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ForumsGerman Shepherd Dog > My boy is BIG?! (13 replies)
My boy is BIG?! by shendar on 17 June 2012 - 09:20 |
| Hey guys, Our boy is now 9.5 months old. We had him weighed at the vet around a week ago and he was 39kg. Here are a few pics of him currently, and there are also some photos of him at 7 months here: http://imageshack.us/g/703/img2012032511515700r.jpg/ This is a pic so you can see how big he is compared with my parents lol! puppy:     this is him at 12-14 wks old on the right. |
by VitoManiac on 17 June 2012 - 09:48 |
| Unless you want problems later on I suggest you up his exercise. I've just had to do exactly the same with my 11 month old male who was tipping the scales at 40kg at 9 months. He now weighs in around 37kg and looks far better for it, much more energetic and athletic. |
VitoManiac by shendar on 17 June 2012 - 09:57 |
| He's really big boned it seems, and just large in general! I asked the vet whether his physique was ok, and whether we were feeding him correctly, and they told us he was in perfect shape. He's got a deep seated chest. This pic is from 2 months ago, but he generally has the same physique now although he's grown more.  |
by Bhaugh on 17 June 2012 - 16:34 |
| Vets like to keep dogs fat it seems these days. Ive evaluated dogs FAT and when I tell the owner to slim the dog down, I'm told "The vet thinks he is fine" when in fact the dog is overweight and in poor shape. Most pet dogs are too fat imo and lack muscle. Swim him in your pool...a bit hairy for you... but great way to tone him up. How are his hips? The pic of him sitting hmmm is concerning |
Bhaugh by shendar on 17 June 2012 - 17:43 |
| Appreciate your reply. Do you think he's actually overweight by a lot? And even so, do you think he's bigger than usual regardless? I haven't had his hips checked, although his parents were both fine, and the breeder has a good reputation. He hardly ever sits down like in the second photo. I think he only repositions himself like that when his lipstick starts coming out and it gets uncomfortable. And yes, he loves swimming! :D |
by brynjulf on 17 June 2012 - 21:29 |
| GSD weight is easy! Can you see the last two ribs when your dog turns to the side ( body makes a C shape) if you can not see these ribs your baby is carrying to much weight. A simple test :) Also from the top your dog should have a definable waist. Too many variables with the scales :) And vets LOVE overweight pets. |
by PINERIDGE on 18 June 2012 - 01:01 |
| is he big? I don't know because I don't see his HEIGHT anywhere? How tall is he? is his pedigree in the database? that would tell me more. regardless - he IS big -- if not heavy - to be nearly 90 pounds at this age. And I would agree with others above that he is most likely "fat" and also that vets will NOT tell you your dog is FAT - they will just say he is fine -- because many are afraid of offending you and causing you to leave them. If you have not cut back on his calorie intake in the past couple of months - you should consider that - he is not growing at the same rate any more -- so he needs to eat less now - unless he is getting a lot of exericse - and he doesn't look like that is the case. Leaving on a happy note - he is a handsome youngster --- and he will be healthy and happy if you help him maintain a good weight for his frame. Like I always tell people -- I'm not overweight - I'm undertall. |
PINERIDGE by shendar on 18 June 2012 - 02:47 |
| Thanks for the info guys! I tested your theory out about seeing his ribs. I can't see the rear 2, although I can definitely see the last rib. I can feel them just under the skin though. I might just cut down on his diet a little. I measured his height just then and he's roughly 26.5inch (67cm). Is this oversize for 9.5month old pup? So I guess my next question is.. Do you think he will grow a lot more? When i pat him all over and give him a belly rub, he still definintely has a lot of loose skin still. And he's very boofy around the neck! This is a pic i took today.. wow it's amazing at how their colors change so much!   |
by Jenni78 on 18 June 2012 - 03:34 |
| He's a tad heavy but not obese. Sitting to the side like that can be just because he's leaning against the couch a little. I wouldn't jump to conclusions about his hips just because of that. To play devil's advocate, I have produced pups who were over 100lbs before a year old. They weren't fat in the least; they were exceptionally heavy-boned with massive heads. Joints are FINE- one was a farm guardian/herding dog who exercised all day long...still weighs over 100lbs and is not really oversized...maybe an inch or two. Big isn't always bad. My biggest male was also my most agile and extremely healthy. Weight isn't the best indicator, as has been previously mentioned. Ditto to the comments regarding vets. They wouldn't know a dog in good shape if it bit them in the butt. |
Jenni78 by RLHAR on 18 June 2012 - 14:25 |
I must have the exception to the rule vets  I was in just last week with my guys and asked about their weight, physique because I am used to getting dirty looks from people because my dogs are kept lean. I have always kept them lean for SchH work. So I asked if I should be looking to put on a few extra pounds and my vet was emphatic NO! He was just incredible pleased with their weight and talking how it was keeping them in solid physical condition like they are now that would cut down on my having to see him for joint and muscle issues when they aged. I also go by the 'see' two ribs and be able to feel ribs rule of thumb on my crew. |
RLHAR by starrchar on 18 June 2012 - 15:43 |
| My vet also encourages his clients to keep their dogs on the lean side. Our Shiloh Shepherd had lost a few pounds due to a lot of hiking while in the mountains recently. I took him in for his annual heartworm test and when I asked the vet if he should gain the weight back, he said absolutely not! He is 28 inches and weighs 103 lbs. Having said the above, I know many people who have dogs that are clearly overweight and when I ask them if their vet has suggested the dog loses weight I am usually told that the vet said nothing about the dog's weight. In the meantime many of these dogs have health issues, many of which can be related to being overweight :( |
starrchar by VitoManiac on 18 June 2012 - 19:41 |
| Good post starrchar and that is what I was hinting at when I replied to the OP. shendar, your dog looks very similar in build to how mine was a couple of months ago and I was only trying to help, not being critical. If you can help him shed a few kilos with some exercise you'll be amazed at the difference not only in the energy levels but also how much easier he'll be to train. He's a lovely looking boy and would look even better after shedding just a little bit of weight. It could also help prevent troubles later in his life which is the reason I took the same advice when it was given. |
by TingiesandTails on 18 June 2012 - 20:13 |
| Yes, 67 cm is oversized according to German standards (65 cm +/- 1 cm). I would also say that he is overweight, I think it's healthier for them to stay lean. He will grow height wise until he is around 12-14 months but only reaches maturity at about 24 to 36 months...he will fill out a lot more between now and then. |
TingiesandTails by shendar on 19 June 2012 - 06:23 |
| Thanks for all the advice guys, and don't worry, no offence taken! Most likely his growth has slowed down now anyway, and it's time for me to cut down on his diet also. I will report back afterwards. I now have a wooden gate to attend to :( Hugo, while at home by himself today, has literally chewed through our gate at the side of the house so he can stick his head through and look out. |
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