Joined
·
2,107 Posts
It has amazed me how many pictures of overweight dogs I see on this forum, and how many other members say they look just fine. Pet obesity is a terrible problem and I can't imagine it getting better when new members ask the question "Is my dog overweight?" and other members on the forum assure them that their dog's weight looks fine! We're more involved than your average dog owner, so if we don't know what a fit dog looks like- how can we expect other owners to follow?
I looked around, and this is the the best explanation I could find...
Last, I'd like to add that in case anyone is looking at show pictures of dogs, breeders and handlers will often put an extra couple of lbs on a dog for the show ring, it's their "show weight" and probably not always a good reference for people looking to "match" for their own dogs. Finally I worked at a pet store, I told most owners I'd meet (with 20lb overweight labs lol) "if you don't think your dog is underweight, he's probably too fat!"
I'd really like it if people could include examples of their fit Dobermans as well!
I looked around, and this is the the best explanation I could find...
I think it's important that the "ribs and spine are easily felt, but not necessarily seen." and when the dog is moving around outside you should be able to see the ribs a bit.Your dog’s weight is healthy, if:
Ribs are felt easily
Tucked abdomen (no sagging stomach)
Waist when viewed from above
Your dog is overweight, if:
Difficult to feel ribs under fat
Sagging stomach (you can grab a handful of fat)
Broad, flat back
No waist
![]()
Last, I'd like to add that in case anyone is looking at show pictures of dogs, breeders and handlers will often put an extra couple of lbs on a dog for the show ring, it's their "show weight" and probably not always a good reference for people looking to "match" for their own dogs. Finally I worked at a pet store, I told most owners I'd meet (with 20lb overweight labs lol) "if you don't think your dog is underweight, he's probably too fat!"
I'd really like it if people could include examples of their fit Dobermans as well!