

Learning how to crochet a pug dog requires Medium worsted weight yarn (Category 4) in fawn/beige and dark brown or black, a 3.5 mm (US E-4) crochet hook, 9 mm plastic safety eyes, a 7 mm safety nose, polyester fiberfill stuffing, and a blunt yarn needle. The project is worked in separate pieces in the round starting with a magic ring for the head, short muzzle, folded ears, pear-shaped body, legs, and curled tail, which are stuffed and sewn together. A finished 10-inch amigurumi pug takes approximately 5 to 8 hours for beginner to intermediate crocheters.

Aug 02, 2026 9 min read
Fawn Pug wearing a red service dog vest sitting calmly in a public indoor building Behavior & Training

Can Pugs Be Service Dogs?

Can pugs be service dogs? Under federal law, the answer is yes. Regulations under Title II and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibit public entities from excluding service animals based on breed or weight. However, their compact build (14 to 18 pounds) and brachycephalic respiratory structure limit their physical capabilities. While Pugs cannot perform heavy physical tasks like wheelchair pulling or bracing, they excel as Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) by providing Deep Pressure Therapy, tactile grounding, and panic interruption.

Aug 02, 2026 11 min read
A fawn Pug sitting side by side with a French Bulldog in a sunlit room, illustrating dog breeds that look like a Pug. Dog Breeds

A Dog That Looks Like a Pug: 8 Breeds Compared

If you are searching for a dog that looks like a pug, the Petit Brabançon is the breed that most closely resembles one, weighing 8 to 12 pounds with a smooth coat, wrinkled flat face, and folded ears. Other notable lookalikes include the French Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Pekingese, Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, and English Bulldog. Most of these companion dogs share flat-faced (brachycephalic) features due to parallel breeding for companion traits rather than direct ancestry, though the Petit Brabançon was created by crossbreeding wire-haired Griffons with Pugs in the 19th century.

Aug 01, 2026 8 min read
Fawn Pug sitting on a living room rug showing short coat texture. Health

Do Pug Dogs Shed? How Much and How to Reduce It

Yes, a Pug dog does shed hair continuously throughout the year. Despite having a short coat, most Pugs possess a dense double coat consisting of a soft insulating undercoat beneath smooth guard hairs. This structural density causes Pugs to release hair daily, with hair loss volume peaking during biannual seasonal coat transitions in spring and autumn.

Aug 01, 2026 7 min read
A fawn Pug dog resting comfortably in a bright family living room. Dog Breeds

Are Pugs Good Family Dogs?

Are Pugs good family dogs? Yes, Pugs are generally excellent family pets due to their affectionate, non-aggressive temperament, compact size, and natural love for human companionship. They get along very well with children and fit into apartment or suburban lifestyles easily. However, prospective owners must account for their significant brachycephalic health risks, including breathing difficulties, heat sensitivity, and potential eye problems.

Aug 01, 2026 11 min read