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Breed Directory & News

Dog Breeds

Expert-written dog breed profiles covering temperament, adult size, lifespan, grooming demands and the health problems each breed is prone to.

Latest 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.

August 12, 2026 By ShowDogsWest Editor

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.

August 12, 2026 By ShowDogsWest Editor

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.

August 12, 2026 By ShowDogsWest Editor

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.

August 11, 2026 By ShowDogsWest Editor

Where to Buy a Pug Dog: Safe Breeders, Rescues and Checks

The safest starting points when looking for where to buy a Pug dog are a Pug breed-club referral, an AKC-based breeder search used as a lead, and established Pug rescues. A listing, registration, or polished website alone is not enough; ask for parent-health results, meet or interact live with the source, and read the contract before leaving a deposit.

August 7, 2026 By ShowDogsWest Editor

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.

August 7, 2026 By ShowDogsWest Editor

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.

August 7, 2026 By ShowDogsWest Editor

When Do French Bulldogs’ Ears Stand Up? Age Timeline & Care Guide

Most French Bulldog puppies begin seeing their ears lift between 4 and 8 weeks of age, with fully erect bat posture usually establishing between 12 and 16 weeks. However, cartilage development varies naturally across individual dogs, and teething between 3 and 6 months can cause them to temporarily flop again before setting permanently by 6 to 8 months.

August 3, 2026 By ShowDogsWest Editor