My boy is BIG?! - Page 1

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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. 

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.
  
  

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!

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. 

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.