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ShowDogsWest Editor
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.

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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

209 Articles
A French Bulldog resting in a living room while exhibiting flat-faced brachycephalic facial features. Health

Do French Bulldogs Have Breathing Problems? Causes, Signs, and BOAS Surgery Costs

If you wonder do French Bulldogs have breathing problems, the answer is yes. French Bulldogs frequently suffer from respiratory difficulties caused by their flat-faced anatomy, a condition known as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). Selective breeding for a shortened skull leaves soft tissue crowding the upper airway, resulting in narrowed nostrils, an elongated soft palate, and restricted airflow. While mild cases cause snoring and snorting, severe obstruction requires medical management or surgical correction.

Aug 12, 2026 8 min read
An anxious fawn Pug standing restlessly on a living room rug Health

What Causes a Pug to Keep Moving and Not Lay Down

Knowing what causes pug dog to keep moving not lay down begins with identifying physical discomfort, respiratory tightness, anxiety, or acute digestive distress. Because Pugs are a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, lying flat on their chest or side compresses their already narrow airway, making standing or pacing easier for breathing. Other common triggers include joint pain, overheating, environmental stress, or early signs of a veterinary emergency such as gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat). Observing accompanying symptoms like heavy panting, a swollen abdomen, or nocturnal wandering helps pinpoint the cause.

Aug 12, 2026 8 min read
Healthy adult fawn Pug standing in a living room showing standard body shape and size Dog Breeds

How Big Do Pug Dogs Get? Height, Weight & Size Guide

Adult Pugs typically reach a height of 10 to 13 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds according to official kennel club standards. When evaluating how big a pug dog is at full maturity, most puppies achieve their full shoulder height between 9 and 12 months of age, though muscle density and chest width continue filling out until around 18 months.

Aug 12, 2026 9 min read
A fluffy Ragdoll cat sitting next to a food bowl in a bright room Nutrition

What Do Ragdoll Cats Eat?

When cat owners ask what do ragdoll cats eat, the answer is that Ragdoll cats require a complete and balanced diet rich in high quality animal protein, moderate fat, and low carbohydrates tailored to their specific life stage, with adult maintenance foods containing at least 26 percent crude protein on a dry matter basis. Feeding canned wet food is strongly recommended to maintain optimal hydration and prevent urinary tract issues, while daily treats should never exceed 10 percent of their total daily caloric intake.

Aug 12, 2026 11 min read
Freshly cooked homemade dog food ingredients for a Pug mixed in a stainless steel bowl Nutrition

How to Make Dog Food for a Pug (Vet-Informed Recipe & Portions)

When learning how to make dog food for a pug, combine 40-50% lean protein (like 93% lean ground turkey), 30-40% complex carbohydrates (like sweet potatoes), and 10-15% vegetables and healthy fats. You must add essential supplements, particularly calcium and omega-3s, because 95% of unformulated homemade dog food recipes lack sufficient essential nutrients.

Aug 12, 2026 9 min read
A pregnant female Pug resting comfortably on a dog bed in a cozy room. Breeding

How Long Are Pug Dogs Pregnant?

To answer how long are pug dogs pregnant, the average canine gestation period is 63 days from the day of ovulation, with a normal physiological range of 58 to 68 days. When calculating from a single mating event, the timeframe is typically 56 to 72 days.

Aug 12, 2026 9 min read
A pug standing proudly on a dog show ring mat after winning a competition. Dog Breeds

Did a Pug Win the Dog Show? Yes, Vito Made History in 2024

Yes. When fans ask did the Pug win the dog show during major national broadcasts, the answer is finally yes. Vito, a 3-year-old male Pug, won Best in Show at the 2024 National Dog Show. Additionally, Ch. Dhandy's Favorite Woodchuck captured Best in Show at Westminster in 1981.

Aug 12, 2026 5 min read
Fawn French Bulldog sitting on a wooden floor looking closely at a small cube of cheese. Nutrition

Can French Bulldogs Eat Cheese? Safe Types, Limits & Risks

French Bulldogs can safely eat cheese in strict moderation as an occasional reward. It should never exceed 10% of a dog's daily calorie allowance. Low-fat and low-lactose choices like plain mozzarella or cottage cheese are safest. Because Frenchies are prone to rapid weight gain and acute pancreatitis, high-fat, aged, or seasoned varieties must be avoided.

Aug 12, 2026 6 min read
Close-up of a fawn Pug dog showing its folded button ears in a bright home setting Dog Breeds

Are Pugs’ Ears Good for Dogs? Anatomy, Infection Risks, and Care Guide

Many pet owners wonder whether a pug's ears are healthy or pose medical risks. Although these folded flaps conform to official breed standards, their downward shape reduces airflow and traps heat, moisture, and natural wax inside the auditory canal. While not inherently defective, this anatomical trait makes the breed more susceptible to outer canal inflammation (otitis externa) than upright-eared dogs. Maintaining auditory health requires regular weekly inspections and routine gentle cleaning.

Aug 12, 2026 6 min read
A regal Standard Poodle standing on a green park lawn showcasing the Poodle dog breed appearance. Dog Breeds

Poodle Dog Breed: Sizes, Temperament, Care and Health Guide

Poodles are intelligent, active retrievers bred originally as water dogs, and they come in three sizes: Standard (over 15 inches), Miniature (10-15 inches), and Toy (10 inches and under). All three share one temperament profile: highly trainable, people-oriented, and in need of daily mental work as much as physical exercise. Their single, continuously growing coat sheds very little but requires professional grooming every 4-6 weeks and brushing several times a week to prevent painful matting. No dog is truly hypoallergenic.

Aug 11, 2026 9 min read