Skip to content
Site Owner & Editor

ShowDogsWest Editor

The site owner and editor of ShowDogsWest, an independent publication about everyday dog and cat care. Articles and tools are educational and are not a veterinary consultation. Source and correction information is available in our editorial policy.

About the Publisher

The site owner and editor of ShowDogsWest, an independent publication about everyday dog and cat care. Articles and tools are educational and are not a veterinary consultation. Source and correction information is available in our editorial policy.

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

182 Articles
A Pug dog sitting comfortably in a bright room with its ears soft and tilted back. Behavior & Training

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 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
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
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
Fawn pug dog sitting indoors in a bright American living room Health

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
French Bulldog sitting near a sliced avocado on a kitchen counter Nutrition

Can French Bulldogs Eat Avocado?

You might ask, can French Bulldogs eat avocado? They should not be fed this fruit routinely. A small accidental taste of plain ripe flesh is unlikely to poison a healthy dog. The pit can choke or obstruct the gut, the skin and leaves carry more persin, and the high fat can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis in susceptible dogs.

Aug 07, 2026 7 min read
Fawn Pug resting comfortably on an owner's lap in a bright living room Behavior & Training

Are Pugs Lap Dogs? History, Temperament, and Clingy Habits

Are pugs lap dogs? Yes, they are quintessential lap dogs. Bred exclusively for companionship in ancient China with no working, hunting, or guarding history, pugs are classified in the AKC Toy Group. They retain a compact physique and an affectionate temperament built entirely for close human proximity.

Aug 07, 2026 9 min read
A clean French Bulldog resting on a soft towel after a bath. Care Guide

How Often Should You Bathe a French Bulldog?

When asking how often should you bathe a french bulldog, a healthy indoor adult Frenchie generally needs a full bath every 4 to 8 weeks. Because French Bulldogs have short coats and sensitive skin that is prone to dryness, bathing too frequently can strip natural protective oils. However, facial wrinkles, tail pockets, ears, and paws require daily to weekly spot-cleaning to prevent moisture buildup and skin irritation.

Aug 04, 2026 12 min read
A fawn French Bulldog relaxing comfortably indoors on a pressure-activated cooling pad Care Guide

How to Cool Down a French Bulldog

To know how to cool down a French Bulldog safely during hot weather or physical exertion, contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic IMMEDIATELY before attempting any other steps. Move the dog to a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned space, and apply cool tap water over the body (focusing on the belly, armpits, and paw pads) while using a fan to increase airflow. Provide small sips of cool drinking water if the dog is fully conscious. Never submerge an overheating Frenchie in ice water, force water intake, or induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet.

Aug 04, 2026 11 min read