Dutch Shepherd Forum

Since Saide has HD, what weight would be optimal? She is 13 months and about 50 lbs, she is thin. She is also very narrow so its quite funny looking. A bit too thin for my taste but I know she should be on the lighter side now. She is super active and we hike about twice a week or get out for a romp around the yard. She is on raw and gets about 1lb a day.

I have heard that thin is better.... but I'm no expert.

I think if her ribs are showing, then you've gone too thin.

It's hard to say what weight she should be since ideal weight range can be different from dog to dog. A general rule is that you should be able to feel the ribs with very little pressure but not be able to see them.

Here's a helpful body condition chart we used to have hanging in our exam rooms at the vet clinic: http://dogs4ppp.files.wordpress.com/200 ... t_dogs.jpg

Thanks alot ZodiacT, that really helps. I have upped her food amount too. I hope she widens out too as she matures physically.

For a dog with bad hips, it would be best to keep her trim, but not thin, of course.
Also, though, it may be age related. Lots of young dogs go through a stage, much like human teenagers, where they are lanky. If the body scoring is correct, then keep doing what you are doing and have patience. They will fill when they mature.

I have been trying to get a front view but getting her to stand isnt easy. I think she got the lanky leftovers when they made the other Dutchies.