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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

178 Articles
Yellow Labrador Retriever standing in a sunny outdoor park showing official breed characteristics Dog Breeds

Labrador Retriever Dog Breed: Complete Profile, Temperament & Care Guide

The Labrador Retriever dog breed is a versatile, medium-to-large sporting dog originally developed in Newfoundland and refined in Great Britain. Known for balanced athletic conformation, a water-resistant double coat, and a gentle disposition, adult males stand 22.5 to 24.5 inches tall and weigh 65 to 80 pounds, while females measure 21.5 to 23.5 inches and weigh 55 to 70 pounds. Labradors require daily physical exercise, structured obedience training, and diligent dietary monitoring to prevent obesity.

Aug 17, 2026 10 min read
An adult Pug standing comfortably in a living room wearing a properly fitted dog diaper Supplies

What Size Dog Diaper for Pug

When deciding what size dog diaper for Pug dogs to wear, most adult Pugs fit a size Small dog diaper or male wrap, corresponding to a waist circumference of 14 to 18 inches and a body weight of 14 to 18 pounds. Smaller adult females and slender young Pugs often fit an Extra Small (XS), while broader or stocky Pugs may require a Medium (M). Because Pugs have a compact, barrel-shaped body with narrow hips, you must measure your dog's waist girth directly in front of the hind legs rather than relying only on scale weight.

Aug 17, 2026 11 min read
A fawn Pug dog standing on a plain backdrop showing its square body and wrinkled face Dog Breeds

What Does a Pug Dog Look Like

What does a Pug dog look like? At a glance, a Pug is a small toy breed recognized by its compact, square body, large round head, flat face with deep wrinkles, dark prominent eyes, and tightly curled tail. Adult Pugs typically stand 10 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. They feature a short, smooth coat that comes in fawn with a contrasting black facial mask or solid black.

Aug 17, 2026 8 min read
A fawn French Bulldog sitting close to its owner on a living room sofa. Behavior & Training

Why Are French Bulldogs So Clingy?

The main reason why are French Bulldogs so clingy is that they were selectively bred for centuries exclusively as human companion lap dogs. Their attachment is reinforced by mutual oxytocin hormone surges during physical contact and their dependence on owners for thermal and physical comfort. While regular shadowing is normal, sudden spikes in clinginess often indicate physical pain, sensory loss, or separation anxiety.

Aug 17, 2026 8 min read
Fawn Pug sitting on a hardwood floor showing classic breed features including facial wrinkles and dark mask. Dog Breeds

What Dogs Make a Pug? The Breeds Behind Its Origins

When asking what dogs make a pug, canine history reveals that the Pug is an ancient, distinct purebred dog rather than a modern hybrid created by crossing two separate breeds. Its primary genetic foundation is the Lo-sze, a short-coated, flat-faced companion dog treasured in Chinese imperial courts for over two thousand years. During the 19th century in England, breeders selectively refined the breed by blending the Morrison and Willoughby bloodlines, incorporating limited infusions from the English Bulldog and Asian Happa dogs to solidify bone structure, velvet coat texture, and facial wrinkling.

Aug 17, 2026 9 min read
A fawn Pug dog resting comfortably on a silk cushion indoors Dog Breeds

What Were Pug Dogs Bred For

Understanding what were pug dogs bred for begins in ancient China around 400 BCE, where imperial breeders developed them exclusively to serve as cherished lapdogs and royal companions for emperors, nobility, and Buddhist monks. Unlike working breeds developed for herding, hunting, or property defense, breeders selected pugs entirely for their gentle temperament, compact size, and affectionate nature. They lived in luxury within palace walls, warmed imperial laps, and served as prized diplomatic gifts. Today, their purpose remains unchanged: they are dedicated, low-exercise indoor companion pets.

Aug 17, 2026 8 min read
A fawn Pug sitting happily in a bright, cozy apartment living room near a window. Behavior & Training

Are Pugs Good Apartment Dogs?

So, are pugs good apartment dogs? The short answer is yes. Pugs make excellent apartment dogs because of their compact size, quiet indoor demeanor, and modest daily exercise needs. However, their brachycephalic facial structure makes them sensitive to warm temperatures, meaning indoor climate control, strict weight management, and consistent shedding care are essential for their health in compact living spaces.

Aug 17, 2026 10 min read
Attentive pug sitting indoors near a window demonstrating intelligence and focus Behavior & Training

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

When asking are pugs smart dogs, canine behavioral research shows they possess solid adaptive and social intelligence, even though standardized obedience rankings place them in the fair working category. On Stanley Coren's widely cited canine intelligence scale, pugs rank 57th out of 79 rank groups. This means they learn routines and human emotional cues quickly, but they require patience and positive rewards for formal obedience commands.

Aug 17, 2026 8 min read
A calm Pug sitting beside a patient during a therapy visit in a healthcare setting. Behavior & Training

Are Pugs Good Therapy Dogs?

Pugs can make wonderful therapy dogs when they possess the right individual temperament, sound basic obedience, and good respiratory health. Their gentle nature, compact size, and natural love for human companionship make them excellent visitors in calm settings such as nursing homes, libraries, and assisted living centers. However, their brachycephalic airway structure requires handlers to manage temperature, visit length, and physical exertion carefully.

Aug 17, 2026 9 min read
A peaceful fawn Pug sitting calmly in a sunlit living room Behavior & Training

Are Pugs Aggressive Dogs? Aggression Risk, Causes & Signs

Are pugs aggressive dogs? No, Pugs are not aggressive dogs. Bred for centuries exclusively as companion animals, Pugs consistently rank among the least aggressive canine breeds in veterinary behavioral assessments. While individual Pugs can display defensive snapping or growling when experiencing pain, severe fear, or resource guarding, the breed lacks predatory drive, attack instincts, or dangerous bite capacity.

Aug 17, 2026 10 min read