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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.

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
A Pug dog sitting comfortably in a bright room with its ears soft and tilted back. Dog Breeds

What Does It Mean When a Dog’s Ears Are Back? Causes & Signals

A backward tilt can mean the dog is relaxed, showing appeasement during a greeting, feeling worried or fearful, listening to a sound behind it, or experiencing physical discomfort. The exact meaning depends on the rest of the body language and whether this posture is a new behavior.

Aug 07, 2026 7 min read
Red smooth-coated Dachshund standing alert on a grassy suburban lawn Dog Breeds

Dachshund Dog Breed: Temperament, Size, Health and Care Guide

The dachshund dog breed is a short-legged, long-bodied German hound bred to hunt badgers, recognized by the AKC in three coat types and two sizes. They are known for a bold, affectionate temperament and a lifespan of roughly 12 to 16 years, but they are predisposed to spinal disc disease due to their unique build.

Aug 07, 2026 6 min read
A purebred fawn French Bulldog showing erect bat ears and a short wrinkled muzzle in a studio setting Dog Breeds

What Does a French Bulldog Look Like? Breed Appearance & History

Exactly what does a French Bulldog look like? It is a small, compact, muscular companion dog recognized by its broad square head, upright rounded bat ears, short muzzle, dark round eyes, short smooth coat, naturally short low-set tail, and a gently rising topline over the loin. You should identify the breed by its whole silhouette rather than looking at just one feature.

Aug 07, 2026 14 min read
A standard purebred French Bulldog sitting on a wooden floor in a naturally lit living room Dog Breeds

What Breeds Make a French Bulldog? Ancestry, Modern Mixes, Fluffy & Merle Explained

To understand what breeds make a French Bulldog, we must look to the late 1800s. They were developed from small English Toy Bulldogs that lace workers brought from Nottingham to northern France. French breeders shaped them into a distinct type, and American fanciers fixed the bat ear as the standard. Today, a Frenchie is a recognized purebred bred from established lineages, not a standing cross of two modern breeds.

Aug 07, 2026 9 min read
Fawn Pug puppy sitting indoors wearing a harness during an early training session. Behavior & Training

How to Train a Pug Bull Dog Puppy: Age-by-Age Timeline and Tips

If you are wondering how to train a pug bull dog puppy, start the day they come home, usually around 8 to 10 weeks of age. Keep a predictable routine, reward the behavior you want within a second or two, and manage the environment to prevent rehearsal of mistakes. Progress from quiet rooms to mild distractions. Because "pug bull dog puppy" is an informal search phrase and not a recognized breed, you should train according to your puppy's observed needs and veterinary guidance rather than a presumed mix.

Aug 07, 2026 10 min read
A fawn Pug sitting on a wooden floor in a sunlit living room. Care Guide

How to Take Care of a Pug Dog: Daily Feeding, Grooming and Health Routine

Understanding how to take care of pug dog daily needs requires feeding measured meals to maintain a lean body condition, offering short, climate-appropriate activity under 20°C (68°F), cleaning and drying facial skin folds twice weekly, and promptly consulting a veterinarian for any breathing, eye, heat, or labor concerns. A consistent routine must be adapted to the dog's age, weight, and health status.

Aug 07, 2026 9 min read
A healthy adult Ragdoll cat resting comfortably on a sofa illustrating the average lifespan of Ragdoll cats Health

How Long Do Ragdoll Cats Live? Average Lifespan & Health Factors

For owners asking how long do ragdoll cats live, the largest breed-specific study to date by Royal Veterinary College VetCompass found a median lifespan of 12.85 years, with some individuals living past 21 years of age. Half died younger and half older. While general breed guides often cite an expected 12 to 17-year range, this 12.85-year median is typical for purebred cats overall. An individual cat's longevity depends heavily on inherited genetics, lifelong body condition, comprehensive dental care, and maintaining a safe indoor environment.

Aug 07, 2026 12 min read
Fawn Pug sitting calmly in a sunlit home living room representing average Pug lifespan Health

How Long Do Pugs Live? Average Pug Lifespan Explained

When owners ask how long do pug dogs live, general breed expectations point to about 8 to 12 years, but large veterinary studies show a median lifespan closer to 7.7 to 10 years. An individual Pug's age depends heavily on genetics, body weight, and respiratory health, so these population averages serve as planning tools rather than a strict timeline for a single dog.

Aug 07, 2026 7 min read
Regal adult German Shepherd standing on a green lawn in daylight representing the German Shepherd Dog breed standard. Dog Breeds

German Shepherd Dog Breed: Temperament, Health, and Care Guide

The German Shepherd dog breed is a versatile working and herding canine established in Germany in 1899 by Captain Max von Stephanitz. Recognized in the AKC Herding Group, adult males stand 24 to 26 inches tall weighing 65 to 90 pounds, while females reach 22 to 24 inches weighing 50 to 70 pounds. Known for high intelligence, steadfast loyalty, and protective instincts, this breed has an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years. They require extensive daily physical exercise and active mental stimulation to thrive.

Aug 07, 2026 8 min read
Fawn pug dog sitting indoors in a bright American living room Dog Breeds

Do Pug Dogs Fart? Causes and How to Reduce Pug Gas

Do pug dogs fart? Yes, as all dogs do, and they have a reputation for being gassier than long-nosed breeds. Their flat face makes them gulp air, but the amount of gas varies by dog and is often driven more by eating speed and diet than by anatomy alone.

Aug 07, 2026 6 min read